The Best Movie Actor In Hollywood!

Chapter 133: The Number One Man in the Entire Universe!

"Universal Pictures has confirmed that 'The Scorpion King' will be a standalone film, with a forty-million-dollar investment and Stephen Sommers returning as writer and producer. Also returning is the young actor Matthew Horner, who made a powerful impression as the Scorpion King in 'The Mummy Returns'."

The day after the press conference, news about 'The Scorpion King' appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines.

"Renowned director Chuck Russell joins 'The Scorpion King' to help launch a new chapter in 'The Mummy' franchise with Matthew Horner as the Scorpion King."

A trade paper affiliated with Universal Pictures also ran a brief profile on Matthew.

"Texas-born actor Matthew Horner, now just twenty-one, is recognized as one of Hollywood's most successful young actors, having worked with many famous stars and acclaimed directors. His first film was the Oscar-winning 'Girl, Interrupted,' followed by another Academy Award winner, 'Gladiator,' directed by Ridley Scott. He starred in the music video for pop superstar Britney Spears, then landed the role of Ronald Speirs, the fourth commander of Easy Company, in the epic war miniseries 'Band of Brothers.' He finally achieved breakout fame as the Scorpion King in 'The Mummy Returns' and is now set to headline the standalone film 'The Scorpion King'."

...

In a modest apartment in downtown Los Angeles, Lister sat at the dining room table, the newspaper in his hands, lost in thought.

Beside him, his teenage son picked up another section of the paper and began to read.

A middle-aged woman arrived with breakfast, placing plates in front of Lister and his son.

"Dad," the teenager said, looking up from the article, puzzled. "Are you a fan of the Scorpion King, too?"Lister glanced at his son. "No, but I've met the actor who plays him."

His son's confusion only grew. "You follow celebrities?"

"No." Lister shook his head, his mind drifting back to the young driver.

The middle-aged woman took the paper from her son, glanced at it, and asked, "Is that Matthew?"

"It's him." Lister pointed at the newspaper. "I still can't believe this crap."

His son's jaw dropped. "Dad, a guy who worked for you is now a Hollywood star?"

Lister hesitated for a moment before nodding.

Even after more than a year, he still remembered the young driver from Texas who would take days off to go to film shoots. He also remembered the two idiots at the office who mocked him every single time. Who could have imagined that he'd now be starring in a major forty-million-dollar production?

In just two years, he had gone from being a driver to a leading man.

His son was saying something else, his voice filled with excitement, but Lister was too preoccupied with his own thoughts to listen. Now that Matthew Horner had transformed from a driver into a real actor—and a rich one at that—couldn't he be turned into a client for the company?

Landing a Hollywood star as a client would mean a massive commission.

Lister decided it was worth a shot. He'd go back to the office and find Matthew's contact information.

...

North of Burbank, Matthew closed the script and was about to take a walk around the yard when his phone rang. It was Helen.

Matthew stepped outside, phone in hand. "When does the first payment for 'The Scorpion King' come through?"

According to their agreement, his fee was divided into three installments: the first $200,000 would be paid within ten days of signing, the second $200,000 when he arrived on set to begin filming, and the final $100,000 after all of his scenes were completed.

There were also restrictions, such as the studio's right to deduct from Matthew's salary if he were involved in a drug scandal or anything similar.

It was one of the most common clauses in Hollywood contracts.

"Soon," Helen replied. "And Ilana is on her way to see you. She has a column on Yahoo Entertainment next Monday. We paid her well, so she wants to do a feature on you as a thank you. I think she'll be there in a few minutes. I'm busy preparing for the rest of the auditions, so talk to her yourself. Call me at noon when you're done."

"Of course." Matthew then asked curiously, "Do you have anyone for the female lead yet?"

Helen's answer was somewhat unexpected. "An agent for some star contacted Stephen, and Sean didn't object. The female lead is basically set. I couldn't get the role, but as compensation, they're going to use clients from the Angel Agency for the other important supporting roles."

"It's already confirmed?" Matthew pressed. "Who is it?"

"I don't know." A commotion erupted on Helen's end of the line. "We'll find out in a few days. I have to go."

Before he could respond, the line went dead. He shook his head, went back inside to boil some water, and then wiped down the newly acquired wooden table and chairs in the yard, ready to welcome Ilana.

About ten minutes later, the doorbell rang. Matthew went to open it and found the tall figure of Ilana standing on his doorstep.

He let her in and asked, "Should we talk inside? Or out here?"

Ilana glanced around. "It's nice and spacious out here. Let's stay here."

Matthew went to the kitchen, brewed some tea, and brought it out to the wooden table, gesturing for Ilana to take a seat. "It's an imported green tea I bought in Chinatown."

Not particularly interested in the tea, Ilana took a sip before asking, "Did Helen call you?"

"Yeah." Matthew lifted his own teacup, looked at Ilana, and remarked, "I'm surprised you decided to write about me."

Ilana shrugged. "I've been making a lot of money off you lately."

Her tone shifted to a more serious one. "I've been given a front-page column on Yahoo Entertainment, but my authority is limited. For now, I can only keep you on the page for one day."

"One day is great," Matthew said, looking more than satisfied.

"Right now, you're a hot commodity for us journalists." Ilana glanced toward the front gate. "The paparazzi were already lurking when I arrived."

Matthew nodded and asked, "What's Helen's angle on this?"

Ilana took another sip from her cup. "She wants to show the world your positive, hardworking side."

Hearing this, an idea sparked in Matthew's mind. "Since I'm already training, boxing, and sparring to prepare for the role, maybe you could take a few pictures of me working hard and post them on the site?"

"I can do that," Ilana said after a moment's thought. "You're not well-known enough for me to need a more complex news hook, so a straightforward angle like that will work."

Matthew asked, "Do you have time this afternoon? I'm heading to the gym. Why don't we go together?"

Ilana shook her head. "Not today. You'd better go talk to the gym owner first and get his permission before we show up to shoot tomorrow."

The emphasis here was on private property rights. Trespassing or causing a disturbance could lead to trouble. "The main shareholder of the fitness club is my boxing coach," Matthew explained. "I'll talk to him."

Nibora wasn't just a trainer at the club; he was also its primary investor.

Ilana checked her watch. "Then it's settled. I need to stop by the newsroom, so I'll be going."

Matthew walked Ilana to the door and suddenly remembered something else. "By the way, if it's appropriate, could you put a link to my blog in the column?"

"Your blog?" Ilana looked slightly puzzled. "Are you still updating that? Why? No one's even paying attention to it."

Matthew just smiled. "Just do me a favor."

It wasn't a problem. Ilana agreed. "Fine, I'll mention your blog."

Matthew saw Ilana out and then went back to check his blog, which was just as unpopular as ever.

...

After lunch, he hung up after a call with Helen.

Then, Matthew drove to the gym in Westwood to continue his fitness and combat training. He had become a familiar face and a minor celebrity there, with many people stopping to say hello during their breaks.

His fame came partly from his status as an actor, and partly from his training.

In recent sessions, aside from Nibora, who was a professional, every other boxer in the gym had been defeated by Matthew.

According to some of the regulars, Matthew had chosen the wrong profession.

As time passed and the gym began to empty, Matthew approached Nibora about using the space for a photoshoot. Nibora gladly agreed, but on one condition: the gym's sign had to be visible in the photographs.