The Best Movie Actor In Hollywood!

Chapter 491

The initial offer of help, which Matthew still recalled, had merely been a joke from Amanda. Neither of them had taken it seriously, and they had quickly moved on to discussing business.

The charity event generated a massive public response, just as Amanda and Helen had anticipated. However, the number on the check didn't capture the public's imagination nearly as much as the sight of truck after truck filled with supplies. The effect was magnified when a video showed a 10,000-ton container ship departing from the Port of Long Beach, its hold seemingly packed to the brim with goods donated by Matthew.

Events like these inevitably attract criticism, but it was minimal. It never reached the mainstream media—it couldn't even break into the tabloids—and remained largely confined to the internet.

For a star of Matthew’s caliber, maintaining a positive reputation in the mainstream media is paramount, as its influence over the public is substantial.

Naturally, Matthew’s charitable act was highly praised by the mainstream media, and the vast majority of his fans applauded his efforts as well.

"A celebrity might do this to build a good reputation, to set a positive example as a public figure, or maybe it’s a requirement from a film studio. It could be an attempt to polish a tarnished image with charity, or it could be a sincere desire to help. Whatever the purpose, whatever the reason, the end result is that people who need help are getting it!"

In today's information age, some people on the internet are quick to see the cynical angle, but most are more reasonable and don’t attack blindly.

"Because of my profession, I'm exposed to this sort of thing a lot. All I can say is, whether it's for publicity or not, if the charity work actually gets done, it's a good thing. Why shouldn't people get some recognition when they're investing their own money and effort? Who says you have to do good deeds in secret and keep a low profile?"

"A celebrity's influence makes more people pay attention to charity and take action. That includes not only their fan groups, but also ordinary people who will start paying more attention!"

Perhaps encouraged by the wave of positive public opinion, David Ellison announced on behalf of Skydance Pictures that five percent of the North American box office gross from "300" would be donated to the UNHCR and UNICEF.Bolstered by this string of positive news, the film attracted significant attention from both the media and the fans.

The film's pre-sales, which had officially launched five days prior, skyrocketed, with opening weekend advance sales quickly hitting ten million dollars.

****

"Several box-office analysts have very high hopes for this film from Zack Snyder and Skydance Pictures."

Paul Haggis remarked to Spielberg, his gaze fixed on Leonidas, King of Sparta, as he strode down the red carpet in front of the Beverly Hills theater. "Everyone thinks it could be the hit of the holiday season."

Spielberg smiled, posing for a photo with Paul Haggis and Clint Eastwood, and whispered back, "They're not betting on Snyder, Skydance Pictures, or Warner Brothers. They're betting on Horner."

Once the group photo was done, Spielberg took the lead and headed into the theater. "I'll introduce you in a minute," he said over his shoulder.

Matthew walked the red carpet, signed his name on the press wall, glanced at the movie poster, and instead of heading to the interview area, made his way directly to the main entrance of the theater.

It was the premiere of "Flags of Our Fathers". Only that morning had Matthew looked it up and learned that the film was directed by Clint Eastwood. It told the story of the Battle of Iwo Jima in the Pacific during World War II and was said to carry a strong anti-war message.

The event is also famously known as the flag-raising on Iwo Jima.

Matthew had read a bit about Iwo Jima after he'd... arrived, and knew it had been a particularly tragic battle. The U.S., as one of the definitive victors of World War II, loved to make films like this to reflect on the cost.

As he entered the theater lobby, before Matthew could even take in his surroundings, he saw Spielberg approaching with an older man in tow.

"Matthew, I want to introduce you to a friend of mine."

Matthew didn't need Spielberg to finish the introduction. He stepped forward at once, extending his hand to Clint Eastwood. "Director Eastwood," he said, "you're one of my idols. It's an honor to meet you."

Clint graciously shook Matthew's hand, which trembled slightly, a clear sign of his genuine excitement.

Clint was flattered by this display of admiration. He smiled and said, "I'm glad you could make it to my premiere. Welcome. Make yourself at home, and we'll talk again when we have a chance."

Matthew nodded. He watched as Spielberg and Clint Eastwood moved away, then he spotted a familiar face and hurried over.

"Hey, Paul." He clapped the tall, lean man on the shoulder. When the man turned his head, Matthew added, "Long time no see."

Paul Walker's eyes widened in surprise. "Horner!"

He spread his arms and pulled Matthew into a hug. "Didn't expect to see you here!"

"DreamWorks sent me an invitation to the premiere," Matthew explained.

Paul stepped back from the hug and said, "I have a small part in this movie."

He looked Matthew up and down. "Haven't seen you in a few years, and you're already an A-list star."

Matthew chuckled. "I'm still the same Matthew, you know."

Paul nodded, his mind drifting back to filming "The Fast and the Furious." Back then, Matthew had been a minor actor whose fame and status couldn't compare to his own. He remembered how they had both taken a dislike to Vin Diesel—no, that wasn't right. It was Matthew who had disliked Vin Diesel and made the pretentious guy pay a heavy price.

As he thought about it, he recalled how Matthew had left the cast of "The Fast and the Furious" but not before giving him a lot of well-meaning advice.

Seeing Paul Walker, Matthew's thoughts instinctively turned to that bald-headed co-star of theirs, and he couldn't help but ask, "So what's been happening with 'The Fast and the Furious' franchise?"

Paul Walker paused for a moment before answering honestly, "I did the first two movies. Then Universal Pictures brought in a whole new crew for the third one, moved the setting to Tokyo... The reviews and the box office were so bad that Universal has basically shelved the series."

"What about Vin Diesel?" Matthew pressed.

"I'm not entirely sure." Paul shook his head. "He dropped out of the franchise after the first one, and I was the lead in the second film, which he wasn't in. It seems like besides that one movie, he hasn't had a single well-received film in years."

Matthew got the general picture: "The Fast and the Furious" franchise was no longer in the fast lane. Was this an opportunity for him to get his foot in the door?

In the past, he lacked the money and capital to make a move, but things were different now.

Without "The Fast and the Furious" franchise, what would Vin Diesel even be?

Matthew had only seen a handful of Diesel's movies, and the only one that had made any real impression on him was "The Fast and the Furious."

If Universal wouldn't sell the rights, perhaps they could find a way to partner with them—and cut Vin Diesel out of the picture.

Matthew made a mental note: this was something he could discuss with David Ellison later. There was a real chance it could happen.

Paul looked at Matthew, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "Are you planning to finish Diesel off? If you are, count me in."

Matthew snapped out of his chaotic train of thought and asked, "You think I'm that vindictive?"

Just as he spoke, his eyes landed on a tall, slender brunette walking a short distance ahead. He immediately turned to Paul. "Who's that?"

Paul turned to look. "I think she's a director," he replied.

He lowered his voice, his tone shifting to one that was universally understood among men. "A difficult target."