Chapter 408: Starting with a Dog

Originally, Matthew intended to have a deeper conversation with Eva Green, but after receiving Helen Herman's call, he unhesitatingly abandoned that plan. After bidding farewell to Eva Green, he left Warner Studios, and a black Mercedes SUV conveniently stopped in front of him.

Matthew got into the car and said to the driver, Brown Williams, "To Angel Agency."

Starting this week, Brown Williams had resigned from his job at the security company to become Matthew's personal bodyguard.

Additionally, due to a significant increase in the sales of the Mercedes G-Class last year, Mercedes-Benz had recalled the vehicles initially provided to him and sent two specially customized ones instead.

Matthew rarely went off-road, so Mercedes had enhanced these two SUVs for better on-road performance and redesigned the rear seats. The rear seats were converted into two independent ones to provide Matthew with a more spacious and comfortable ride.

After a few rides, Matthew was very satisfied with the new cars. Previously, his main complaints about the Mercedes G-Class were its on-road performance and the relatively uncomfortable rear seats.

The car quickly arrived at Angel Agency. Once inside, Matthew went straight to Helen Herman's office on the second floor, where she was waiting for him.

Since the completion of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," Akiva Goldsman had approached him several times to invite him to star in a new project. Helen Herman had also formally contacted Akiva Goldsman, but since the project was still in the planning stages, they had only verbally expressed their willingness to cooperate without reaching a formal agreement.

However, the box office success of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" solidified Akiva Goldsman's confidence in collaborating with Matthew.

Matthew and Helen Herman didn't know the specifics of this new project, as Akiva Goldsman had kept it under wraps. They had only agreed that once the script was ready, it would be sent to Matthew immediately.

"Akiva Goldsman's project..." Helen Herman got straight to the point. "How should I put it?"

She thought for a moment and continued, "It's a sci-fi adaptation, and to some extent, it could be classified as a remake."

Matthew pulled out a chair and sat opposite Helen Herman. "Like a remake of 'Dawn of the Dead'?"

Helen Herman shook her head. "Not exactly." She pushed a thin document towards Matthew. "If all goes well, Akiva Goldsman's new project should be titled 'I Am Legend.'"

"'I Am Legend'?" Matthew immediately pictured Will Smith's face.

Thanks to the once overwhelming pop-up ads for online games, he had specifically watched this movie that started with a man and a dog, scavenging for equipment, and ultimately, everything falling apart.

"Have you read the original?" Helen Herman asked, noticing Matthew's expression. "Or seen the previous two film adaptations?"

Matthew honestly replied, "I haven't read the book or seen the movies." He was curious, "Is the original well-known?"

Helen Herman nodded slightly. "You could say that. 'I Am Legend' is a sci-fi novel by the famous writer Richard Matheson, published in 1954."

She had clearly read the sci-fi novel. "Even from a modern perspective, the original remains complex and highly evocative, widely regarded as an entry point into modern horror sci-fi. It has influenced generations and inspired countless imitators. The novel was adapted into films twice: in 1964 as 'The Last Man on Earth' starring Vincent Price, and in 1971 as 'The Omega Man' with Charlton Heston."

Matthew nodded and asked, "Is Richard Matheson a well-known writer?"

"Very well-known!" Helen Herman explained, "Richard Matheson is considered one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. For those obsessed with sci-fi stories, Matheson is almost a godlike figure."

"It seems I need to read the original," Matthew said, intrigued by Helen Herman's comments. "And watch the two adaptation films."

Helen Herman suggested, "You should read the script first. If you decide to take the role, then look into the original and the previous adaptations."

She didn't explicitly suggest whether Matthew should take on this sci-fi project. Since their collaboration began in 1999, they had gone through numerous projects together, and Matthew's films had consistently been successful.

As a professional agent, Helen Herman was no fool. Although she couldn't quite pinpoint it, she had noticed that Matthew had a unique knack for choosing projects and roles. His last five or six starring films were all box office hits, so attributing it all to luck seemed unlikely.

However, she didn't question or dwell on it this time. Matthew's ability was a benefit to her.

The more successful Matthew was, the more successful she could be.

Naturally, she was curious, but she had asked Matthew before, and he had been vague. Realizing it wasn't worth causing tension over something mutually beneficial, she dropped the subject. Their partnership was very pleasant, and there was no need to create conflict.

Matthew quickly browsed through the five-page document. "I Am Legend" seemed to have widespread appeal. Based on his recollections, it was well-received online, with many pop-up ads for online games even using images of a man and a dog from the movie. Will Smith had become immensely popular, making it a successful film.

Such a film could definitely be considered for acceptance.

Moreover, due to their collaboration on "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," Akiva Goldsman had directly approached him, likely not considering Will Smith for the lead. Without Smith's competition, Matthew's chances of landing the role were significantly higher.

Even if Will Smith was interested, Matthew felt confident in his ability to compete. He believed he had certain advantages over Smith.

After thoroughly reviewing the script outline and the few character profiles, Matthew asked Helen Herman, "Is there any more specific information about this project?"

"Akiva Goldsman hasn't finalized a director yet," Helen Herman replied. "If you plan to participate, there's an advantage for us: the project's producer and distributor will be Warner Bros."

Warner Bros had signed the distribution deal for "300 Spartans" with Skydance Productions, primarily because Matthew was the lead actor. They were confident in his drawing power.

"That's good news," Matthew agreed.

Helen Herman continued, "According to Goldsman, 'I Am Legend' will have a budget of $150 million, aiming for a holiday release at the end of 2007. Filming is tentatively scheduled from October this year to February next year, which won't conflict with '300 Spartans.'"

Matthew crossed his arms and thoughtfully considered. Goldsman likely planned the shooting schedule with Matthew's "300 Spartans" commitment in mind.

After some thought, Matthew said, "Inform Goldsman tomorrow that I'm very interested in his new project. We can discuss specifics once the director is confirmed."

Even though he had seen the film before, he wouldn't make a hasty decision. If Goldsman chose an unsuitable director, like Michael Bay, he wouldn't take the role.

A director could ruin a film far more easily than an actor.

Matthew left further interactions with Goldsman to Helen Herman, trusting her to handle it.

"Do you have any salary requirements?" Helen Herman asked.

Without hesitation, Matthew said, "If possible, aim for $20 million plus 20% of the box office revenue!"

"You've got quite an appetite," Helen Herman remarked seriously. "I'll do my best to get it for you."

She added, "However, you should know that $20 million plus 20% is a tough ask."

"I know." Matthew thought for a moment and added, "Then at least make me a member of the $20 million club."

In Hollywood, joining the $20 million club was not just about income; it also reflected an actor's status, fame, and influence.

Before leaving for the day, Matthew took the script outline from Angel Agency and went to a nearby bookstore to buy Richard Matheson's original novel. Back at Horner Manor, he combined the script outline with the novel for a thorough read.

The book depicted a man living in isolation, surviving in a modern urban environment. Matthew found its essence in portraying a man fighting against the world.

Later, he watched the two previous adaptations to gain more insight.

By the end of the day, Matthew had a clear focus on his upcoming work. Unless something unexpected happened, his projects would be "300 Spartans" and "I Am Legend."

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