Chapter 30. The Hannibal Plan

The fans might not have known who Eric was, but the actors certainly did. The young man represented MGM, or more precisely, capital.

Regardless of how successful and famous you are, in the film industry, capital always plays the leading role. Therefore, regardless of your status and achievements, you must bow to capital.

Eric, despite his position, greeted everyone warmly. Being an experienced professional in the industry, he knew each of these people well.

First, he greeted the director, Brett Ratner. It's hard to believe this guy was only 33 years old and already directing such a major project like "Red Dragon," leading a team of famous actors. At 33, Eric hadn't even held a director's microphone.

Ratner became famous thanks to the film "Rush Hour" with Jackie Chan, which grossed $250 million at the box office in 1998. This success allowed him to take on "Red Dragon." He also directed well-known films like "After the Sunset," "X-Men: The Last Stand," and "Tower Heist." However, his subsequent works did not achieve the same success.

Then he greeted the legendary actor Anthony Hopkins. Eric felt nothing but respect for this master. Hopkins won an Oscar for Best Actor, having appeared on screen for only 24 minutes and 52 seconds. Every muscle on his face could act.

Incidentally, the shortest performance to win an Oscar was David Niven's role in "Separate Tables" in 1958, which lasted 23 minutes and 39 seconds.

Ralph Fiennes was next in line. Another outstanding actor, known for his roles in "Schindler's List," "The English Patient," and "Prime Suspect." The younger generation probably remembers him best as Voldemort from the Harry Potter series.

Philip Seymour Hoffman, who starred in films like "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and "The Hunger Games," won an Oscar for his role in "Capote" in 2005.

Emily Watson, a talented theater actress, had already been nominated for an Oscar twice for her film roles.

Edward Norton, a well-known actor among moviegoers. He was the heir to a wealthy family with a very stubborn character. Perhaps due to his wealth, he preferred artistic films over commercial ones.

His work in films like "Primal Fear," "American History X," "Fight Club," and "Birdman" attests to his talent. But he was also known for his stubborn nature. For example, during the filming of "American History X," he edited a 40-minute version of the film himself, leading to conflict with the director. And during the filming of "The Incredible Hulk," Norton constantly rewrote the script, trying to add more dramatic elements to the blockbuster, which slowed down the process and frustrated the director and screenwriters.

Looking at these outstanding actors, Eric regretted that he couldn't sign them all to his company, as he could in China. But in America, everything is controlled by unions.

After the brief commotion on the red carpet, Eric suggested taking a group photo, to which everyone gladly agreed. Eric took the central spot in the frame, which didn't bother anyone, except perhaps a few unknowing fans.

Entering the theater, everyone took their seats. The host took the stage, starting with light jokes that made the audience laugh. This time, Eric's father, Charlie Cooper, invited the popular Jon Stewart to host the ceremony. Stewart was at the peak of his career and was very popular among the youth.

Then the actors and filmmakers took the stage, answering prearranged questions from fans and journalists.

The biggest surprise was the appearance of star guests. MGM invited many famous actors, including Keanu Reeves, Nicole Kidman, Johnny Depp, and John Cusack. The highlight was the appearance of Sylvester Stallone. This premiere would definitely be the main topic of tomorrow's newspapers.

Moreover, "Red Dragon" was a good film, worthy of 75 out of 100 points, which would likely lead to favorable reviews from critics.

Eric turned to his father: "Dad, I had no idea you had such connections!"

Charlie Cooper smiled but didn't have time to respond before Universal's general manager, Carl Mann, said, "Young man, your father has been in this business for 30 years. Never underestimate him."

As the clock struck midnight, the lights in the hall dimmed, the curtain rose, and all eyes turned to the big screen.

The plot of "Red Dragon" quickly reveals Hannibal's identity, who soon ends up in prison. However, a new, even more terrifying killer, the Tooth Fairy, emerges on the scene.

Unlike Hannibal, who killed one person at a time, the Tooth Fairy kills entire families, making him even more dangerous. And like in "The Silence of the Lambs," the FBI struggles to cope and is forced to seek Hannibal's help, leading to an intellectual showdown.

Eric had already attended an internal screening of the film and was not entirely satisfied with some changes the director made to the original story. These changes slightly disrupted the plot's logic, but nothing could be done at this point.

With a volley of gunshots, the Tooth Fairy fell dead, the protagonist barely survived, and Hannibal's sinister plan was thwarted. But it didn't matter much, because by the end of the film, he met his fateful girl, Clarice.

Applause erupted. After the film ended, everyone stood up and started clapping, expressing their appreciation to the actors and creators. Even some critics, who were dissatisfied with certain moments, still joined in the applause. It's impossible to grasp all the hidden signs and intricate scenes of the film immediately, just as it is to identify logical gaps from the first viewing, so many simply clapped along with the others.

The premiere ended, it was already two in the morning, but the lights of Los Angeles still shone brightly. People gradually began to leave the hall.

Eric stopped one person: "Mr. Harris, may I have a moment of your time?"

Thomas Harris, the screenwriter of "Red Dragon" and the author of the Hannibal Lecter books, was the man in question.

In 1992, the film "The Silence of the Lambs," based on his novel, with a budget of $19 million, grossed $272 million worldwide. The film became a true sensation and won five Oscars, including Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Adapted Screenplay, becoming the third film in history to win all the major awards. Such success made Thomas Harris a legend. Eric understood that he was dealing with a man whose books were real gold mines and couldn't miss the opportunity to leverage this.

"Mr. Harris, I know it's late, but could I borrow a bit of your time?"

Thomas Harris, besides being a writer, also worked as a screenwriter. He couldn't refuse the new captain of the MGM ship.

"Of course, I'm a night owl. I've written many of my novels at night."

"Really? Aren't you afraid to write scenes of cannibalism at night?"

"Not at all, on the contrary, the silence and darkness stimulate my imagination. I often accompany my writing with a glass of wine and foie gras," Harris replied, and they both laughed.

"Mr. Harris, I wanted to congratulate you. 'Red Dragon' is sure to be a success. You are an outstanding writer and screenwriter."

Harris's face lit up with a satisfied smile: "We should thank MGM and their extensive advertising campaign for that. Honestly, I didn't expect you to do so much to promote 'Red Dragon'!"

Eric beckoned, and Chen Xing brought them glasses of champagne.

"We did so much because this film truly deserves it."

"Hahaha..."

Compliments are always pleasant, and Harris felt a liking for the young man. They clinked glasses lightly.

After a bit of small talk and one glass of champagne, they became more candid.

"Thomas, have you ever thought about further developing the Hannibal story?"

Harris nodded: "Of course, every writer wants their works to become even more popular. But the trilogy has already been adapted, and my books are finished. Remaking the films seems premature now."

Eric was at a loss for words. Brother, what do you mean? Remake a 1992 film? Moreover, who would dare challenge Anthony Hopkins' role or bring the old man back to play Hannibal again? How much would that cost?

Eric shook his head: "Thomas, I'm not talking about theaters. Until a new book is released, Hannibal isn't suitable for the big screen, at least for the next twenty years."

"I'm talking about a television format. In a film, there's not enough time to fully explore Hannibal's story. Why not create a series?"

"We could devote more time and attention to Hannibal's inner world, which would be much more interesting for viewers, don't you think?"

Harris pondered: "A series? I hadn't thought about that. Is it possible?"

"Absolutely. And MGM is the best candidate to bring this project to life. You've seen our serious approach yourself."

"And not just a series. MGM is also interested in acquiring the rights to your future books about Hannibal."

Now everything was clear. Harris understood that Eric wanted to secure an exclusive contract.

"Eric, your idea is interesting. I'm willing to consider this proposal. After all, if I'm going to work with someone, it's best to work with someone I trust. And we've successfully collaborated with MGM before."

Eric smiled, "Thank you. We can discuss all the details more thoroughly. I'm eagerly anticipating your new works."

"Then I'm afraid you'll have to wait a long time. I'm quite slow," Thomas replied.

"Hahaha..."

In the original world, due to internal confusion at MGM, the studio had only a small share in the creation of "Hannibal Rising." And MGM had no involvement in the creation of the "Hannibal" series.

Although these two projects couldn't be called particularly successful, MGM was essentially lucky. But from Eric's perspective, armed with knowledge of the future, it was clear that if the situation were kept under control, this "gold mine" would not turn into "stone."

Selling the "Hannibal" series to NBC was an extremely unwise decision. NBC is a channel with a conservative audience, mostly housewives over forty. Would they watch "Hannibal"? If the series had aired on AMC or HBO, its ratings would likely have been higher. Despite high reviews, the series failed due to incorrect market positioning.

"Thomas, Mr. Cooper, what are you discussing?" a voice nearby called out.

A man with a graceful gait approached them – Anthony Hopkins. Judging by his demeanor, he was about to leave. The old man, at 65, couldn't match the stamina of the young and didn't plan to join the after-party.

Eric stopped him:

"We're discussing further plans for Hannibal adaptations with Thomas."

Hopkins turned to his old friend:

"Thomas, are you writing a new book? I hadn't heard about that. You should have told me, you know how much I love your books."

Thomas pointed at Eric:

"Not me. He wants to make a series about Hannibal."

"Yes, Anthony. If we release a new Hannibal series, I'd like to invite you to reprise the role. You're the perfect choice for the audience."

Hopkins politely declined with a smile:

"Mr. Cooper, I mentioned during the filming of 'Red Dragon' that it would be my last time as Hannibal. Let's leave this opportunity for others and let me rest."

Eric expected such a response and immediately proposed another, less burdensome, participation:

"Then maybe you would agree to a small cameo? It won't take much time."

The polite and charming Eric earned Hopkins' favor, who, having just refused, didn't want to refuse again:

"Alright, I agree."

...

The next day, Eric, while having breakfast prepared by his mother, flipped through various newspapers. The premiere had ended around two in the morning, after which he had attended the party. Even a young body couldn't handle such a load, and he had slept until ten in the morning.

His father, it seemed, was even more energetic as he had already gone to work.

As expected, the "Red Dragon" premiere made the front pages of all major newspapers. There were many photos from the red carpet, especially the group photo.

In reality, his father should have been in the center, but he had given up the spot to his son to boost his prominence. Though Eric had been appointed Vice President of MGM, many in high society still saw him as a wealthy heir who had received the position thanks to his family name.

After breakfast, he dialed Gal Gadot's number. Lately, he had been too busy to give her any attention, and now he decided to make up for lost time.

"Oh, my head is splitting," he thought.

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