HWI 107

Hollywood What If Chapter 107

Just like Kazir thought, Disney was going to celebrate Ransom which had ended the screening today. The last screening of Ransom ended in Japan and it officially dropped from the market. 

The movie grossed $309.5 million worldwide. It was clearly a successful movie. Generating that kind of amount was already a miracle for movies in this era. Only abominations like Jurassic Park and Titanic could make a billion dollars at the box office. 

Ransom was about a Multi-millionaire Tom Mullen whose son was kidnapped. But after initially agreeing to pay the ransom Mullen then decides to use the ransom money as a bounty. (IMDb)

The movie got a good response in North America and internationally. With $136.49 million in North America and $173 million internationally, the movie was part of the top 10 best-earning movies of 1996. 

The production budget of the movie was $70 million with an estimated $20 million investment in advertisement. Definitely not bad results. After this, Walt Disney would start distributing the videotapes of Ransom and selling them. 

"Did you listen to my advice?"

"I didn't go to any of their parties. I'm not the type who likes attending parties. I like staying in my office and spending the rest of the day there."

"Hm, that's good to hear."

Mel Gibson nodded. He tapped Kazir's shoulder and walked away. His face was red after drinking liquor. Mel Gibson and Kazir Grey had a bit of conversation. Their relationship was not that of a friend. They were more of an acquaintance. 

Still, Kazir respected Mel's advice of staying away from Jeffrey Epstein. As a man from the future, Kazir understood that nothing good would happen if he went to Jeffrey Epstein's island.

Mel Gibson was the star of this party because he was the protagonist of Ransom. However, because of Mel's behavior when drunk, it was hard to talk to him. He was easy to get mad when drunk.

Everyone was actually looking at Kazir with surprise after Mel Gibson left. Mel was known to be an alcoholic and he easy to get mad when intoxicated. Yet Kazir and Mel had a peaceful conversation. 

The two even talked about their projects, because they were both directors.

For Mel Gibson, Kazir was a newbie in the industry who was still untainted by the sins of Hollywood. As much as possible, he felt like it was bad to see Kazir go to the dark path. Although it was ironic for Mel Gibson to think of that, he knew damn well that he was not a saint. 

'... It's really awkward when there's no one to protect me against the fierce gazes of women.'

Kazir internally sighed. Usually, Reese Witherspoon would attend the party together with him. 

Unfortunately, the woman was going on a promotional trip together with the cast of Napoleon Dynamite. They just finished promoting their movie in North America so they flew to Europe. 

'One of the tiring jobs of being part of the cast, they signed a contract that they should join the promotional tour.'

In fact, even a director like Kazir had to join this kind of thing. He had to attend so tv shows in many countries just to increase ticket sales even if it was one percent. 

'Well, one percent of $100 million is $1 million so I guess it's a job that should be done.'

However, the cast of Napoleon Dynamite was not that famous. Perhaps Ed Helms and Pedro Pascal had a bit of influence because of The Hangover but they didn't have loyal fans to support them. Fans were slowly built until their presence was enough to increase the box office. Tom Cruise had so many fans all over the world, that was the reason why film companies were ready to sign a losing contract just to hire him. 

Anyway, Kazir was having trouble because so many women tried to flirt with him. He kept his composure and smiled. He even saw some actresses blushing at his attractive smile.

In fact, Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, and many upcoming big actresses gave their numbers to him. These actresses were still not so famous and they were looking for an easy job. 

Unlike most directors who had fat bellies, weak stature, and eyebags, Kazir Grey was oozing with manly vibes. The type of person who was qualified to be called a Chad/Alpha. 

Well, some people cringed at the word Alpha. But there was a reason why the term was invented. To describe someone like Kazir Grey.

A high-value man who had a successful career and a handsome appearance. 

Unfortunately for these girls, someone like Kazir was very hard to budge. He would not flinch even if a sexy woman stand before him with a lustful gaze... That might be a lie but it was still true that Kazir was hard to seduce. He was almost immune to seduction. 

For his status, it was a miracle that he could withstand the ravaging gazes of the beautiful women around him. If not because of his relationship with Reese Witherspoon, perhaps they would think that Kazir was gay. Many males in this industry became gay because of many reasons. 

It seemed that Kazir Grey was just a simple man who was very loyal... That was the reason why he was so interesting. Seducing a man like him could bring them satisfaction, to prove their worth. 

Forcing a loyal man to cheat might be the best way to assert dominance. 

Still, Kazir didn't focus on the vixens who tried to snatch him. His eyes went to a certain fat man. 

While the party was ongoing, Harvey Weinstein was communicating with the higher-ups of Disney. 

Harvey sensed that someone was looking at him and he turned. Then, he found Kazir Grey standing in the corner, surrounded by women. 

"..."

Harvey Weinstein gritted his teeth for some reason.