The Greatest Showman - Chapter 1252: A Game of Interests

This chapter aims to explore the evolving relationship between Universal Pictures and Renly Hall, a topic that has long intrigued industry insiders. Why did Universal's chairman, Lang, consistently refuse to collaborate with Renly? What led to their strained relationship, and why did it never improve?

Hollywood is a place where business interests take precedence. Conflicts are usually resolved when financial incentives align, unless personal grievances—such as the infamous feud between Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenberg—come into play. Otherwise, most disputes can be negotiated, even if only for temporary mutual benefit.

Renly Hall has solidified himself as one of Hollywood's most influential figures. With the box office success of Edge of Tomorrow and his historic achievement as the youngest Oscar winner, his status is unparalleled. Major studios, including Warner Bros., actively seek to collaborate with him. Additionally, Fast & Furious 5, starring Renly, broke franchise records, both critically and commercially. Given this, why does Lang still refuse to mend ties with Renly?

The Underlying Conflict

The reasons behind their fallout are both straightforward and complex.

1. Financial Ramifications of Renly's Departure

When Renly exited Fast & Furious 6, it triggered a series of costly consequences. Universal had to bring in Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham at premium rates. Additionally, Paul Walker and other cast members successfully negotiated higher salaries, leading to increased production costs. Vin Diesel, feeling his influence over the franchise diminishing—especially after Walker was granted co-producer privileges—demanded a pay raise as well. This internal power struggle had only just begun.

2. Production Delays and Financial Losses

Renly's departure further disrupted production, causing delays due to internal disagreements. With Edge of Tomorrow wrapping up, Universal struggled to get Fast & Furious 6 off the ground, leading to months of financial losses. Furthermore, Universal's ambitions to expand the franchise with a Luke Hobbs spinoff were thwarted when core actors backed out, derailing their long-term strategy.

3. The Renly-Diesel Conflict

The personal tensions between Renly and Diesel exacerbated the situation. Diesel took a hard stance, declaring he would not return to the franchise if Renly was involved. Renly, rather than seeking reconciliation, exited decisively, signaling that he had no interest in negotiating. This, in turn, emboldened Walker and Michelle Rodriguez, who began advocating for more creative and financial control. The resulting conflicts made production even more challenging.

Given these complications, Lang was forced to make a decision. Ultimately, he sided with Diesel, prioritizing franchise stability over Renly's star power.

A Matter of Business and Egos

At its core, Lang's decision was a business move. Renly has a reputation for being selective about scripts, demanding creative input, and ensuring his projects align with his artistic vision. Universal, a major studio, had no interest in chasing after an actor unwilling to compromise. From Lang's perspective, Universal could function without Renly, just as Hollywood had survived without any single individual before him.

This sentiment became evident when Universal began planning a Jurassic Park reboot. Despite Renly's rising prominence, his name was conspicuously absent from the shortlist for the lead role. Lang had deliberately excluded him from consideration. However, Universal's vice chairman, Ron Meyer, overlooked one crucial factor—Steven Spielberg's fondness for Renly.

Spielberg's Perspective: Charisma Over Politics

As a seasoned producer and director, Spielberg recognized the importance of charisma in leading a blockbuster franchise. The most successful franchise leads—Sigourney Weaver (Alien), Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones), Tom Cruise (Mission Impossible), Will Smith (Men in Black), and Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games)—all shared a magnetic screen presence that captivated audiences. Spielberg saw this same quality in Renly.

With the Jurassic Park reboot in development under the working title Jurassic Park: Extinction, Spielberg personally invited Renly to discuss the project. To Spielberg, the key issue wasn't Universal's internal politics but Renly's interest in the role.

A Personal Conversation: Renly and Spielberg

When Spielberg met with Renly, he candidly shared insights into the casting process:

"Initially, we considered Harrison Ford, but he wasn't particularly interested. After Indiana Jones 4 underperformed at the box office, he became more cautious about taking on major roles." Spielberg shrugged. "Besides, he's at a point in his career where acting is more of a hobby than an adventure."

Ultimately, Spielberg and the studio leaned toward casting a younger lead. As the conversation unfolded, Renly quipped, "I suppose I'm too young for this, then?"

Spielberg chuckled. "Edge of Tomorrow was a hit, wasn't it?"

Renly responded, "But Jurassic Park isn't Jumanji."

Spielberg burst into laughter at the reference. The 1995 classic Jumanji, starring Robin Williams, was centered on a childhood adventure, whereas Jurassic Park demanded a different kind of leading presence. Spielberg recognized Renly's quick wit and understood his point.

With a grin, Spielberg teased, "Are you sure you're only twenty? Not forty?"

Renly shrugged. "I'm just a big fan of old movies."

The Bigger Picture

As the industry evolves, so do audience preferences. The modern era values intelligence and charisma over sheer physicality. Renly, with his blend of intellect and charm, embodies this new standard. Spielberg saw in him the potential to redefine the Jurassic Park legacy for a new generation.

While Lang remained preoccupied with studio politics, Spielberg focused on the bigger picture. His decision to reach out to Renly marked the beginning of a new chapter in the ongoing power struggle within Universal Pictures—a new game of interests was now in play.