Chapter 175: Investing in the Titanic

In acquisitions like this, where confidentiality isn't strictly emphasized, it's naturally impossible to keep things under wraps.

Besides Disney and Warner Bros., who genuinely wanted to make the purchase, several other companies approached Melon Studio with a mindset of, "Even if I can't get it, I'll cause some trouble."

Among them, 20th Century Fox was the most proactive.

Having collaborated with Gilbert on two films and reaping considerable profits, 20th Century Fox had come to recognize the value of this young Hollywood director.

Fox's president, Tom Rothman, personally came to negotiate with Gilbert, even bringing up their parent company, News Corp.

"Mr. Murdoch is very eager to meet you and discuss some ideas together. He's heard you're an expert on China, and he's been deeply interested in the Chinese market. He hopes to explore how to break into it with you," Tom Rothman said, directly invoking the big boss.

So News Corp. was interested in the Chinese market this early? From what Gilbert remembered, their venture into China didn't go smoothly.

Gilbert humored him, recalling how News Corp. eventually failed in China and had to spin off 20th Century Fox. Without support from the parent company, Fox gradually struggled and ultimately ended up being acquired.

If possible, Gilbert considered collaborating with Fox, waiting for the right opportunity, and decades later transforming himself into the owner of Fox.

This plan seemed highly feasible, though the timeline was rather long.

However, it was evident that Fox's intention to acquire Melon Studio wasn't as strong. This was understandable. Fox was already working successfully with talents like George Lucas and James Cameron.

Compared to Disney and Warner Bros., who lacked directors, Fox naturally wouldn't offer a price that met Gilbert's expectations.

But Gilbert and Tom Rothman weren't discussing that matter at the moment. Instead, Gilbert said, "I've heard Director Cameron is requesting an additional $20 million in funding."

At the initial project approval stage, James Cameron had mentioned that the entire Titanic project stemmed from an idea inspired by Gilbert. Even the lead actor, Leonardo DiCaprio, was recommended by him.

As a result, Cameron insisted that Gilbert's name be included on the screenplay and producer credits.

20th Century Fox didn't object; they even thought it added an interesting angle for promotional purposes.

Fox even paid Gilbert a fee as a screenwriter and producer.

So, Gilbert knew about the Titanic project, and Tom Rothman wasn't surprised by this.

He candidly said, "It's actually $50 million. Our Fox studio has already invested $100 million, and Paramount another $50 million, but it's still not enough for James Cameron.

He's asking for more funding; otherwise, the Titanic crew might come to a halt, unable to complete everything on schedule."

At this point, Tom Rothman looked eagerly at Gilbert and said, "Gilbert, you're very familiar with this project. Consider my proposal: take over as director and replace James Cameron."

"No, no, no," Gilbert shook his head. "The Titanic project has come too far for changing directors to be a good decision.

If Fox and Paramount don't mind, Melon Studio can fill the $50 million gap."

Tom Rothman was shocked. "Gilbert, everyone is saying that our Fox studio is foolish to continue investing in this project. They don't believe in it, and yet you want to invest?"

"That's because they don't understand the potential of this project. To be frank, Tom, I think Titanic will perform miracles." Gilbert didn't criticize the project just to justify his desire to invest.

Criticizing a project while also wanting to invest would appear very inconsistent.

If someone didn't have high expectations for the project, why would they invest when Titanic was becoming a hot potato?

Honestly, if Fox hadn't already gone too far to pull out, they would have exited long ago and never gotten involved in this "big money pit."

However, investing wasn't going to be easy for Gilbert either.

Tom Rothman stated, "We'll need to think about it before giving you an answer."

"No problem. Let me know when you've decided," Gilbert replied, making a phone-call gesture with his hand.

Acquiring Melon Studio wouldn't be simple; it would take years of effort to achieve.

Putting that matter aside, after interacting with Gilbert, Rachel Weisz grew more determined to make her mark in Hollywood.

Through her efforts, she secured a role in Chain Reaction, a film starring Keanu Reeves and Morgan Freeman, set to be released on August 2.

Rachel rented an apartment in North Hollywood while pursuing opportunities and eventually called Gilbert.

Gilbert drove to her apartment, a place he had lived in himself before moving to the Melon Estate.

Rachel had already prepared dinner and waited for Gilbert in her apartment.

"Wow, darling, I didn't know you could cook!" Gilbert said, surprised by the beautifully laid-out dinner table.

Rachel honestly admitted, "I ordered this from a nearby restaurant. The only thing I can make is hot milk and toast."

"Don't worry about it, darling. You're an actress; not knowing how to cook is perfectly fine," Gilbert joked.

Rachel chuckled and made a welcoming gesture. "Have a seat. I'll open a bottle of wine."

"I'll do it," Gilbert said, pulling out a chair for her to sit.

"You're such a gentleman, Gilbert," Rachel said, lifting her skirt slightly before sitting down.

Gilbert skillfully uncorked the wine, decanting it into an aerator. The setup was complete, with a decanter and wine glasses.

Once ready, they enjoyed their candlelit dinner, chatting as they ate.

"Rachel, how are you finding Hollywood so far?" Gilbert asked, taking a bite of the salad. The freshness had diminished a bit from the delay.

Rachel, eating sparingly to maintain her figure, replied, "Not bad. I've landed a supporting role with several lines."

"That's already great. Many people start out as extras when they come to Hollywood. Your starting point is better than most," Gilbert remarked.

Rachel wasn't fully satisfied. "I want to go further—bigger productions, more screen time."

"Don't rush, Rachel. Progress takes time. Unless you're exceptionally lucky, everyone has to climb the ladder step by step in Hollywood," Gilbert said.

"Including you?"

"Of course, including me. I just happened to be lucky," Gilbert admitted.

"I wish I could be that lucky," Rachel murmured, slipping onto Gilbert's lap, her fingers brushing his chin as she whispered, "Can you give me that luck?"

"That depends on how you perform," Gilbert said, wrapping his hands around Rachel Weisz's waist. "Let's head to the bedroom…"

"Mm-hmm…" Rachel Weisz's eyes grew increasingly hazy.

On the table, half a bowl of salad and a half-eaten steak swayed gracefully under the candlelight. In the bedroom, shadows stretched long on the walls, merging into various positions before finally blending into one.

Before her breakout role in The Mummy, Rachel Weisz had only starred in independent films or low-budget productions, or played small roles in big-budget films.

Speaking of The Mummy, the project had been conceptualized as early as 1992. Currently, the rights were owned by Universal Pictures.

Initially, Universal was only willing to allocate $10 million to produce the project as a horror film. Later, the budget increased to $15 million, but the idea of a horror-themed production remained.

However, after several changes at Universal, the project was shelved.

Recently, news came that Stephen Sommers, a director skilled in fantasy films, had contacted Universal, proposing to model The Mummy after Jason and the Argonauts or Raiders of the Lost Ark, making the mummy the protagonist's adversary.

This completely overturned the project's original concept.

Stephen Sommers officially submitted his plan, and Universal Pictures allocated $80 million for production.

Although the project started earlier than in Gilbert's previous life, this didn't hinder Rachel Weisz from becoming the female lead.

Though Gilbert no longer collaborated with Universal, he still had good connections with its executives. Thus, he recommended Rachel Weisz for the role.

Of course, it was only a recommendation for an audition. Whether she could secure the role depended on Rachel Weisz's efforts.

Unlike established actresses who only needed to join during callbacks, Rachel Weisz had to start from the initial round and go through every step of the audition process.

Fortunately, she already had some notable works to her name. Before coming to Hollywood, she had made a mark in both the British theater scene and in film and television.

Additionally, Gilbert's recommendation ensured that she passed the preliminary audition smoothly.

However, the subsequent rounds of auditions wouldn't be as easy. Getting the role required more than sharing a bed; Rachel Weisz would face fierce competition from well-known actresses, putting her under significant pressure.

In this aspect, Gilbert couldn't offer much help. He wasn't familiar with Stephen Sommers, nor was he a producer or director on the project, so he couldn't influence the casting decision.

Even so, Rachel Weisz was immensely grateful to Gilbert. Without his recommendation, she wouldn't even have had the chance to audition.

This was an $80 million blockbuster—an unequivocal A-list commercial film. Landing any role in it was already lucrative, not to mention that she was vying for the female lead.

Compared to Hollywood locals, Rachel Weisz had an edge due to the script's requirements. The female lead was a British character, a highly educated archaeology Ph.D., which matched her background perfectly.

Rachel Weisz, a Cambridge graduate, wasn't an archaeology major but exuded an intellectual charm that caught Stephen Sommers' attention.

During the costume trials, Rachel Weisz's look with glasses and a veiled appearance exuded a unique allure that impressed Universal's producers.

After intense competition, Rachel Weisz finally secured the role of the female lead in The Mummy.

The day she landed the role, Rachel Weisz was so thrilled she couldn't sleep all night.

The next day, with dark circles under her eyes, she sought out Gilbert to celebrate and thank him for recommending her, which ultimately led to her winning the role.

For Gilbert, it was merely a matter of saying a few words. In his previous life, the role had already belonged to Rachel Weisz.

While Gilbert's recommendation helped, it was Rachel Weisz's own hard work that secured her the part.

As The Mummy underwent intense casting, Gilbert shifted his focus to Marvel Comics.

After years of struggling, coupled with the decline of the comic book industry's capital bubble, Marvel Comics was on the verge of collapse and preparing to file for bankruptcy protection.

For Gilbert, this was an opportunity. The value of Marvel Comics had plummeted to its lowest point, making it the best time to step in.

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