Director in Hollywood

When it comes to the image of a spy, before Ethan Hunt and Jason Bourne, the most famous one was undoubtedly James Bond.

It's worth mentioning that Gilbert once thought of obtaining the rights to the novel The Bourne Identity. However, the rights to this novel had already been acquired by Universal Pictures, and they even produced a TV series based on it.

The 007 series has created a classic British spy character that has endured for decades and become a hallmark in spy films. Therefore, in the production meeting, when the subject of British spies was brought up, the 007 actor had to be mentioned.

The producer, Charles Roven, directly suggested, "Gilbert, I suggest we choose Sean Connery. What do you think?"

Sean Connery, the original James Bond, remains one of the most iconic portrayals of the character. Although he hasn't played Bond in years, Connery is still well-regarded by fans, and casting him as Mason would be no issue.

However, there was a complication: Sean Connery was represented by CAA, the top talent agency in Hollywood, and specifically by agent Martin Bob.

Hearing the suggestion, Gilbert frowned and asked, "Do we have any other suitable candidates?"

Cain Wechsman shook his head, replying, "If we need a British spy, there's no one more fitting than him. We don't have many options."

CAA is Hollywood's largest agency because it holds many unique talents. Someone like Sean Connery is a rare resource in Hollywood. Choosing someone else might not match the film's vision and could even prompt complaints from fans.

Realizing the situation, Gilbert had no choice but to agree with the producers' selection. "Then send Sean Connery an invitation along with the script. Hopefully, the script will win him over."

"Alright, I'll handle it," Charles Roven agreed.

Gilbert then added, "Let's have a backup plan. I remember there are other actors who've played James Bond. We could reach out to them as well."

Hearing this, Cain Wechsman had an idea. "Gilbert, we could consider Roger Moore."

"Roger Moore?" Gilbert frowned as he tried to recall. He was more familiar with Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. One is the current Bond, while the other likely hadn't even entered the industry yet.

Cain explained, "Roger Moore was the third actor to play Bond after Sean Connery and George Lazenby, and he appeared in the most Bond films. However, without a strong agency, his career faded after leaving the Bond series."

Gilbert made a quick decision. "He'll be our backup. If Sean Connery declines, we'll go with him."

In Hollywood, even a rare resource can be replaced. The team continued brainstorming, even considering Christopher Lee, who had appeared in The Man with the Golden Gun, as an alternative.

Gilbert then turned to Cain. "As for Nicolas, start contract negotiations as soon as possible. Since he doesn't have a strong commercial track record, we'll lower his fee."

While Nicolas Cage had appeared in many films, his commercial appeal wasn't on par with top-tier stars, so his fee would naturally be lower.

Gilbert added, "Also, invite Ed Harris to play General Frank Hummel, and invite John Spencer to play Jim Womack. Submit a casting list to me after the auditions."

"And Naomi wants a cameo. I'll arrange for her to play Goodspeed's fiancée. Scarlett will have a cameo too."

Naomi Watts had learned that there were a few minor female roles with some lines and selected one to participate in. Since Real Steel, Naomi had gained attention as an actress, likely wanting to repay Gilbert in some way.

Of course, Gilbert thought the best way she could repay him was in the bedroom…

Scarlett Johansson had become a regular small role in Gilbert's films. Though her parts weren't large, she was involved in every project. Having spent much of her childhood on Gilbert's sets, Scarlett, who lacked a father figure, grew close to him.

Even Sofia Coppola sometimes felt jealous. "I was the one who introduced you two, yet now I feel like the outsider."

Scarlett would often cling to Gilbert, looking up at him and saying, "When I grow up, I want to marry you, Gilbert."

Everyone just laughed, dismissing her words as childlike innocence.

After the press conference, Warner Bros. and Touchstone Pictures each contributed $30 million. Once Real Steel profits came in, Melon Studios invested an additional $10 million, bringing the total to $70 million deposited in a third-party insurance account.

Of course, Gilbert had noted in the investment agreement that additional funds might be invested later.

This time, no small investors were involved. Warner Bros. and Disney preferred to keep the profits to themselves rather than share them with others.

Gilbert's strong track record made the two studios view his films as more profitable than risky, so they didn't seek smaller investors to share the burden. Both giants also had other projects in progress, and they likely financed the $30 million internally.

This was none of Gilbert's concern, as he only cared about whether the funds were secured.

After the initial meeting, Charles Roven personally visited Sean Connery, but it didn't go well.

"Charles, everyone in Hollywood is watching Gilbert's new film, myself included," Connery said nonchalantly, even picking his nose in front of Roven, which made him frown.

While Connery's reputation was as Hollywood's most elegant gentleman, insiders knew him differently. He was known to be a heavy drinker, abusive, drug user, vulgar, aggressive, and unhygienic.

It was rumored that once, when hosting a guest, Connery greeted them in a worn, unwashed robe. The smell was so strong that lice could be seen jumping off him.

The guest was horrified to see rats scurrying around his filthy home. Connery even forbade his wife from cleaning, berating her if she tried. This behavior drove his first wife to divorce him, but Connery continued unchanged.

Had it not been for CAA's careful management of his image, Connery's true nature might have destroyed his public persona.

Ignoring Roven's expression, Connery continued, "If you want me to play the role, it's simple. I want to invest $20 million."

Roven's frown deepened. "I'm sorry, Mr. Connery, but we can't agree to that condition."

"No problem," Connery replied, aware of his unique appeal. "I'll give you time to consider, but don't take too long."

With negotiations at an impasse, Roven had no choice but to leave. As he exited Connery's home, he heard the sounds of bottles breaking and a woman and child crying. Connery was likely engaged in one of his violent episodes.

Back at the new Alcatraz Studios in Burbank, set up for the The Rock, Roven reported to Gilbert.

"Investing? And he wants $20 million?" Gilbert shook his head. "That's impossible. Decline his offer."

Roven and Wechsman agreed. Warner and Disney would never accept someone encroaching on their profits.

Since Connery's demands were excessive, Gilbert suggested following the original plan. "In that case, Roger Moore would be a good choice for John Mason."

Roven, though a bit concerned, found the idea feasible. "Roger Moore hasn't been in a film for years. After the Bond series, his movies didn't perform well. Might that be a risk?"

Unlike Connery, Moore didn't have CAA to manage his image. Connery may be past his prime, but his reputation held strong. Moore, however, had almost vanished from the screen, appearing only in TV shows, voice acting, and charity work.

But Gilbert was unfazed. "Charles, I don't choose actors based on their popularity. In fact, those stars need my films to stay relevant. They rely on roles in my films to establish themselves in Hollywood."

Roven nodded in agreement. Unknown actors had gained recognition through Gilbert's films, while lesser-known actors rose to stardom.

After agreeing on Moore as Connery's replacement, the team sent an audition invite to Moore, who was resting at home.

"Roger, great news…" Moore's agent, Dawes, rushed into the backyard, out of breath, prompting Moore to frown.

"What is it, Dawes? You're too old to be in such a hurry," Moore said, annoyed.

Dawes, Moore's friend and agent, took a moment to catch his breath before delivering the news. "Roger, you won't believe it, but we've received an invitation from Gilbert's team!"

"Gilbert?" Moore was surprised. "Are you serious?"

"Absolutely. Here's the invite and part of the script." Dawes handed over the invitation and script to Moore.

Seeing the offer, Moore's hands trembled, barely able to believe it.

Dawes explained, "I've read the script. You'd play John Mason, a British spy, somewhat similar to your Bond character. Roger, this is a chance."

Realizing the opportunity before him, the 67-year-old Moore made a decision that would shape his career's final chapter. "Accept the offer, Dawes. The fee doesn't matter; I just want to play the role."

Dawes soon began negotiations, and after a brief audition, Moore secured the role of John Mason.

As he signed the contract, Moore was so moved he nearly cried. His years of struggle post-Bond felt worth it, and with this new film, his acting career had a new glimmer of hope.

After the actor's contract was signed, Gilbert also had a chat with the second-generation 007: "Roger, the crew carefully considered many factors before deciding on you for this role.

Are you feeling okay?"

"Of course. I've kept up with exercise, so I'm fully able to do the action scenes myself," Roger Moore assured, showing his strength despite his age.

At this point, Roger Moore wouldn't hesitate to take on risky action scenes, as he understood just how rare this opportunity was.

"That won't be necessary," Gilbert said with a smile. "The filming is intense and will require a lot of physical endurance. It's a demanding role. Can you handle it?"

Even if he were feeling the physical strain, Roger Moore knew he couldn't back down. "Don't worry, Gilbert. I can handle it."

"Good," Gilbert nodded, shaking hands with Roger Moore. "Looking forward to working together."

"It's a pleasure to work with you…"

...

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