Meizong Wealth Life

Chapter 145 Tough Guy Protagonist

Faced with Cameron's temptation, Jamie shrugged and said with a smile:

"At this moment, I really wish that a time machine existed so that I could go back ten years and choose the actors I think are most suitable for "The Wandering Earth."

Cameron and Ovitz were both stunned.

Ovitz asked first:

"What do you mean?"

"It means that the actors he likes are too old and can no longer act."

Cameron answered for Jamie:

"Am I right?"

Jamie nodded.

"So you must have guessed who the actor I'm referring to is?"

Cameron had a thoughtful look on his face.

Jamie has already said that he wants to go back ten years, which shows that the actor he likes was in his prime in the early 90s.

In the early 1990s, Cameron only made a few movies in total, and there was only one actor he collaborated with the most.

"Terminator" Arnold Schwarzenegger.

When Cameron said this answer, Ovitz's eyes suddenly lit up.

But then Ovitz thought of something again, and the light in his eyes quickly dimmed.

"Not Schwarzenegger, he will definitely not agree to star in this movie."

Ovitz's "no" here refers to many aspects.

First of all, as Jamie said, Schwarzenegger is too old.

Schwarzenegger, who was born in 47, is now 54 years old. This age is not too old among Hollywood actors, but he is indeed no longer able to play some young roles.

For example, the young Michael in "The Wandering Earth 2".

Considering that the timelines of "The Wandering Earth 1 and 2" are eighteen years apart, it is best to choose actors between 35 and 40 years old, so that they can play both young and middle-aged characters.

Another thing is that Schwarzenegger's tough guy appearance is enough, but his acting skills are still a bit poor.

It's not that Schwarzenegger doesn't work hard enough, but that all action actors have this problem.

Of course, the most important thing is that Ovitz recently heard a secret about Schwarzenegger.

Although the authenticity has not yet been determined, there are various indications that the news is likely to be true.

"The most exciting news in Hollywood some time ago is that "Terminator 3" is about to start filming. Warner and Columbia have jointly invested US$1.7 million. Schwarzenegger has been confirmed to return to star in the Terminator T-800."

"To be precise, it should be T-850."

Cameron suddenly interrupted.

After successfully attracting the attention of Jamie and Ovitz to himself, he continued to explain:

"The senior management of Warner came to me and showed me the script of "Terminator 3". I don't want to make any comments about this drama. The only thing I can say is that when I started filming "Terminator 2", I already It is regarded as the last part of the series, which is why I refused to direct "Terminator 3"."

After explaining so much, in the final analysis I still think the script of "Terminator 3" is bad.

And even though he said he didn't want to comment, in the end Cameron couldn't help but complain:

"The T-850 is an upgraded and enhanced version of the T-800, and the villain killer robot T-X in the show is also an upgraded and enhanced version of the T-1000. Warner executives thought that they could just fully strengthen the villains and villains, and then spend more money on it. With a bigger scene, we can replicate the success of "Terminator 2", for which I can only say, wish them good luck!"

Seeing that Cameron was so unfavorable about "Terminator 3", Jamie turned to look at Ovitz aside and asked:

"I'm curious, what conditions did Warner use to convince Schwarzenegger to star in the Terminator for the third time?"

This question also piqued Cameron's interest.

After rejecting Warner's invitation, he went to participate in a deep-sea expedition. After returning, he heard that Schwarzenegger had agreed to return to "Terminator 3."

Although Cameron has a good personal relationship with Schwarzenegger, after all, they haven't cooperated for many years, so it's hard for him to ask him directly.

Anyway, Cameron is a little confused.

Although Schwarzenegger is a muscular man, he is not stupid at all and is even smarter than most Hollywood actors.

Otherwise, it would be impossible to marry the niece of former President Kennedy.

If the script of "Terminator 3" is amazing enough, it would make sense for Schwarzenegger to return and continue to star.

But in fact, as Cameron just complained, "Terminator 3" is completely copied and pasted from the plot of "Terminator 2".

Schwarzenegger actually chose to return to such a continuation of a film full of flaws. It can't be because the salary offered by the producer is high enough, right?

The result is true!

Ovitz told Jamie and Cameron that Warner offered a sky-high salary of $3000 million to persuade Schwarzenegger to return.

In terms of salary alone, this is already the ceiling for all actors in Hollywood.

However, Cameron's reaction was——

That's it?

The salary of 3000 million US dollars is indeed an exaggeration, but anyone who pays a little attention to Schwarzenegger's career will know that for America's number one tough guy, this is just an ordinary thing.

After starring in "Terminator 2", Schwarzenegger's salary for any movie he starred in has not been less than $2000 million.

This also includes "Batman and Robin," which cost Warner even its underwear, in which Schwarzenegger starred as the villain Mr. Freeze and received a salary of $2500 million.

The asking price of "Terminator 3" is US$3000 million, which is really not a big deal.

After all, the T-800 played by Schwarzenegger is the core soul of the "Terminator" series.

Without Cameron, the father of the Terminator, the "Terminator" series can still be filmed as usual.

But without Schwarzenegger, "Terminator" would immediately become unworthy of its name.

Seeing that Cameron was not frightened by the sky-high salary of 3000 million, Ovitz then mentioned a small detail behind this sky-high salary.

"It is said that Warner executives initially only planned to give Schwarzenegger a salary of 2500 million US dollars plus part of the box office dividends, but Schwarzenegger's agent insisted on 3000 million, and was even willing to give up part of the box office dividends."

Cameron and Jamie both had thoughtful expressions on their faces.

Normally, for a large-budget commercial movie like this, it would be more cost-effective to choose box office dividends.

Hollywood actors all have the highest goal of entering the "2000 million club", but this does not mean that the highest salary for an actor can only reach 2000 million.

But after the film salary exceeds 2000 million, you can get more by choosing box office dividends.

Schwarzenegger's practice of giving up part of his box office dividends for high pay is indeed a bit strange.

Unless Schwarzenegger, like Cameron, is not optimistic about the box office prospects of this movie after its release.

Combined with the box office performance of the previous "Terminator 3", Jamie believes that this possibility is not small.

And Cameron has the same view as Jamie.

But what Cameron can't figure out is, since Schwarzenegger is not optimistic about "Terminator 3", why should he take the role?

It’s not like I can’t get other roles besides this movie.

"It always feels like Schwarzenegger is ready to run away with a bucket after finishing "Terminator 3"."

Jamie said half-jokingly and half-seriously.

Cameron's eyes suddenly lit up.

He turned to look at Ovitz, with a hint of inquiry in his eyes.

Ovitz guessed what Cameron wanted to ask and nodded.

Immediately the expression in Cameron's eyes turned into shock. Looking at the two people playing riddles there, Jamie pretended to be curious and asked:

"Why, is there something wrong with what I said?"

Ovitz shook his head.

"You are right. Schwarzenegger is indeed planning to retire after filming "Terminator 3" this time."

Jamie pretended to be shocked, widened his eyes and asked:

"why?"

"Because of Schwarzenegger's wife."

"Marriage change?"

"On the contrary, as far as I know, the relationship between them as a couple is very good. It is because of this that Schwarzenegger decided to stop acting."

"Return to the family?"

"Of course not. Have you forgotten which family Schwarzenegger's wife comes from?"

Jamie was completely "shocked".

"You mean Schwarzenegger is planning to run for the next president?"

Now it was Ovitz's turn to be shocked.

He didn't expect Jamie to be so imaginative, and he suddenly thought of the presidential campaign from the Kennedy family, where Schwarzenegger's wife was born.

"Schwarzenegger is indeed preparing to enter politics, but as far as I know, his goal should be to be the next governor of California."

“And then use the governorship as a springboard to run for the next president?”

Jamie asked reluctantly.

Ovitz couldn't understand why Jamie was so obsessed with running for president.

Although the Kennedy family is indeed one of the top political families in American politics, so far, the Kennedy family has only produced one president.

Why does Jamie think that Schwarzenegger can aspire to the highest power position as an actor just by "bringing into the Kennedy family"?

Even Cameron also helped to speak:

"While I have little interest in politics, there has never been a candidate who was not born in the United States to hold that position in the history of the United States."

Schwarzenegger was born in Austria and later immigrated to the United States.

The federal constitution clearly stipulates that people not born in the United States cannot be president. This alone completely excludes Schwarzenegger.

“Just because it’s not possible in reality, doesn’t mean it’s not possible in the movie.”

Jamie once again said something shocking.

Ovitz and Cameron looked at each other in surprise.

"Do you want Schwarzenegger to play the role of President of the United States in "The Wandering Earth"?"

Ovitz asked.

Jamie didn't answer immediately, but turned to look at Cameron.

He believed that with the personal relationship between Cameron and Schwarzenegger, inviting each other to make a cameo was just a phone call away.

Cameron thought about it for a few seconds and finally agreed.

But he didn't guarantee that Schwarzenegger would definitely agree.

Because according to Ovitz, Schwarzenegger will concentrate on running for California governor after filming "Terminator 3".

It's okay to say that I wasn't selected.

If selected, it is still unknown whether the other party will find time to make a guest appearance.

Jamie's idea is exactly the opposite of Cameron's.

He knew that Schwarzenegger would definitely be chosen, and because of this, Schwarzenegger would not refuse the opportunity to play the role of President of the United States in the movie.

You can’t be the president in reality, but it’s not bad to have a fun time being the president in a movie.

When Cameron and Schwarzenegger collaborate again, they can give the movie one more publicity stunt.

And these are only the obvious benefits.

In fact, Jamie has another hidden purpose - he wants to "prostitute" Schwarzenegger for free.

After becoming governor, Schwarzenegger voluntarily gave up even the governor's salary in order to show his strength.

His old friend Cameron asked him to play the role of President of the United States in a movie, but he still had the nerve to ask for pay?

Jamie is so obsessed with Schwarzenegger because he was influenced by the Chinese version of "The Wandering Earth" in his previous life. When he thinks of who is suitable to play the leading role in the American version, the first thing that comes to his mind is Schwarzenegger.

As the spokesperson for action movies in the 1980s and 1990s, Schwarzenegger has become a representative of American popular culture with his giant machine gun held high and his never-ending muscles.

In the eyes of many Americans, Schwarzenegger is the embodiment of strength and power, and is the spiritual idol of the American people.

He looks like an American version of Wolf Warrior.

It's a pity that Schwarzenegger is indeed overage now, and he is planning to retire from acting and enter politics.

Jamie could only do the next best thing and find a way to get the other person to play a cameo role in the movie, which can be regarded as making use of his remaining energy.

Ovitz and Cameron also didn't expect that when they were discussing the choice of the protagonist of the movie, they ended up going sideways to an inconspicuous supporting role like the President of the United States.

Of course, after discussing Schwarzenegger for a long time, at least the three people present reached a consensus.

The leading actor in "The Wandering Earth" must be found based on Schwarzenegger's template.

But after the direction was set, new problems emerged.

The new generation of actors, let alone Schwarzenegger's successor, don't even have anyone with a slightly similar style.

The reason is that action actors are not as popular as they were in the 1970s and 1980s.

Of course, it is not accurate to say that there is no successor. People like Dwayne Johnson and "Family Man" Vin Diesel have not officially appeared yet.

Speaking of this, Jamie suddenly remembered Vin Diesel, who was fired by Chuck last time.

Jamie's plan at the time was to go to Vin Diesel afterwards and ask him to start as a bodyguard in his old profession, so as to rub off this guy's pride, and then consider supporting him in filming.

There were so many things going on later that this matter was forgotten.

Of course, Jamie is definitely not looking for Vin Diesel to be the leading actor in "The Wandering Earth".

Inappropriateness is one thing.

On the other hand, it is impossible for the producers to agree.

Spending hundreds of millions to film a movie for you, but you find a little-known bodyguard to be the leading actor. Even Cameron doesn't have that much dignity.

With such a large investment and back-to-back filming, it was necessary to find an actor who could carry the box office as the protagonist.

In the previous life, Xiao Poqiu had this consideration when he asked Brother Jing to be the starring role. Unexpectedly, Jamie still faced the same problem in this life.

At this time Ovitz suddenly spoke up.

"What do you think of Nicolas Cage? He has acted in many blockbuster action movies. His image is very consistent with everyone's perception of a tough guy. At the same time, his acting skills are also obvious to all, and he can well express the male protagonist in the movie. That tough guy tenderness.”

Cameron's eyes lit up and he wanted to agree on the spot.

Fortunately, he didn't forget what he said before to listen to Jamie's opinion first, and immediately turned to look at Jamie.

(End of this chapter)