The Best Movie Actor In Hollywood!

Chapter 399

With the screenplay in hand, preparations for "300" began to pick up speed.

David Ellison's eighty-million-dollar production budget was fully secured, and James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender smoothly landed two key supporting roles.

As their best friend, Matthew was certainly eager to help them, but they had previously insisted on building their careers independently.

But James and Michael's careers hadn't progressed at the same pace as Matthew's; they simply hadn't been as fortunate. After several years in the film industry, they had barely reached the level of second-tier actors, still far from achieving true stardom.

Matthew had a long talk with both of them.

There was a limit to how much he could help, but it was no trouble to give them a boost when the right moment came.

James and Michael accepted his offer and joined the cast of "300".

Aside from the two of them, the rest of the cast was also filled with clients from the Angel Agency. For the female lead, the Spartan queen, Helen recommended Eva Green.

The Angel Agency was supplying a comprehensive roster for the production, providing not only actors but also many of the crew, including lighting technicians, set designers, and prop masters.

Essentially, Helen was acting as a one-stop production supplier, taking a small percentage from every deal she brokered.According to Zack's plan, the film would be shot entirely on soundstages, with no on-location filming. All shooting was scheduled to take place at Warner Studios.

At the same time, Zack required all the actors, including Matthew, to begin a three-month intensive fitness regimen in early February. The goal was for every actor playing a Spartan warrior to have a physique worthy of a champion bodybuilder.

Actors with slight physiques or pretty-boy looks wouldn't have even made it onto Helen's list of recommendations, let alone been considered for the cast.

A cast of effeminate Spartan warriors would have turned the film into a satirical comedy, not the dark, epic action movie they were aiming for.

To complement the actors' hard-earned muscles, Zack had the costume designers create revealing Spartan battle attire. The Spartan warriors, led by Matthew, would be showcasing their chiseled physiques and powerful muscles for the audience to see.

The historical records Matthew had reviewed indicated that Spartan warriors fought in heavy armor, some of it weighing up to half their body weight.

Zack, however, felt that such costumes would make his tragic, heroic Spartans look like a Roman legion in a tortoise formation. He redesigned the costumes to fit his vision: in his film, King Leonidas and his men would be clad in scarlet cloaks, their torsos bare.

"These designs aren't just for the visuals."

In his office at Warner Studios, Zack explained to Matthew, "There are commercial considerations as well."

Matthew settled onto a sofa, leafing through the design sketches. He nodded in approval. "The visual impact is incredible."

Zack grinned. "You know, Matthew, you're the one person I've met who truly gets my philosophy."

Matthew looked up and declared seriously, "That's because the vision you created and showed me in the test footage was unique and unforgettable."

Hearing that, Zack felt once again that he had found a true kindred spirit. He'd come from a background in advertising and commercials, and his transition into filmmaking had followed a standard, often difficult, commercial path. He considered himself incredibly fortunate to have met Matthew and gained his support.

Bringing the conversation back on topic, he continued, "Men like to see sexy female bodies, and women are just as excited by masculine male bodies. I'm requiring the actors to train and designing these specific costumes to maximize our appeal to the young female demographic."

Matthew nodded.

Zack continued, "You're already in excellent shape, but I suggest you join the pre-production fitness training. Not only will it further enhance your physique, but it will also be a great way to bond with the rest of the cast." Then he added with genuine earnestness, "I also need you to help develop the fight choreography. I'm not as experienced in that area."

Matthew considered it for a moment, then agreed. "Alright."

He had never been involved in fight choreography before, but he knew that participating personally in the design of the action sequences would be a valuable experience.

After starring in several action films, Matthew already had a good sense of his own strengths. He knew which types of action he excelled at and what kind of choreography would make him stand out on screen.

"Zack, what's your vision for the film's fight scenes?" Matthew asked, getting straight to the point.

"Well, it shouldn't be the dance-like, acrobatic style that's become so popular in Hollywood lately." Zack clearly had his own ideas. "The movements need to be brutal and emphasize a raw sense of power."

Matthew closed the portfolio of sketches in his hands. "That's exactly what I was thinking."

Having already seen the movie, it was easy for him to agree with Zack's vision.

****

After spending the better part of the day discussing the film with Zack, Matthew left the director's office. He was about to leave Warner Studios and was walking out of an adjacent office building when he saw Eva emerging from it.

The French actress was dressed in a slim-fitting black pantsuit; it seemed she had a fondness for dark clothing.

"Hey, Eva." Matthew took the initiative and gave her a wave.

Eva saw him too and immediately picked up her pace. A smile lit up her pale features as she offered a warm greeting. "What a coincidence, Matthew. Hello."

"It is," Matthew agreed, then asked, "Heading out?"

Eva nodded slightly. "Yes, I was here for a costume fitting. I just finished."

"Same here," Matthew offered immediately. "Walk with me?"

Eva nodded. "Of course."

Since they weren't far from the Warner Studios gate, they didn't bother waiting for a golf cart and simply walked toward the exit.

"We just worked together on 'Pirates of the Caribbean,'" Matthew remarked as they walked. "I didn't expect we'd be co-starring again so soon."

Eva seemed to be in high spirits. She smiled and replied, "So, in this next film, you're the king and I'm the queen."

She glanced toward the studio gates ahead, then abruptly changed the subject. "I owe you for this one, too."

Matthew, however, shook his head. "You don't owe me anything."

He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Everyone who saw your audition for the queen was blown away. And it was Helen who ultimately recommended you for the part."

Eva gave Matthew a curious look.

After their last frank conversation, Matthew knew that the actress who shed her clothes on screen more easily than she cracked a smile was far more guarded in real life.

So he adjusted his approach, opting for sincerity.

"Eva, if you really want to thank someone," Matthew said, speaking honestly, "the first person on that list should be Helen. No one else."

"That makes sense," Eva conceded. "I'll have to get a thank-you gift for Helen."

Matthew asked with playful curiosity, "Can you give me a little hint about the gift?"

Eva shook her head. "Of course not. It's a surprise for Helen."

They continued to chat as they neared the Warner Studios entrance. Just as they were about to reach the gate, Matthew's phone rang. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen—it was Helen.

"Sorry, I need to take this," Matthew said, pausing their conversation. He answered the phone, listened for a moment, and then spoke into it. "Helen, are you saying Akiva Goldsman's project is a go? The script outline was sent over? Okay, I'm on my way."

****