Chapter 198: Vibrant and Lively

The box office of Saw II once again attracted the attention of many Hollywood companies.

On its opening day, it made $18.3 million, and by the end of its first week, it reached $46 million. It was only a matter of time before it hit $100 million.

Although everyone had already expected its success, when it surpassed the box office of the first film, it still left many companies feeling sour.

A movie series with each installment breaking $100 million in North America and grossing around $200 million globally was quickly approaching the financial success of Scary Movie.

As long as the film companies didn't make mistakes, it seemed this series could go on for many years.

James Wan's name quickly spread, and he became widely known as a talented horror director.

After finishing this film, however, he suddenly approached Ethan with a new idea.

"Ethan, I want to collaborate with Leigh on a new movie," James Wan said enthusiastically, filled with confidence.

"While I was filming Saw, I heard an interesting story," he continued. "There's a legend in a small town that says if a ventriloquist is murdered with hatred in her heart, her ghost will haunt the town. In the dead of night, she'll find those who gossip and tear out their tongues, stealing their voices forever. I think this concept is amazing."

Ethan listened carefully while thinking about the story, and after a while, he seemed to remember something.

"Dead Silence?" he said without thinking.

"What?" James immediately caught on and, after a moment of thought, slapped his knee. "That's it! Let's call it that!"

"Dead Silence, yes. When everyone's voice is stolen, it's nothing but silence!" James became lost in the idea of the plot, visibly excited.

However, Ethan shook his head, as he knew that the movie's box office performance would be very low. The global gross was only around $20 million, and he wasn't sure if they even broke even on the production costs.

But he wasn't willing to give up on investing in it because he knew that just a few years later, James Wan would create a horror masterpiece like The Conjuring series.

The first two films made over $700 million globally and helped form a horror universe known as "The Conjuring Universe."

So, to make sure he could invest in these future films, Ethan knew he had to maintain a good relationship with James Wan.

"James, if you want to do it, I'm fully supportive," Ethan said after James slowly came out of his excitement. "But I think the box office might not be that high."

"Why?" James didn't agree with Ethan. "Audiences have seen too many cliché horror stories. This film will offer them something entirely new."

"Yeah... You're right," Ethan shrugged. "But you're overlooking one thing. Will many people really be interested in a ventriloquist?"

He crossed his legs and explained: "Saw made a big splash because of its torture devices and the concept of the reverse bear trap. It resonated with many people."

"But a ventriloquist's story? Who cares? Though the way she kills is novel, it lacks depth. It doesn't have that core that resonates with the audience. Or maybe the core is too restrained; it doesn't allow the audience to feel it right away."

"No, Ethan, I disagree," James Wan insisted on his idea. "I think the audience will be shocked by this new story. They will buy tickets to watch it."

"Well, maybe…" Ethan conceded. In the field of horror, James Wan was far more professional than him, and the techniques in Dead Silence were superior to Saw.

But the market doesn't just look at technical skills; sometimes, audiences crave emotions.

"Five million," Ethan calculated in his mind. The global gross of Dead Silence was just over $20 million, and with DVD sales around $18 million, the total revenue was about $40 million.

Investing $5 million wouldn't yield huge profits, but at least there'd be some small returns.

When James Wan hit a wall, he'd know to turn around.

"Five million?" James was surprised to hear that amount. He didn't expect Ethan to be so accommodating.

He thought Ethan would dismiss the film since it didn't seem very promising.

"Thanks, Ethan," James said, shaking Ethan's hand in gratitude. Then he hesitated. "But that might not be enough."

According to his and Leigh Whannell's projections, the film would be shot in a small town, involving many buildings and extras, so it would cost around $10 million.

"Don't worry," Ethan replied confidently. "I'll have Carl help raise some funds. I'm sure Lionsgate won't turn this down."

Ethan was already planning to make Lionsgate invest in the film. After all, they had been eyeing James Wan for some time. This kind of horror director fit perfectly with their company's image.

After James Wan left, Ethan took a look at the results of the public voting.

When the two-week voting period ended, two male actors were leading the pack by a wide margin: Chris Evans and Allen Twit. These two actors led the others by 30% in votes due to their looks.

As for the female leads, Megan Fox and Cindy ranked highly.

Leighton Meester also had a high number of votes, but still slightly behind the other two.

Cindy happened to be at the company at the moment, so Ethan asked his secretary to bring her in.

Rachel had joined Crown Creative and was actively looking for opportunities, so Ethan's secretary had been replaced by a new one.

"Ethan." Cindy walked into the office, wearing a dark floral dress, her hair up, with light crystal earrings, looking graceful and serene.

Recently, her style had changed a lot. She had started moving away from roles that showcased her body and was now looking for more challenging roles that tested her acting skills.

Although Ethan gestured for her to sit, she didn't take the seat. Instead, she walked behind him and began massaging his shoulders.

"Is it comfortable?" Cindy smiled as she gently kneaded his shoulders.

This action reminded Ethan of the past advertising campaign, where Cindy had done the same for him.

He closed his eyes and leaned back in the chair. "It's very comfortable, Cindy, just like before."

"It hasn't been that long, has it?" Cindy continued for a while before suddenly saying, "Ethan, I saw the results of the voting."

"And?" Ethan asked.

"I don't think I can play this role," Cindy said, her voice filled with hesitation.

"Why? Do you think it's difficult?"

Cindy shook her head. Her citrus scent filled the air, making Ethan take a deep breath.

"I just don't want to play such an exposed role anymore," she said, giving an unexpected reason.

Cindy continued, "Also, I recently got an offer for a movie called Turbulent Flight 93. I might not have the time."

Ethan tapped his fingers on the armrest. "You want to change your career direction, right?"

"Yes," Cindy said, sitting next to Ethan and resting her head on his shoulder. Her voice became softer. "My parents think I'm embarrassing them… Ethan, I can't go against their wishes."

Ethan placed a hand on her shoulder, patting it to comfort her. "That's understandable; they are your family."

He wasn't going to force Cindy into something she didn't want to do. In fact, he was pleased to see her find the path she wanted.

After all, Cindy Shay didn't exist in Hollywood history, just like himself.

So Ethan was very tolerant with her, almost like a father watching his child grow.

"There's actually another reason," Cindy suddenly whispered in his ear.

"What?" Ethan asked, curious.

"I don't want to expose myself to anyone else…" Cindy leaned close to Ethan's ear, and he could hear her light breathing.

"I only want to show myself to you."

After all this time, Cindy finally confirmed her feelings.

But before Ethan could respond, the office door was suddenly pushed open.

Kaden stood in the doorway, looking at the couple in surprise, raising her elegant eyebrows.

"Uh…" Ethan felt this scene might be hard to explain.

Cindy turned red and quickly pulled away from Ethan, standing up to greet Kaden.

"Kaden, what are you doing here?"

Ethan shrugged. Cindy's tone reminded him of a cliché drama, where the character acted like a jealous mistress. Well, the situation wasn't too different now.

But Kaden was no ordinary person. She had a very different perspective on sex compared to others.

So, without saying a word, she walked into the office and locked the door behind her.

Cindy was confused, unsure of Kaden's intentions.

"Kaden, what's going on?"

Before she could ask, Kaden wrapped her arms around Cindy's waist.

"Wow!" Ethan, now just a spectator, raised an eyebrow. He thought the scene looked pretty good.

"Kaden, you…?"

Cindy's eyes widened, then Kaden looked up and smiled. "I received your apology gift."

"Why?" Cindy was confused.

Kaden didn't explain but pulled Cindy over to sit beside Ethan.

"Kaden, wait."

Cindy tried to push Kaden away, but her strength was no match for her sister's. Soon she was pushed back onto the sofa.

Defeated, Cindy looked helpless, almost like a little girl.

With a flip of her hair, Kaden controlled Cindy with one hand and then looked at Ethan. "I've wanted to do this for a while."

"What do you mean? Kaden?"

"Ethan, what do you think?"

Ethan responded, "It's definitely quite exciting."

"Help us take a photo," kaden requested, eager for a shot.

"No!" Cindy, embarrassed, tried to hide in the crevice of the sofa.

"No problem." Ethan took a camera from the drawer and began professionally shooting.

"Click!"

"Click!"

Fifteen minutes later.

"Cindy..." Seeing Cindy sit up, kaden leaned in to whisper a few words in her ear, and then Ethan saw Cindy's pupils widen in shock.

"I'll think about it..."

"No need to think, we'll do it tonight..."

Kaden and Cindy whispered something to each other, and Ethan didn't know what it was.

But he felt it probably had something to do with him.

After the two left the office, Ethan called in Kane.

"For the female lead, it's definitely Megan Fox."

"Got it, Ethan. By the way, the Mila Max situation has been confirmed."

Hearing this, Ethan immediately asked, "Has Charlie Novin agreed?"

"Yes, he said he can accept our offer and is willing to start a new company with his subordinates, but he wants 30% of the shares and needs to manage the company independently. We can't interfere."

"Sounds like a guy with a temper," Ethan thought for a moment. "We can give him 25%, and he can manage independently, but it must meet our set targets."

"Understood."

Meanwhile, in a villa in Los Angeles, a manager was discussing a movie contract with Megan Fox.

"Megan, great news, you finally got the 'Transformers' role. Once you finish this movie, you'll be huge," the manager said excitedly, shaking his fist.

Megan Fox was also happy, but she picked up her phone and asked, "What about 'Fifty Shades of Grey'?"

The manager frowned. Before they got the 'Transformers' role, they thought 'Fifty Shades of Grey' was a good option. But now, with both movies clashing, and considering the SM fetish aspect of 'Fifty Shades of Grey,' the manager felt it might be best to pass on it.

After hearing the manager's thoughts, Megan Fox nodded. "I also think it's not a good fit. Please help me turn it down."

"Megan Fox is rejecting the role? FXXK!"

When Kane heard the news, he hurried to find Ethan, but Ethan wasn't in the office.

He couldn't reach him by phone either, so he had to call Ethan's personal driver and bodyguard, Tom.

"Hey, Tom, tell Ethan that Megan Fox is refusing the role."

Two minutes later, Ethan's voice came through the phone.

"She's rejecting the role?"

"Yes, but our press release has already been published. If we announce a recast now, I'm worried..."

"Don't worry."

Ethan stood on the wooden floor, listening to the laughter and chatter from the bathroom while loosening his belt.

"This is actually good for us."

Kane immediately understood what he meant. "So, what should I do now?"

"Wait for two days, then leak the news. The movie's hype will rise again."

"Got it!"

Ethan hung up the phone, tossed his belt aside, and walked toward the bathroom.