"Oh?" Matthew's interest was piqued. "How did the talks go?"
David Ellison glanced around the rest area before saying, "I spoke with Adam Ferguson, the Senior President of Universal Pictures' Film Department. We talked for about an hour, focusing primarily on 'Fast and Furious.'"
Matthew remained silent, waiting for David Ellison to provide more details.
"For the 'Fast and Furious' series, there are two opinions within Universal Pictures. The majority believe the series has reached its end, and there's no need to continue. They think the next step is to benefit from the long-term rights to the three films."
David Ellison took a sip from his cup and continued, "However, there are a few people within Universal Pictures, two or three at most, who believe there's still potential in the series. They want to bring back one of the original leads, Vin Diesel."
Hearing this, Matthew couldn't help but frown. This was the situation he least wanted to see.
David Ellison continued, "But this opinion can be ignored. After the box office failure of 'Tokyo Drift,' Universal Pictures won't put up a lot of money to continue this project due to the high risk. Plus, those with this idea don't have much power."
"I inquired about the possibility of buying the rights from Universal Pictures. Everyone thought I was a foolish nouveau riche, and I didn't mind adding another person to that list."
He smiled, "Adam Ferguson seemed indifferent about the series and half-jokingly mentioned two conditions: $100 million for the rights transfer and 30% of future profits from any films made."
Matthew interjected, "The first condition, though high, is negotiable. The second condition is treating us like fools!"
Universal Pictures wanted a high price for the rights and a 30% cut of future profits regardless of the film's success. They were asking for too much.
David Ellison shook his head, "Not treating us like fools, treating me like a fool." He sighed, "I guess, in their eyes, I'm just a lucky nouveau riche."
He laughed, "To be honest, I've been really lucky. Matthew, if I hadn't met you, I'd still be throwing money around foolishly."
Matthew waved it off, "You're too kind. We're friends, and our cooperation is mutually beneficial."
David Ellison nodded, "Yes, mutually beneficial." He seemed to have made up his mind. "If Universal Pictures drops the second condition, I'll gather $100 million to buy the rights to the 'Fast and Furious' series!"
He looked seriously at Matthew, "But there's one condition. Matthew, you have to be the lead!"
According to various research institutions, "300" wouldn't have been as wildly successful without Matthew as the lead.
Matthew thought for a moment and said, "David, we'll jointly invest to buy the rights. We'll solve the funding problem together. If we get the rights to this series, starring in it won't be an issue for me."
"Good!" David Ellison agreed quickly. "You stay behind the scenes, and it's best if Helen doesn't directly get involved either. Let Skydance Productions handle negotiations with Universal Pictures. If they're willing to sell, we can negotiate the terms slowly."
Matthew knew his current stature wasn't suitable for direct involvement. "I'll leave this to you then."
They discussed some detailed aspects of the plan before David Ellison shifted the conversation to the still-hot "300."
"I met Frank Miller the other day," David said. "Frank Miller is very pleased with himself recently. He's preparing to draw another version of '300,' telling the story of the Marathon battle and the Persian invasion from Athens' perspective."
Matthew understood, "Releasing new comics related to '300' at this time will attract a lot of attention."
David Ellison lowered his voice and asked, "Since we own the sequel rights to this series, as long as we negotiate the rights fee with Frank Miller, we can prepare a sequel. Should we get ready for a sequel? Many film companies are eyeing Frank Miller's comic adaptation rights. I heard the new Batman film director at Warner Bros. also plans to use some plot elements from Frank Miller's 'The Dark Knight Returns.'"
Hearing this, an idea flashed through Matthew's mind, but he didn't catch it immediately. He shook his head slightly and said, "Let's put the sequel on hold for now."
David Ellison looked puzzled.
Matthew had seen the sequel and remembered the female lead was Eva Green. The movie was heavily criticized online and had poor reception.
But he couldn't say that. He thought for a moment and explained, "Zack's style, though fresh and exciting at first, tends to cause aesthetic fatigue faster than typical films. Let's wait and see. Our contract stipulates we have the film rights for the next ten years, so we can put it on hold for a while."
He wanted to see Frank Miller's new comic first. If it was still as bad as he remembered...
The movie had scenes so terrible they left people speechless. Except for Eva Green, the rest was awful.
Even Eva Green's role had nothing to do with the character; her inherent charm was the only saving grace. Her character's design was bizarre.
The male and female leads met on a warship as opposing sides. The female lead wore a revealing battle robe to welcome the male lead. The male lead righteously 'fought,' and they had an intense encounter in the cabin. The female lead demanded his submission to share wealth and glory, but the male lead gritted his teeth and carried on. He left as soon as it was over, hiding his merits and fame.
The female lead was speechless at his roguish behavior and left angrily. Matthew had wondered why she didn't kill the male lead, but later understood it was probably just "staged drama."
Eva Green bared her entire upper body in that movie, which was breathtaking and the only highlight.
Unfortunately, Eva Green was now Queen Gorgo and couldn't reprise her role in a sequel.
It was better to wait for the sequel. If David Ellison insisted, Matthew would try to dissuade him. If he wouldn't listen, there was nothing he could do.
After all, Skydance Productions belonged to David Ellison, and the rights to "300"...
Thinking of this, Matthew suddenly grasped the idea that had flashed by earlier and quickly asked, "David, you just said many film companies are interested in the sequel rights to '300'?"
"Yes," David nodded. "Including our distributor Warner Bros., who wants to collaborate on a sequel."
He thought for a moment and added, "I forgot to tell you earlier, this morning, Adam Ferguson first approached me about the '300' sequel."
"Universal Pictures is interested?" Matthew asked.
"Yes..." David Ellison quickly understood, "You mean we should use the '300' sequel as leverage to negotiate for the 'Fast and Furious' rights from Universal?"
Before Matthew could answer, David frowned and said, "That would still be a loss for us."
This was hard to say. Matthew stayed silent for a while, then suggested, "Given the style of '300,' it's difficult to make it into a long-term series. The profitability of a series film doesn't need explaining, right? This series will always be constrained by Frank Miller, and his conditions will become more stringent. Meanwhile, the 'Fast and Furious' series is basically original. As long as the racing films aren't too bad, they have a stable audience in North America. If we can get independent rights, it's much more flexible to operate than '300.'"
"Also, modern films are easier to attract advertising sponsors and sell merchandise, making them more profitable."
David Ellison listened intently without commenting.
Matthew continued, "Moreover, the trend for epic historical war films is declining significantly. '300' is an exception, but it won't be next time. Audiences won't find it fresh, and it might not sell. David, think about it. In recent years, aside from '300,' which epic war film has truly succeeded?"
"None, it seems," David Ellison thought it over and realized, "Not even 'Troy' broke even. 'King Arthur,' 'Alexander,' and 'Kingdom of Heaven' all flopped."
"Exactly," Matthew didn't need to say more.
David Ellison tapped the table lightly and said, "Alright, Matthew. I'll think it over and get back to you later."
Matthew smiled, "No rush."
If the idea was feasible, the higher the box office for "300," the better the bargaining position.
David Ellison didn't say anything more, deciding to have his company and a specialized research firm evaluate the future prospects of a "300" sequel.
There was one consideration he hadn't mentioned: Matthew's character Leonidas was dead, and Zack Snyder had previously told him he had no interest in directing a sequel.
For the rest of their time together, Matthew and David Ellison focused on fitness and didn't discuss work further.
That evening, when Matthew got home, Helen Herman had good news. In the afternoon, she had negotiated a deal with Armani, signing a three-year contract worth $5 million annually.
They would officially sign the contract in Milan, Italy, before the New Year and shoot the new advertisement series.
This had some time yet. Tomorrow, Matthew would fly to New York to start the outdoor shooting for "I Am Legend."
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