HWI 437

Hollywood What If Chapter 437

"First of all, this," Stella put down the script for Taken 3 and turned the first page.

She pointed at the second page, directly at the third paragraph.

"This, what the hell is this?"

"What do you think of it?"

"Kazir, sigh," Stella rubbed her forehead. She read the first version of the script and the latest version of the first scene was different from what she read.

"You do understand that our country just suffered from a terrorist attack three years ago, right?"

"I know. For the record, I didn't write this scene to remind people of the tragedy of 9/11. What I want is to make people alert of their surroundings and understand that peace is such a fragile thing."

"Still, this might make our movie Rated-R."

"So what? If you're talking about the highest-grossing R-rated movie, The Hangover is currently taking the fourth spot. And I'm the one who wrote and directed that movie. And if you're talking about the box office, The Matrix: Reloaded grossed more than $741 million. I think Taken 3 can defeat The Matrix: Reloaded. Taking the top 1 spot."

"It's not about that. Taken, is a pivotal franchise. It's the movie that opened the eyes of people regarding kidnapping and sex trafficking, and now the third movie is about nuclear tragedy. Terrorist act? It doesn't match the vibe at all."

Stella had a point. In fact, one of the reasons why she worked for Grey Pictures was because of how they helped the public understand the seriousness of human trafficking.

Heck, when she went to France to meet Kazir for the first time, she was alert to her surroundings because she also watched Taken.

In her opinion, the Taken franchise was all about kidnapping... At least the first and second movies were about kidnapping.

"Oh Stella, you just don't know." Kazir shook his head.

"Don't know what?"

The first and second movies were indeed about kidnapping, but the third movie was different. Taken 3 was about revenge.

In the first part of the movie, Lenore, Bryan's ex-wife, dies at the hands of some Russian mafia because Lenore's current husband has debt. Yes, the plot doesn't have depth at all.

But Lenore's death caused Bryan to scorch the earth.

And now, Kazir was just upping the ante. Instead of some Russian mob, why not make it a new terrorist group that only wants to spread destruction all over the world?

Overall, Kazir's version of Taken 3 was different from the original. In a way, he was trying to overcome his fear of making his own script, and Taken 3 was one of the steps.

Kazir understood it. Copying movies might have brought him success, but he knew that his achievements were all lies. At least for once, he wanted to prove himself.

Taken 3 was the start of his development. Perhaps one day he would create an original film. Something that he could be proud of.

"Never mind, you would not understand it." Kazir didn't bother to explain. Stella wouldn't believe it anyway.

He couldn't say that the original version of Taken 3 was more of a revenge movie instead of a kidnapping.

"Tch, I changed my mind. You are indeed a walking red flag."

"I have no idea why you're telling me that."

The first scene of Taken 3 was when a huge explosion happened in San Francisco, and Lenore died in that tragedy.

Being a retired Agent, Bryan Mills couldn't help but do his own thing. He started contacting people he knew. He even talked to Luke Hobbs(The Rock) and John Smith(Brad Pitt). These two people were following the case of a missing technology and they believed that the explosion was related to it.

Luke Hobbs was a character from Fast & Furious while John Smith was from Mr. And Mrs. Smith.

Just to understand the truth of this matter and exact his revenge, Bryan Mills was ready to do everything. Even his daughter couldn't stop him from getting revenge.

Taken 3 was the movie where The Syndicate was introduced.

'The Syndicate is actually one of the antagonists in Mission Impossible Franchise but they were first introduced in 2011. Sorry, Tom but I have to steal the idea.'

Kazir had to.

Besides, the Syndicate also tried to start a nuclear war in Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol.

This time, the purpose of the Syndicate was nothing but pure destruction. The organization consisted of awol agents, ninjas, most wanted criminals, hitmen, unknown billionaires, and remaining members of The Fraternity.

The Fraternity broke their vow and secretly sided with the Syndicate. This was the reason why the High Table gave the mission to destroy the Fraternity.

While searching for more clues, Bryan Mills learned that the stocks of weapon companies skyrocketed after the nuclear attack, and he realized that this incident might not be simple.

"Okay, the plot is interesting, I admit that. You're the one who wrote and I'm confident in you." Stella Willow continued the conversation.

"Thank you."

"But we have a problem. I'm not confident in the director you want this time. You should wait for Fremont instead."

"Stella, you have to listen to me. Fremont is busy with La La Land. Even if he is a fast director, he usually makes a movie every two years. The pressure of making a movie per year is not that simple."

"I know, that's why I'm impressed with your mental strength. But it doesn't matter. Christopher Nolan doesn't fit the vibe of Taken 3."

Yes, the number one candidate for the director's position of Taken 3 was Christopher Nolan.

Kazir recommended the director.

"With how serious Taken 3 is, I think he fits rightly."

"First, it was Justin Lin, then you recommended more directors. And now you want Christopher Nolan, a Noir film director, to direct an action-packed movie, Kazir, what are you thinking?"