Chapter 168: The Bet

[Chapter 168: The Bet]

"Link, you've wrapped up filming. Why are you still so busy?"

In a stylish bar in Hollywood, Nicolas Cage leaned back on the sofa, holding a beer, and asked Link, who was sitting across from him.

"After finishing the film, there's post-production to tackle. Once that's done, I'll prepare for the release. I won't get to fully relax until the movie hits theaters," Link replied.

Johnny Depp, sitting opposite, chuckled, "After the movie releases, you'll still have to do publicity. If it does well at the box office, you'll be even busier for months."

"I can let the actors handle the publicity. I'm the director, and skipping a few events won't hurt," Link laughed.

Keanu Reeves chimed in, "Link, your last two films have been huge successes, each breaking box office records. This is your third film, and a lot of people are curious about how it'll perform. Do you think it'll set another record?"

"Box office revenue records? That's impossible. My production budget is $13.5 million. To break even with a thousand to one return, I'd need $1.35 billion. Ten thousand to one? That's $13.5 billion. It's just not realistic."

Originally, the budget was estimated at $12 million, but Link wrapped the movie for $10.5 million, investing the additional $3 million into special effects.

However, the effects in Final Destination were fantastic, and that extra money was well spent.

Nicolas Cage grinned, "Link, you could compete for the top box office spot this year. There are a lot of big films releasing, like Jurassic Park, Sleepless in Seattle, and Indecent Proposal. If your movie beats them all and grabs the top spot, that'd be quite a thrill."

"I'll do my best to try and dethrone Jurassic Park from the top box office position," Link joked.

"Ha! Here's to your success in advance!" they all raised their glasses and laughed.

Jurassic Park had been in theaters for seven weeks and had grossed $306 million in North America, with projections of around $350 million by the end of its run.

The media predicted it might break the North American record of $359 million set by E.T.

For Link's new movie to surpass Jurassic Park, it would need to make over $360 million, which seemed unlikely.

...

"$360 million? Some people really know how to dream big," someone suddenly chuckled from the side. They turned to see Robert Downey Jr. with Kiefer Sutherland and Brad Pitt at the next table. After Robert's sarcastic remark, the others nodded in agreement, finding the $360 million target quite amusing.

"Hey, Robert, what's that got to do with us? Why are you laughing?" Nicolas Cage asked.

"Nicolas, I wasn't trying to laugh. It's just what you said is funny. Jurassic Park grossing over $300 million in North America and more than $600 million worldwide -- it's a phenomenal film, not something any director can just churn out and hit that kind of box office."

Robert shot Link a sidelong glance, a smirk on his face.

"Paranormal Activity made $638 million worldwide, and Link's films have hit that mark too," Keanu Reeves responded.

"Come on! His film made that much because of the hype. Without those incidents, it'd barely make $200 million," Kiefer Sutherland retorted.

Nicolas Cage argued, "What movie sells without some hype? Your films didn't have marketing? Jurassic Park didn't? Every big release is backed by media. Did Paranormal Activity's marketing raise any issues?"

"It's fine when a good movie does well due to hype. Is Paranormal Activity even considered a good movie?" Robert replied coldly.

Keanu countered, "The film did great overseas without a marketing push, still raking in over $300 million. Doesn't that mean people enjoyed it? Can a movie loved by many not be a good movie?"

"Robert, you backed The Blair Witch Project. That was a crowd favorite," Johnny Depp interjected.

Laughter erupted around the table.

Robert's face darkened. As Link's rival, he had unknowingly shown support for that film when The Blair Witch Project was released.

Many in their circle teased him for helping Link's films by promoting a competitor, which was quite embarrassing for him.

Robert snorted with discontent as he glared at Link. "Link, they all say your new movie will outdo Jurassic Park. Why aren't you saying anything? Is that what you believe too?"

"Mr. Downey, whether it is or not, isn't your concern. Jurassic Park isn't your film, so it doesn't matter if mine beats it at the box office or not. What are you hoping for?" Link replied.

"You!" Robert shot him an angry look.

Kiefer Sutherland patted his shoulder, "Link, quit it. Just tell us if you have confidence that your film will outdo Jurassic Park."

Link nodded, "I'm confident in every film I make. I believe audiences will like it."

"Ha! Good! Are you willing to bet with us?" Robert Downey Jr. said excitedly, "Let's wager a million!"

"A million? That's too low-stakes for me," Link replied dismissively.

"What did you say?" Robert shouted in anger, grabbing a bottle ready to lash out.

Link's bodyguard, Wallace, stepped forward, slipping his hand into his pocket in a gesture that suggested he was armed, glaring coldly at Robert.

Keanu, David Duchovny, and Brad Pitt quickly held him back, urging him not to act impulsively.

Robert sneered, "Link, you act like a big shot but you're just a wannabe. You're saying that because you're scared to bet, right? Because your film's bad, you lack the confidence, so you don't dare challenge me."

Link shook his head, "Jurassic Park's already out, grossing over $600 million globally, with estimates suggesting over $900 million. My movie hasn't even released yet, so we don't know its numbers. You're trying to bet known revenues against unknowns. Only a fool would take that bet. If you want to gamble, let's do something different. Let's wager on my new movie's box office versus Jurassic Park's, with 1:100 odds. You put down $100 million; if you lose, it all goes to me. If you win, I'll give you a million. That's a fair bet."

The others nodded. According to betting norms, that kind of wager seemed fairer.

"Hmph!"

The odds were too high for Robert; he likely couldn't put up that much cash.

"How about ten times? A ten-to-one payout?" Kiefer suggested.

"Jurassic Park is estimated to exceed $900 million globally. You have a solid chance, and yet you're unsure?"

"One hundred times is too high."

Even if the bet paid out, it wouldn't put Link in a tight spot, and winning wouldn't mean much for him.

Link glanced at the group and smirked. "Or you could wager on a different unreleased film against me. I could offer you even odds -- 1:1 -- provided the bet is no less than $10 million. If it's any lower, I'm not interested."

*****

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