The Best Movie Actor In Hollywood!

Chapter 397

The reporter who posed the question wore a press badge from the New York Post, his eyes fixed intently on Matthew.

He had formulated the question on his way over, having rushed to Warner Studios on a tip that Matthew Horner was there. He'd even struck a deal with most of his colleagues: if Matthew appeared, he would get to ask the first question.

In the run-up to the New Year, Horner had been a firestorm of publicity. Every move he made, even from Europe, generated news, seizing headlines in both entertainment and mainstream media. He'd landed on the cover of Time, using the brilliant flame of charity to forge even greater fame and influence.

And a journalist with a conscience and a professional code like his felt it was his duty to expose the true nature of such men.

Wasn't Matthew Horner just using the banner of charity to burnish his own fame? So, he'd armed himself with a simple, direct question that was fiendishly difficult to answer. It was a clear trap: the slightest misstep in the response, and the reporters gathered here would descend on him like sharks, overwhelming him with a sea of follow-ups.

The question was clearly loaded with traps, and Matthew recognized them the moment he heard it.

Lately, the North American media and public had been largely on his side, but the wrong answer here could easily make that sentiment turn on a dime.

Many a celebrity's public image had begun to crumble from just such a seemingly insignificant moment.

Of course, he could have refused to answer. The Warner Studios security team was right there; they could clear a path for him to the car waiting across the street.

But that was clearly not the best option.But Matthew was battle-hardened. With his naturally cautious and suspicious nature, spotting the traps in the question wasn't difficult. And after extensive coaching from Helen and Ilana, he had more than enough media savvy to handle a reporter's trickiest questions.

If there truly wasn't a good answer, he would have simply remained silent.

Within seconds, however, Matthew had crafted the perfect response. Facing the thicket of microphones and recorders, he spoke clearly. "I'd love to do that, I truly would. But I understand that I'm more useful to the world as an actor. My status as a film star allows me to do more good—to attract more attention and inspire more people to join the cause by making a single film than I ever could by spending a week in the field. The power of one person is limited, but the collective power of many can be revolutionary."

The reporter from the New York Post clearly hadn't anticipated such a response. His mouth fell open for a moment, and he was rendered speechless.

"Damn it," the reporter cursed internally. "That's a flawless answer."

Before he could formulate a follow-up, the other reporters, having already given him his chance, surged forward. They weren't about to wait any longer.

A female journalist called out, "How did your trip to Africa impact you?"

Not every journalist was out to destroy Matthew's career. Most were simply interested in what their readers wanted to know, and their readers' concerns were their own.

Amidst the usual flurry of pre-New Year entertainment and news stories, the post-holiday Time cover featuring Matthew as a UN Goodwill Ambassador had made him one of the hottest topics of conversation.

"This trip to Africa," he began, "has given me a much deeper understanding of life and the way people treat one another."

When it came to self-promotion, Helen had coached him well. "When I walked into the refugee camps, the level of suffering was dizzying. I've changed a great deal since then. In a way, the experience made me stronger, more aware of the true meaning of life. From now on, I won't ask for anything more from life."

Of course, Matthew could never have come up with such profound words on his own; Helen had made him memorize several pre-written scripts for just such an occasion.

"People always want more," he continued, his voice resonating with sincerity. "They don't even realize they should be grateful for what they already have. Everyone takes life for granted. But when you come face-to-face with people who are truly suffering, you realize just how little you're actually doing."

The reporters kept shouting questions, a barrage of them, but Matthew had no intention of answering any more. "I'm sorry," he announced, raising his voice to be heard. "I have other business to attend to. That's all for today."

The Warner Studios security guards quickly parted the sea of reporters. No longer paying any mind to their questions, Matthew slipped into the Mercedes SUV driven by Bella and shut the door behind him.

"South Beverly Street," Matthew instructed.

Bella nodded, started the engine, and pulled away from the Warner lot.

Matthew had just been at Warner Studios to oversee some of the casting for 300. Although the screenplay wasn't finalized yet, the basic framework and character outlines were in place. Using Frank Miller's original graphic novel as their guide, they had already begun the casting process.

The casting for 300 wouldn't be an open call. Aside from two key male supporting roles, all the parts were slated to be filled by actors from the Angel Agency.

After returning to Los Angeles from Kenya, Matthew had received calls from his friends James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, who were both eager to land roles in the film. On his recommendation, the two met with the director, Zack Snyder, and the producer, Jack Beard.

Zack and Jack had no objections, so James and Michael were essentially confirmed for the project, though their specific roles were still under consideration.

Next was the script. Both Matthew and David Ellison were in agreement, urging Zack Snyder and screenwriter Kurt Johnstad to deliver a complete draft as soon as possible.

Much like on a Jerry Bruckheimer production, pre-production for 300 was inevitably moving faster than the screenwriting. Even if Zack and Kurt finished the script this month, it would still need to be revised, with certain scenes tweaked and polished.

In reality, ever since Hollywood had become increasingly commercialized in the 1990s, many blockbuster films were born from a producer and a concept first. Only then would a screenwriter be hired to flesh out the story. It wasn't uncommon for pre-production to be well underway before a final script was even locked in.

Having worked on several of Jerry's films, Matthew was quite accustomed to this way of working.

Lost in thought, Matthew barely noticed when the SUV pulled to a stop in front of a café situated diagonally across the street from the Angel Agency.

Matthew pushed open the door. "Wait for me at the agency," he told Bella before getting out.

Bella nodded and drove the short distance across the street.

Matthew pushed open the café's glass door. He and Helen were frequent visitors, and a waiter immediately approached to greet him. Matthew gave a brief wave and made his way to a table in the far corner where Brown Williams was already seated.

While he was in Kenya, Matthew had come up with the idea of hiring Brown. He had never had a personal bodyguard before and wanted to find someone highly capable.

Upon their return to Los Angeles, Helen had made a series of inquiries about Brown, looking into his background and current salary. Hollywood had close ties to the military, and since Brown had worked on Ridley Scott's sets, tracking him down wasn't difficult.

After more than a week of digging, the information they gathered painted a clear picture: whether as a soldier or a bodyguard, Brown Williams was a man who could be trusted and possessed an impeccable professional code of conduct.

So, Matthew had taken advantage of Brown's leave in Los Angeles to arrange a meeting.

"Hello, Brown." As Matthew approached the table, Brown, who had been looking down at a newspaper, quickly rose to his feet and shook his hand.

"Sorry, got held up at Warner Studios with the press," Matthew said, taking the seat opposite him with an apologetic smile. "I'm running a little late."

Brown waved a dismissive hand. "You're not late at all. Our meeting isn't for another ten minutes."

Matthew didn't dwell on the pleasantries and got straight to the point. "Brown, we've known each other for a few years now, right? You taught me quite a few military skills back in the day."

Brown smiled but didn't reply. He was no fool; he could see where this was going.

"Being in Kenya and seeing you working as a bodyguard reminded me of something," Matthew said with a smile. "I'm in need of a reliable bodyguard myself."

Seeing that Brown was about to speak, Matthew held up a hand. "Let me lay out the offer first."

Brown nodded.

Matthew continued, "I'll cover a full benefits package. I'm based in Los Angeles most of the year, and even when I travel, it's not for long, unless I'm on location for a film."

He had learned back in Kenya that Brown was married with children and that his family lived in Santa Monica.

"And," Matthew added, delivering the line he knew would be the most persuasive, "I'll double your current salary."

Brown had already been tempted by the first part of the offer, but the final point made him pause and consider it seriously. "Can you give me a few days?" he asked. "I need to talk it over with my wife."

Matthew nodded warmly. "Of course. No problem at all."