HWI 122

Hollywood What If Chapter 122

Paramount was serious about Taken even though they were only the local distributor of the movie. The fact that they planned thorough details of promoting was a good thing for Grey Pictures. 

The cast went to different states just to promote the movie. With Liam Neeson's charisma, the audience was more excited to watch Taken. 

In fact, the booming internet started talking about Taken, and Liam Neeson was the center of their topic. Because of it, Liam Neeson received many scripts. Although the roles were basically the same, a father. Hollywood felt like Liam Neeson was good at acting as a father. 

Well, as long as the salary was good, Liam Neeson didn't have a problem. Grey Pictures promised that the sequel would start in two years which was 1999. Liam Neeson had enough time for two to three roles. 

Just like him, Brianna Evans who didn't have any foundation in Hollywood got a role. It was a supporting role but the movie was interesting. Even Salvatore Barlowe felt like the movie would be good after reading the script. 

The project was called The Truman Show. Although Brianna Evans has to attend the 3rd round of auditioning. She has to compete to get the role. Still, it was already a miracle that she was invited to a big-budget movie($60 million) with Jim Carrey. Everyone knows that the 90s was Jim Carrey's era. 

"I got the role! I got the role!"

"Hm... Reese, let's lower our voices. It's 3 am."

Kazir grumbled sleepily. He was tired after some exercise... 

Yet, Reese Witherspoon giggled and lay next to him. She hugged Kazir from behind and cuddled. Her body was sore but the good news she received made her active. 

"I got the role of Mary Jensen in There's Something About Mary."

Reese Witherspoon prepared for this role because this was a leading role. Reese never had a role where she was the protagonist. 

"Good job..." Kazir muttered, still closing his eyes. 

"Yeah, you are the one who recommended me to audition for this role. Kazir, thank you so much!"

"Hm... Let's sleep." 

"Hehe." She giggled and kissed his cheek, like a young high school girl. 

Kazir smiled. 

"... Now that I think about it, isn't Cameron Diaz their first choice?"

"That's right. The director wanted to cast Cameron Diaz. But because of some circumstances, they decided to choose me."

"..."

Kazir had an idea about the possible reasons why the crew chose Reese Witherspoon instead. 

'Out of the best possible reasons, it's probably the salary. The two sides failed to have an agreement. If my deduction is right, Cameron Diaz's side asked for more cash. Well, that's the obvious thing to do. Cameron Diaz is a 1st-tier actress. She is not a superstar but she is getting there.'

Being a director himself, Kazir could see the production crew's intention. To be precise, the producer was the one responsible for casting the actors/actresses. 

Because of his interference, Reese Witherspoon became famous much earlier than in the past. Now, Reese Witherspoon could be categorized as a semi 1st-tier actress. 

Napoleon Dynamite, The Hangover, Scream. These three movies were successful and she was part of the cast of these three. Reese Witherspoon's fame was acknowledged by Hollywood. 

And now, she was now the protagonist of There's Something About Mary. 

'One thing is clear... I made a huge change. No, I made a huge change from the moment I regressed. This is not the original timeline, not anymore.'

"Reese, what's your salary?"

"My salary for There's Something About Mary is $1.3 million. Although they will pay the other half once the filming is over."

'As expected, it's all because of salary.'

"I'm happy for you, Reese."

"Let's celebrate tomorrow. I will treat you, Mister Director."

.........

......

...

"This is getting out of hand. Are you sure this is the result?"

Michael Eisner asked his secretary to confirm these statistics. He felt like this amount was too much. 

It was already three months since Napoleon Dynamite II was released. The movie already surpassed the $100 million mark. As of now, the movie grossed $145 million here in North America.

Not only that, Napoleon Dynamite II was released internationally last amount ago and the response was not bad. Even though American humor was not relatable, Napoleon Dynamite II successfully earned $89 million the whole month. 

If combined, the movie already exceeded $200 million. The movie might be part of the top 10 highest-grossing movies this year. Especially when the movie was still not losing its vigor.

"Sir... The information about Napoleon Dynamite II is real. We rechecked it."

The secretary gulped hard. 

"Then what about Taken, are you going to say that this amount is real too?"

"Sir..."

The month of September 1997. Every month, Michael Eisner would ask his secretary to send him the results of every movie that was released. 

He was interested in Kazir Grey so he decided to ask for the results of Napoleon Dynamite II and Taken. 

It could not believe what he saw, especially Taken. 

As of September 12, 1997. 

The box office of Taken was $221.63 million... No joke. This amount was the box office of North America. 

'Taken will be released internationally next week. Grey Pictures gave the internal distribution to Paramount as well. Perhaps Grey Pictures feel indebted so they agree.'

"I'm sorry sir..." The secretary bowed her head. 

"No, it's not your fault..."

Chairman Eisner sighed and leaned against the chair. He made a big mistake this time.