The Most Famous Actor in Hollywood

"Collaborate on the '300 Spartans' project?" Matthew seemed confused by Harvey Weinstein's intention. "Harvey, it's true that I initiated the project, but I only connected David Ellison's Skydance Productions with Frank Miller. Ultimately, it was Skydance that purchased the film rights. The rights are completely in David Ellison's hands."

What he said was entirely true, something that anyone could verify.

Weinstein didn't respond immediately; instead, he simply watched Matthew, seemingly trying to pressure him with his gaze.

Matthew, hardened and unfazed, continued naturally, "The $80 million budget for '300 Spartans' comes entirely from Skydance Productions, essentially David Ellison's personal investment. He has the final say in this project."

"Hmm?" Weinstein, having heard and understood, spoke directly, "Matthew, what you're saying matches what I know."

He then emphasized, "But I'm also aware of another fact—that the smooth progress of David Ellison's project hinges critically on you being the lead actor!"

Weinstein didn't allow Matthew to interject, adding, "You want to work with me, right? Weinstein Films can serve as the distributor for '300 Spartans.'"

Matthew interjected, "Skydance Productions has already drafted a distribution agreement with Warner Brothers."

"Isn't the formal distribution agreement yet to be signed?" Weinstein's tone was forceful but not loud, "If you want to work with me, talk to David Ellison. I'm sure he would respect your opinion."

He stared intently at Matthew, his gaze imposing.

Matthew smiled and replied, "Sorry, Harvey. I'm just the lead actor in this project, merely an actor. I don't have the authority to discuss these matters; you should talk to David Ellison."

Weinstein remained silent, continuing to stare at Matthew as if trying to intensify the pressure.

Matthew stood his ground, maintaining his dignity and composure. He did not want to offend Weinstein, but neither would he flatter him unduly. As a top-tier star, he had his own standing.

After about half a minute, seeing his tactic ineffective, Weinstein spoke again, "Tell me, Matthew, what do you want?"

"It's not about what I want," Matthew slowly shook his head, again deflecting to David Ellison, "The rights to '300 Spartans' are in David's hands, all investments come from him. Harvey, if you want to distribute this film in the future, you're free to discuss it with David Ellison. I truly have no influence there."

Weinstein internally scoffed. If he could have talked directly with David Ellison, why would he bother with Matthew? His previous discussions with Ellison had been fruitless, and he had harbored frustration over it. Despite thinking it over, he found he had no leverage over Ellison.

Weinstein didn't have Ellison's wealth, and the Weinstein brothers' influence couldn't match the Ellison family's, especially in America where money often meant everything.

In Hollywood, however, his seniority and influence were substantial, surpassing Ellison.

The problem was that Ellison was about to collaborate with Warner Brothers, who would certainly not take orders from him. What could he use to pressure Ellison to give up the distribution rights?

In the past, to secure distribution rights for independent films, he had dared to lock producers in a hotel until they capitulated.

Such tactics might work on independent filmmakers, but if applied to David Ellison, he would certainly end up in jail.

Not to mention using it on Matthew Horner could also cause significant trouble.

Weinstein, dominant and used to bullying, knew different people required different approaches.

Thus, Weinstein proposed, "Here's an idea, Matthew." His tone was commanding, almost patronizing when dealing with actors, "Let's collaborate on a film in the next three years."

Matthew looked earnestly at Weinstein, seemingly eager to hear the rest, curious about Weinstein's terms.

Weinstein knew what tempted Hollywood stars, declaring, "This film will be tailored for the Oscars—I guarantee you at least an Oscar nomination!"

"Really?" Matthew's face lit up with surprise, "Harvey, are you serious?"

He appeared genuinely excited by the Oscars, seemingly swayed by Weinstein's offer.

This approach usually worked wonders in persuading stars, and seeing Matthew's reaction, Weinstein internally smirked. Hollywood stars often lost all sense over an Oscar nod.

"What I say counts!" Weinstein boasted, "Don't forget, Matthew, how many Oscar nominations have my projects garnered?"

"Yes, yes!" Matthew nodded eagerly, "Harvey, you have the capability and the magic!"

Weinstein smiled, "Then it's settled. You help me secure the distribution rights for '300 Spartans', and I'll get you an Oscar nomination."

As the conversation progressed, the excitement on Matthew's face gradually turned to concern and then disappointment as he sighed heavily, "So that's the condition."

He seemed downcast, "I love the Oscars and would

 do anything for one."

Weinstein frowned, sensing something amiss.

Matthew continued with disappointment, "But, Harvey, I really can't meet your conditions. After my initial involvement, '300 Spartans' completely fell into David Ellison's hands; I truly have no say. As you know, actors don't really have a voice in distribution matters."

Weinstein looked at Matthew, slightly surprised. Matthew genuinely seemed eager for an Oscar, as desperate as any star Weinstein had manipulated before—because Oscars offered tangible benefits.

Seeing Matthew's concern for the Oscars yet rejecting his bait suggested he might indeed have no influence over Ellison.

Possibly…

But Weinstein wasn't ready to give up, suggesting, "There's one more thing you could do, Matthew."

Matthew perked up, as if fully hooked by the Oscar bait, "Tell me!"

"You could tell David Ellison," Weinstein's voice dropped, "that if he doesn't hand over the distribution rights to Weinstein Films, you'll walk away from the project!"

Matthew's face twitched, realizing from these interactions just how accurate Helen Herman, Johnny Depp, and Keira Knightley's descriptions of Weinstein were: domineering, relentless.

Following Weinstein's suggestion would likely lead to Ellison collaborating with Weinstein Films, but at the cost of breaking Matthew's relationships with Ellison, creating friction with Warner Brothers, and possibly alienating Zack Snyder.

"Matthew…" Weinstein suddenly spoke, "I'm planning to aim for the Best Actor Oscar in the next few years. The performance only needs to be above a certain standard, I managed to push an actress like Gwyneth Paltrow to win Best Actress, I could do the same for someone with a similar level of talent..."

He left his sentence hanging, but the implication was clear.

For any actor, this was an immense temptation; Weinstein's track record over the past decade had proven his ability to secure Oscars.

Matthew appeared torn, struggling internally.

Weinstein fell silent, not believing any male actor could resist the lure of the Best Actor Oscar.

Of course, these were just words for now—the priority was securing the distribution rights for '300 Spartans'.

After a while, Matthew sighed, "I can't do that; my professional ethics wouldn't allow it."

Weinstein scoffed inwardly—professional ethics? Did Hollywood stars even have such a thing?

"I have a contract with Skydance Productions." Matthew's previous statement was just for show, and he continued, "If I withdraw from the project, I would owe millions in damages; I can't afford that."

His contract with Skydance contained such clauses, though not for a significant amount, but these details were confidential and unknown to outsiders.

He then looked hopefully at Weinstein, "Harvey, if your company could cover the penalty..."

"Let's do this, Matthew!" Weinstein quickly interrupted, "It's about time we head to the theater. Let's discuss this another day, shall we?"

Matthew inquired, "What about the Oscar?"

Weinstein was somewhat embarrassed, waving his hand, "We'll talk another time. I'll call you." He turned and walked away, "Let's leave it at that for now, Matthew."

After Weinstein left the VIP lounge, Matthew breathed a sigh of relief. For now, he had managed to navigate through the situation.

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