Chapter 435: Conflict

If helping Will Smith compete for the lead role in "I Am Legend" was a thing of the past, the same unavoidable conflicts arose between Matthew and Francis Lawrence regarding the supporting role of Annie due to their differing demands.

Francis Lawrence insisted on casting his girlfriend, black actress Paula Patton, and was unwilling to budge.

Matthew recommended Alexandra Daddario. Although the role didn't necessarily have to go to her, he also didn't want to back down.

Given Francis Lawrence's previously demonstrated attitude and stance, any concession from Matthew would only encourage Lawrence to push further.

At Matthew's current level, status is reflected not only in salary but also in power within the crew. Just like with salary, taking a single step back invites others to force you into taking more steps back.

Of course, there was another reason Matthew never mentioned.

He didn't like acting with black actors and didn't want to have too many interactions with them. He could tolerate someone like Dwayne Johnson, a typical mixed-race actor, but Paula Patton was out of the question.

Initially, he could tolerate black actors as long as they didn't constantly bring out the race card for benefits. But a black actress who approached him disgusted him to the core, worsening his impression of the group and making him unwilling to collaborate with them.

Matthew wouldn't foolishly challenge Hollywood's political correctness, but he wouldn't uphold it as a sacred law either.

Someone like Francis Lawrence, a liberal willing to idolize black actors, could do so in other projects as long as it didn't affect Matthew's interests.

When it did, it was a different matter.

Matthew watched Francis Lawrence sitting on the other side, ensuring he saw the provocative gesture.

Francis Lawrence reflexively stood up from the couch, his face showing anger. But after a few glances at Matthew, he slowly sat back down, choosing to endure for now.

Francis Lawrence's eyes swept over producer Akiva Goldsman. Since shaking hands with Matthew Horner, Goldsman had been talking with David Heyman and hadn't noticed Matthew's provocative action. If Lawrence were to react now, Goldsman would likely think he was acting out due to dissatisfaction with Will Smith's departure.

That would put him in a passive position.

Francis Lawrence sat in his chair, his gaze becoming sharper and colder, but he didn't take any action.

For high-investment, big-production films like this, he believed black actors like Will Smith were more suitable for lead roles. If there wasn't a black lead, having a black actor in the second role was necessary.

Black actors should appear in more mainstream Hollywood productions, as Hollywood owed them for the past few decades.

More importantly, when he became the project's director and received the script outline and character settings, he had promised Paula Patton he would do his best to help her get the supporting role.

Additionally, a diverse cast would attract audiences from different ethnic backgrounds.

He believed the failure of "Constantine" was not due to script or direction issues but the lack of a heavyweight black role, which didn't fit the current social environment and was a major flaw.

If Keanu Reeves or Rachel Weisz had been replaced by a black actor, it would have attracted a large minority audience, likely boosting the film's box office.

Though Matthew Horner was a credited producer, he was ultimately the director, naturally in a superior position.

"This meeting is mainly for everyone to get acquainted," Akiva Goldsman said. "The crew is now in preparation, and the project is entering the official implementation stage."

Goldsman cleared his throat. "There are a few points to mention." He paused briefly and continued, "Filming is expected to start in August. I'm in talks with New York to shoot all exterior scenes there."

Francis Lawrence didn't respond. Goldsman had mentioned this before, and now it was just a confirmation.

Matthew's expression subtly changed. His long-term self-training and extensive filming experience allowed him to control his facial muscles so well that even under scrutiny, it was hard to notice.

Shooting exterior scenes in New York was undoubtedly beneficial for him.

Goldsman continued, "The remaining important supporting roles will start auditioning next week. The crew needs to finalize the main cast by June to give actors enough preparation time."

Matthew directly asked, "When is the audition for the supporting role of Annie?"

"Next Tuesday," Goldsman replied.

Matthew nodded, saying nothing more. This was also a way to show Goldsman his stance.

Francis Lawrence, arms crossed, decided he would attend the auditions next Tuesday.

Just as Matthew wouldn't give up, Lawrence had no intention of yielding easily. He would fight for it, even if not for Paula Patton, then for black actors in general.

"One last thing," Goldsman said. "The script is basically finalized."

David Heyman handed two scripts, each about a hundred pages, to Matthew and Francis Lawrence. Goldsman continued, "Take them home and read through. If you have any comments, let me know."

Goldsman was a relatively mild producer and writer, open to feedback, similar to the adjustments made during the filming of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith."

He looked at Matthew, then at Lawrence, and asked, "Any questions?"

Matthew shook his head slowly. "No."

"I have no questions," Lawrence said.

"Alright then," Goldsman said, avoiding any unnecessary formalities. "Let's keep in touch."

Matthew stood up, said goodbye to Heyman and Goldsman, and left the office, exiting the soundstage.

Not wanting to encounter Matthew, Lawrence waited a few minutes before leaving the office.

Heyman watched the closed office door and then said to Goldsman, "Did you notice any issues between Matthew and Francis Lawrence?"

Goldsman, reviewing a report from the props department, didn't look up. "They're just working together. They don't have to be friends."

Heyman's observation was valid. Though Matthew was good at socializing and usually received praise after filming a movie, he wasn't someone who automatically turned many crew members into friends.

Still, Heyman said, "We used Will Smith to lower the price before. Lawrence supported Will Smith and wanted to push Matthew out. Matthew probably knows about this by now..."

"Yeah," Goldsman acknowledged. "If the conflict between the director and the lead actor becomes too sharp, it could affect work."

He thought for a few seconds and said, "I'll find a way to keep their conflict outside of work."

As the overarching producer, Goldsman hadn't paid close attention to this matter. He had too much work to do.

Matthew left the soundstage but didn't leave Warner Bros. Studios. Instead, he went to the "300 Spartans" set.

As filming progressed, this movie was nearing its end. The scenes shot in the coming week didn't involve Leonidas, so Matthew wouldn't participate. In fact, only one scene with Leonidas remained.

Zack Snyder planned to shoot that tragic scene in the last two days.

Matthew was there as scheduled because James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender would finish their roles and officially leave the crew after today's wrap-up.

Entering the set, Matthew stayed on the outskirts, not interrupting Snyder's filming. He waited a long time until Snyder called for a wrap.

Following Hollywood's mainstream practice, the crew would give gifts to major actors finishing their work. McAvoy and Fassbender were no exception. After removing their makeup, Snyder, representing the crew, approached them.

The crew's gifts were the weapons they used during filming. McAvoy chose a shield, and Fassbender took the Spartan short sword he used.

Only after the two emerged from the crowd did Matthew appear.

"You guy!" McAvoy raised his fist, bumping it with Matthew's, and said, "I thought you weren't coming!"

Matthew opened his arms, hugging him first, then Fassbender, and said, "You're leaving. I had to come see you."

He asked, "Any plans afterward?"

Fassbender said, "We're planning to vacation in Hawaii next month." He asked, "Will you join us?"

Matthew thought for a moment. "I can't confirm right now, but if I have time, we'll go together."

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