The Greatest Showman - Chapter 1266: Comprehensive Upgrade

One thousand two hundred and twenty-eight: Comprehensive Upgrade

"By the way, Universal Pictures is preparing to restart the 'Jurassic Park' project. Yesterday, Steven and I had a brief discussion, and an official invitation was extended. I think it's an interesting proposal. However, Lang's attitude still remains opposed. I believe Steven and Lang will continue their conversations in the near future."

"Also, Barry asked me to play Batman, which I declined. Apparently, he and I agreed that I'm not the right fit for the role. However, the DC Comics-related project is being rebooted," Barry mentioned. "With my thoughts on it, I can already imagine the turmoil this will cause across Hollywood."

After the conversation about "The Bursting Drummer" ended, Renly took the initiative to bring up the other two matters. The volume of information about what transpired on Oscar night was overwhelming, so Renly only selected the key details to relay to Andy in preparation for the work ahead.

Those understated remarks triggered a storm of thoughts in Andy's mind.

It wasn't a surprise, though. Given Renly's current status and influence, it was to be expected. The situation was complex, with a great deal of information hidden behind these two projects, and Andy had to take a moment to calm himself and process everything systematically.

For the first time, Renly's every move seemed to have the power to influence the decision-making at the six major Hollywood studios.

"The 'Jurassic Park' restart is still in the early planning stages, right?" After confirming his understanding, Andy asked. After receiving confirmation, he inquired further about the conversation between Steven and Lang, particularly Lang's attitude. Once Andy had a clear grasp of the situation, he nodded slightly.

Clearly, the 'Jurassic Park' restart project was in its infancy and would be a long, difficult road. It was unlikely to cause any disruptions to Renly's rest plans in the short term, and Renly could take it step by step. Moreover, Renly's relationship with Universal Pictures would undoubtedly be a point of focus.

"Has Paul mentioned anything specific about the 'Death and Passion' project?" Andy asked carefully.

Renly understood instantly and replied bluntly, "Are you asking if he wants to start his own production company? Or kick Fan out of the project?" Andy smiled, nodding in affirmation.

"No, Paul's too open and straightforward for anything underhanded. What's been happening recently?"

"It's not recent," Andy explained. "During the filming of the sixth movie, the tension between the cast and crew became unbearable. Fan, along with the newly added Dushi and Jason, didn't get along well, leading to frequent conflicts. Even actresses like Michelle criticized Fan's domineering and selfish behavior."

These weren't exactly new rumors; whispers of such tensions had been circulating in the industry for a while.

"Originally, Universal Pictures planned to shoot the seventh film back-to-back with the sixth, but due to these conflicts, they had to pause and resolve the issues. The latest news suggests that the rift between Justin and Fan is beyond repair—Fan has forced Justin out, halting the seventh movie."

Renly raised an eyebrow at the mention of Justin. Justin Lin, the director, had always been known for his calm and diplomatic approach. During the filming of the fifth movie, Justin had played a vital role as a peacemaker, keeping things moving smoothly despite various conflicts.

Now, with Justin being forced out, Renly couldn't help but wonder if it was due to Justin's newfound sense of power following the success of the fifth movie, or if there were deeper issues at play.

"You're saying all the conflict stemmed from Fan?" Renly was skeptical. While he personally disliked Fan, he knew that Fan wasn't a fool. In fact, Fan was quite smart and knew how to leverage his position for maximum benefit.

"It's hard to say." Andy glanced at Renly, a knowing look in his eyes. After all, Renly had unintentionally contributed to this situation.

It could be said that Renly had ignited the spark that set off this powder keg. During the filming of the fifth movie, Renly had directly challenged Diesel's authority, which caused a ripple effect. Although Renly eventually left the project, his actions planted a seed, and things escalated. Paul became involved in the production, other actors began to voice their concerns, and the battle for power and interests intensified. Diesel, in turn, became more aggressive.

Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham, neither of whom were easily intimidated, made it clear that any confrontation with Diesel wouldn't go unanswered. The increasing tension between Diesel and Justin also complicated matters, making the director's job more difficult.

Of course, from an objective standpoint, this situation forced Diesel to reveal his true nature—something that had nothing to do with Renly. But sorting out all the intertwined interests was no easy feat.

Andy's eyes held a certain meaning as he looked at Renly before speaking, "But it's true that Fan has been trying to assert himself, striving to cement his role as the leading actor. As things went back and forth, friction was inevitable. Now, there are divisions within Universal Pictures over the future direction of the project."

Renly took a moment before responding, rubbing his thumb between his fingers. Andy's words were clear: there were endless possibilities for Renly's involvement with Universal Pictures. If Renly chose to, he could step in behind the scenes, exacerbating the tensions and carving out a more significant position for himself, or even isolating Diesel entirely.

For example, if Renly wanted to return to the "Death and Passion" series, he could push for Diesel's diminished role or even force him out entirely, with the support of Paul, Dwayne, Jason, Michelle, and the others. Renly could also bring Justin back, returning the crew to a stable dynamic.

Alternatively, Renly could leave things as they were, either handing the reins to Paul or another director. The options were limitless.

With Renly's association with the "Jurassic Park" reboot and Steven's backing, Renly's influence would only continue to grow, giving him more opportunities and increasing his leverage in Hollywood.

Yet, Renly shook his head. "No need. Let's stay out of it."

Renly had no personal animosity toward Diesel and had no desire to disrupt his livelihood. Furthermore, he knew that Paul genuinely loved the "Death and Passion" series. If the project became mired in power struggles, it would deeply sadden him.

As a friend, Renly respected Paul's choices and didn't want to make decisions on his behalf.

Andy shrugged, not surprised by Renly's response. Renly had always been uninterested in playing the game of ambition.

Shifting the topic away from Universal Pictures, Andy asked, "What about the other projects Warner Bros. has for you? Are you interested in reading any of them?"

Renly shook his head, a light denial in his voice. "I told Steven last night that I plan to rest for the next few months, so I don't want to discuss any work for now." While Renly had expressed interest in the "Jurassic Park: Extinction" project, he had made it clear that his schedule wouldn't be affected by it in the immediate future.

Andy nodded in understanding. "So, how was your conversation with Barry? Everything went well?"

"Yes, he's a character," Renly said with a knowing smile.

The rise of Disney under Robert Iger's leadership wasn't surprising, but Warner Bros.' handling of the DC project was. At least, Barry hadn't displayed the stubbornness of Michael Eisner, who was often unable to explain his blunders in decision-making.

But Renly wasn't one to get caught up in the games of corporate power.

Andy nodded, understanding Renly's stance.

From Universal Pictures to Warner Bros., this was just the beginning. If "Gravity" and "Drunken Country Ballad" continued to perform well, this trend would only accelerate.

For now, Andy's focus was on the bigger picture, considering more complex and significant matters.

"Have you decided on your holiday destination?"

Renly's expression lightened, "Alaska is the first stop. I'm still debating whether to head north or south along the coastline. This time, I plan to try skydiving—get a professional license..."

Renly's face lit up with excitement as he spoke, his eyes bright with joy. This was the side of Renly that the public rarely saw—the thrill of life beyond acting, exploring new possibilities.