HWI 140

Hollywood What If Chapter 140

"Okay, this is all for today. For those who are interested in attending the Academy Awards, you can leave after cleaning the set."

"Yes, Director!"

Kazir Grey stood up and stretched his limbs. He groaned after a good stretch. He spent his day sitting on the chair watching the scenes unfold. 

He knew that he was getting lazy. He ordered people around while he was just sitting in front of the monitors. 

'I might have to visit the gym tomorrow, I think my body is getting rusty.'

Benching 405? It depends... If Kazir Grey could pull it off. He believed that he had enough strength to do so because he could bench 6 plates. Perhaps he had to exceed his limits. 

"Director Grey."

Someone called him and Kazir turned. He saw Viggo Mortensen wiping his face after an exhausting stunt. 

"Viggo, you did a great job today. Keep up the good work."

"Yes. Actually, Director, I'm here for a favor. Can I get a few minutes of your time?"

"Hm, okay. Let's talk."

Kazir agreed after looking at his watch. The work today ended early since the Academy Awards was tonight. 

"It's still 4:30 pm, I believe I have enough time to talk with you."

"Thanks."

The two walked away from the set and started talking. 

"Director, I know it sounds ridiculous, but can I get your opinion about something? I heard that you helped Reese Witherspoon and Brianna Evans when choosing their projects."

"Well, I just said my honest opinions based on the information I can get. I told Reese that There's Something About Mary seems promising. As for Truman Show, Salvatore was actually the one I talked with. Then Salvatore decided to convince Brianna Evans to audition for the role."

There's Something About Mary and The Truman Show are movies that are set to release in summer. No one knows if these movies would be successful, except for Kazir. 

"That's enough." Viggo Mortensen nodded. 

"Viggo, before we talk about it, the two movies I recommend to them are still not in the theaters. There are no clear results for you to trust me. So I advise you to not believe all that I'll say."

"I understand. I want to ask your opinion because you are one the best Director I know."

"Viggo, you know that I can't increase your salary no matter how many times you praise me."

"How about you increase my screen time?"

"But you're already the protagonist."

The two men laughed. Mild jokes were good to ease the atmosphere. 

"Go on, you can ask me."

"Actually, my agent contacted me and said that he received an invitation for me to audition for a project. I'm skeptical if this project can help me boost my career."

"Am I allowed to hear the title of this project?"

"It's nothing new. It's the Lord Of The Rings."

"..."

Kazir almost coughed. It seemed that New Line Cinema and Miramax had a negotiation. 

Actually, Kazir Grey tried to buy the copyrights but it was impossible to acquire them. Miramax hold the copyright and they didn't want to sell it to Grey Pictures. Harvey Weinstein was still holding a grudge and so does Kazir Grey. 

From what he heard last time, New Line Cinema contacted Miramax about The Lord Of The Rings. The two studios decided to cooperate with the project but Miramax backed because they felt like it was impossible to adapt the classic novel. 

In the end, Miramax sold the copyright to New Line Cinema and let them handle the responsibility.

'Harvey Weinstein probably regrets that decision.'

Based on what Kazir remembered, The Lord Of The Rings had two-year pre-production. The preparation took two years because of obvious reasons. The budget and the props need time to be prepared. 

"I know that The Lord Of The Rings is a classic and Star Wars was created because of the inspiration that George Lucas got from The Lord Of The Rings. But I'm scared that my decision will be wrong so I'm looking for an opinion from a professional, just like you, Director Grey. Honestly, I think adapting The Hobbit is a better choice."

The Lord Of The Rings was recognized as the mother of all fantasy genres. Still, the Hobbit was written by J.R.R Tolkien first before The Fellowship Of The Rings.

"Let me guess the Director is Peter Jackson."

"That's right."

"..."

Peter Jackson, out of all the Directors in Hollywood, he was the only one who persevered to adapt The Lord Of The Rings. George Lucas has given the chance but he didn't choose to do it. Because everyone knows how hard it is to adapt a classic like The Lord Of The Rings. The backlash from avid fans was one of the reasons. And even the expenditure was astronomical. 

However...

"This is just my opinion. I met Peter Jackson twice and I know that he is a hardworking man. I believe he takes this project seriously."

To be honest, he met Peter Jackson in his past life and his impression of him was mostly positive. He was an avid fan of The Lord Of The Rings. 

'New Line Cinema even fucked Peter Jackson and didn't pay him according to the contract.'

"The adaptation of Lord Of The Rings is hard but there's always first in everything. Perhaps The Lord Of The Rings will start the Epic Genre."

"I see... I don't have any upcoming projects and the role they gave me is a significant one. Perhaps I'll give it a chance."

Viggo smiled and thanked Kazir for his opinion. 

"It's still a pre-production and it will not disturb me from filming John Wick. Thanks, Director."

"I'm glad I help you."

The two parted. Of course, they were going to meet tomorrow. 

Perhaps next year Aragorn( Viggo Mortensen) would go to New Zealand together with the crew of The Lord Of The Rings. 

'I'm excited to watch this movie again.'