HWI 123

Hollywood What If Chapter 123

While Taken grossed over $200 million in September, Air Force One was trying its best too. 

The box office of Air Force One as of September 12, 1997, was $161.21 million. It was a good result, even Sony-Columbia congratulated Harrison Ford for the movie. 

Even though the movie was defeated by Taken in terms of box office, Sony-Columbia didn't lose. They gained profit instead. Besides, Taken was an anomaly. A movie that trended after the issue of sex trafficking, nothing but coincidence. This would never happen again. 

"Sir Harrison, can we hear your thoughts on Taken?"

Even though Harrison Ford was happily playing golf on a golf course that he usually goes to, there were still some assholes who would disturb his privacy. 

Two paparazzi ran to him after he finished playing golf. To make it worst, the paparazzi asked him about Taken. Paparazzi are different species. They don't give a fuck about privacy. They are stalkers, trespassers, and borderline criminals. 

Harrison's brows slightly twitched. Then, he glanced at the guards who were running to them. 

"S- Sir, I apologize! These bastards barged into the fence." The guards were sweating, glaring at the paparazzi. 

"No, it's fine."

Harrison sighed. Then, he started practicing his swings. To be honest, he wanted to swing his golf club into the paparazzi's faces. They didn't respect people at all. 

Thankfully, Harrison Ford understood that it would be bad if he tried to do that. He controlled his anger and faced them.n

"If you are talking about Taken, I can say that it's an interesting movie. I advise people to watch it. In fact, I watched it with my children, to remind them the world is not that simple. There are bastards who will try to disturb their peace." 

The latter sentence was directed at the paparazzi but they didn't catch it. 

Paramount and Grey Pictures made a marketing plan. In the end, they pressed the topic of kidnapping. To make sure that the young people were aware of this crime. Many fathers and daughters liked the movie and recommended the whole family to watch Taken. Paramount never let go of that idea and added it to their marketing plan. If you love your family, then watch Taken. 

"I see. So even Harrison Ford liked the movie."

The two paparazzi nodded. 

"If you are done, you can leave now."

"Thanks, Mister Ford."

Harrison Ford waved his hand nonchalantly. He didn't like paparazzi. 

The guards apologized to Harrison Ford and kicked out the paparazzi after they were done with the upfront interview(harassment). 

Once the paparazzi were gone, Harrison Ford clenched his golf club and swung it with pure strength. He was clearly mad. 

'Kazir Grey... If his next project is interesting, maybe I can take a look at it.'

But to be honest, he didn't like Director Grey. Well, they never met each other so their impressions might change. 

.........

......

...

While September was slowly passing, Kazir and the cast of Taken went to different countries to promote the movie. 

Kazir loved making films. Directing shots and editing movies were the favorite things he wanted to do. 

The least he liked as a director was facing many people and being the center of attraction. 

Honestly, Kazir Grey never likes interviews. He didn't like going to dozens of countries and promoting his movies. He didn't like parties too. 

He preferred writing his script or drawing storyboards. 

However, he knew the importance of promotion so he never decline the job.

"Kazir, I want to thank you for the chance that you gave to me."

While in the private plane of Paramount, Liam Neeson approached him and said his gratitude. 

"To be honest, I was skeptical at first when I read the script. I feel like it didn't have the chance to be a box office hit. I was more skeptical when you want to sign a trilogy and cameos. If not for the relationship between our agents, I might back out. However, I gamble. My presence in Hollywood is not that good, I'm not a superstar like Nicholas Cage or Tom Cruise."

Kazir listened to Liam. He felt like their relationship would be better after this conversation. 

"I'm actually scared when I heard that Taken will be released on the same date as Air Force One. Harrison Ford is more famous than me."

"Liam, from now on, you don't have to be afraid. I will make sure that you will never be forgotten by the whole world. Everyone will know your name."

Liam stared at Kazir and he realized that the director was not joking. 

"Haha, I guess that's the reason why I signed the contract. Your dream of creating this Cinematic Universe, I want to be part of it. By the way, can you give me the script for the sequel? I need to read to be prepared."

"I will give it to you next month. It's not the final script so don't expect much. And don't give it to others, I make sure you sign a non-disclosure contract."

"Don't worry, you can trust me."

"Of course, it's your movie we are talking about. We don't want any mishap."

"Congratulations, Director Grey."

"Congratulations too, Superstar Liam Neeson."

The two started laughing. The dark circles under their eyes were prominent but they didn't feel tired.

Especially when their movie was raking money all over the world! Their estimation was over $500 million! The worldwide box office of Taken was definitely over $500 million!