America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

Chapter 489 Tom Cruise is Inspired by Martin

Spring is often the most lackluster season for Hollywood movies, and even September and October, following the conclusion of the summer blockbusters, tend to be better, with blockbuster hits rarely emerging.

However, "John Wick" changed this scenario, using its explosive occupancy rates to tell all film companies and theater chains that it's not that the spring season lacks an audience, but that the films are not attractive enough.

Not just the general audience, but many celebrities, directors, and producers, especially professionals in the action movie field, also flocked to the theaters to watch "John Wick."

In Los Angeles, Tom Cruise and Brad Bird enjoyed the movie together in a VIP room at the Century City Plaza Xavier Theater.

The audience on the ground floor had already left, but the two of them were not ready to go and were planning to watch it a second time.

Brad Bird, who had directed "The Incredibles," had a notebook full of notes from the viewing.

"The North American box office on the first day of release exceeded 20 million US Dollars, and the word of mouth is incredibly good," said Tom Cruise, sharing the latest information: "The actual investment in the movie was only a little over 40 million US Dollars."

Brad Bird nodded and said, "Actually, I almost collaborated with Martin Davis, Tom. You know my agency is WMA. Back then, when Martin Davis's 'Wanted Order' was looking for a director, Ali had approached me. I was interested, but I didn't have confidence in him, and I gave up before we even met."

Tom Cruise remarked, "I think this movie will be helpful for the 'Mission: Impossible 4' we're about to work on."

Brad Bird directly stated, "The action scene design in this movie, as well as Martin's personal action design, have elements that we could learn from."

Tom Cruise had been entangled in troubles over the past two years, with starring roles in films like "Lion for Lamb" and "Valkyrie," all of which received lukewarm responses. He was about to fall from his superstar status and was in desperate need of a power hit to stabilize his position.

The Mission: Impossible series was naturally brought up in discussions.

This time, he chose Brad Bird, who had directed Pixar animation movies, to be the director.

Brad Bird said, "Tom, I think it's very necessary for you to talk to Martin. A lot of the things he has shown in this movie, if applied properly in our future filming, could be of great help."

Tom Cruise, who had always maintained a high level of fitness, had to admit, "I'm nowhere near as skilled as Martin."

Looking at his notebook, Brad Bird remarked, "The most commendable thing about Martin in this movie is what? His personal involvement! The Santa Monica Pier incident brought initial heat to 'John Wick,' with over a dozen different versions of the dock video, which could be considered part of the movie."

As he pondered, he continued, "Whether the dock incident itself or the repeated use of long action shots in the movie, Martin brought a sense of reality, as well as courage and will that fits the character incredibly well!"

Recalling the dock incident video and the movie he had just watched, and pondering over Martin's personal experiences, Tom Cruise suddenly had an epiphany, "Experiencing these dangerous scenes firsthand and personally taking part in those incredible action sequences!"

Brad Bird paused, pondering.

Tom Cruise, a star well-versed in the movie market mechanisms, immediately thought of more: "Our movie is called an impossible mission, already about breaking limits. If I personally partake in those impossible scenes, it would not only increase the movie's attraction but also provide excellent marketing material!"

Brad Bird understood and commented, "You're a superstar, the promotional effect would be great."

Tom Cruise gave a slight nod and inquired, "What if I invite Martin to play a role? Design a role that's only slightly less significant than Ethan Hunt."

The combination of a superstar and a megastar... Brad Bird resisted the temptation, as balancing the roles would be too difficult, and diplomatically said, "The payroll budget would explode, Paramount would definitely not agree."

Tom Cruise let go of the idea and said, "I'll have someone contact Martin Davis, and I'll talk to him personally."

Brad Bird approved, adding, "That's good." He continued, "Not just that, but marketing too. A dog-related bloodbath, in just a few days, has become a hot topic for the entire internet to discuss."

"I specifically asked Warner Bros. about the marketing of this part," Tom Cruise mentioned. "It came from Martin's ideas, and his studio's team is operating it."

Brad Bird chuckled, "Martin Davis's dog has become the most untouchable entity in America."

Torn Cruise laughed helplessly, "An old timer like me, actually going to learn from a youngster like Martin..."

However, he had been popular for nearly thirty years, and despite being smeared by all media in recent years, he had not faded away and indeed had something unique.

Like being able to quietly learn from others' strengths.

......

In AMC Theater also located in Century City, Quentin and Harvey Weinstein had just left the screening room and were heading to the parking lot.

On the way out, Harvey mused, "I never thought I would contribute to the box office of Martin Davis and Warner Bros. one day."

Quentin laughed oddly, "That's what happens when you're on bad terms with them and can't get complimentary tickets."

For a moment, Harvey didn't want to speak.

Suddenly, someone nearby yelled, "Don't steal my dog, do you want to incite a massacre?"

Another person shouted loudly, "You are neither Jonathan nor Martin!"

Many around them looked over, and plenty laughed heartily, obviously understanding the jest.

Harvey shook his head, "A movie with a 40 million US Dollar investment, turning out the heat of a 100 million US Dollar blockbuster..."

Quentin stopped in his tracks, looked over, and said, "If you'd given me a Martin back in the day, 'Inglourious Basterds' could've brought you the heat of a 200 million US Dollar blockbuster."

Harvey thought about Martin turning down his offer and looked at the success of "John Wick," feeling like he had missed out on two billion.

```

If he's not earning from it, isn't that just another way of losing money?

Harvey asked, "What do you think of this film?"

"Excellent, I think it could become a classic in the action genre," Quentin replied, his tone changing. "But there's one shortcoming—Martin fired so many shots, yet not a single one hit the mark!"

Harvey ignored his old pal's wild talk and said, "Martin Davis's other movie, a collaboration with David Fincher on 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,' is going to Cannes in May to compete. 'Inglourious Basterds' will be there too, so you and the team should prepare more."

Quentin had no personal issues with Martin, but competing for awards at the Cannes Film Festival was linked to the entire marketing plan of the film.

Winning a major prize at Cannes, whether it's for acting or the film itself, would greatly aid in the commercial rollout of the movie.

The old guard in Hollywood either analyzed the factors behind Martin's success or watched with a mix of envy and resentment, all casting more or less attentive glances his way.

Many from the younger generation were also paying attention to Martin and his movies, with some even considering him an idol.

On Saturday night, Kristen-Stuart drove Dakota Fanning and Sophia Stallone to the Santa Monica Commercial Plaza.

They had long planned to watch Martin's new film together.

Parking the car in the underground garage, Dakota took out two silicone bowls and handed them to Sophia, saying, "Hurry, stuff these into your clothes—make them bigger, more mature, so no one can tell you're just a kid!"

"You're the kid!" Sophia retorted as she stuffed them into her clothes, instantly transforming her flat chest into prominent peaks. Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire

Glancing at the time, Kristen urged, "Hurry up! Hurry up! I've read media reports that there are a lot of reservations; if we're late, we'll only be able to sit in the far corner."

Sophia adjusted the silicone and then checked herself in the makeup mirror. She was heavily made up and looking especially mature.

"No problem," Dakota assured. "There'll be a lot of people seeing Martin's new film; just blend in, and no one will care about your actual age."

Sophia put away the mirror, opened the car door, and exclaimed, "Let's go! Let's go!"

The three of them entered the mall together and headed straight for the nearest Happy Guest Chain Cinema.

Both Dakota and Sophia had informed their families they would be staying over at Kristen's house.

Though it was a bit late, the Happy Guest was brimming with customers—the foyer was packed, mostly with fans waiting to watch John Wick.

Kristen queued for a long time before finally getting the three reserved movie tickets.

With the foyer overcrowded and nowhere to sit, the queue at the ticket checkpoint stretched almost to the entrance of the cinema.

The trio joined the line.

"When I grow up, if I can have even a fraction of Martin's drawing power, I'll wake up laughing," said Dakota.

"You're already famous," Sophia pointed out.

"My fame comes from being a child star; it's been nothing but baggage since becoming an adult," replied Dakota, gesturing towards Kristen. "Successful transitions like hers from a child star are rare."

Kristen shared her experiences, "It takes the support of an influential figure."

Sophia understood and asked Dakota, "Do you want to act alongside Martin?"

Dakota gave a noncommittal response.

Soon, the three had their tickets checked.

The ticket checker merely glanced at Sophia's now-enhanced chest and let them through.

As they entered the theater, it was as expected—packed like a free prize giveaway. The trio could only find seats at the back, looking out over a sea of heads.

"This movie's box office is going to explode," Dakota commented.

Sophia rolled her eyes, "It's already exploded, thank you very much!"

The lights on the screen came on, and Kristen reminded them, "Shh, the movie's starting!"

As Saturday drew to a close, John Wick continued to ride the wave of Friday's popularity in North America, pulling in another 21.97 million US dollars at the box office.

The film's critical acclaim was excellent, and its buzz was at an all-time high.

"A bloodbath over a dog" had been topping Google's hot search list for two consecutive days!

The topic also spread spontaneously amongst fans, with phrases like "You go after my dog, I go after you" becoming popular online.

Boosted by viral marketing and the critical impact of the Santa Monica incident, John Wick's North American opening weekend grossed a staggering 58.89 million US dollars!

It also set a record for the biggest opening weekend for an R-rated original film that's not a sequel.

```