The Most Famous Actor in Hollywood

Matthew was filming "The Nine Great Pirate Kings" when he received a call from Harvey Weinstein. Weinstein expressed a desire to meet him. However, Matthew had already received a call from David Ellison, and using the busy schedule of "Pirates of the Caribbean" as an excuse, he politely declined Weinstein's invitation.

David Ellison made it clear on the phone that Weinstein, due to "Sin City," wanted to secure the distribution rights for "300 Spartans."

Although Weinstein Films had just been established, nobody doubted Harvey Weinstein's capability; the company certainly had the ability to distribute a film on a large scale.

But if it came to choosing between Warner Brothers and Weinstein Films, most people would probably choose Warner Brothers.

Matthew's decision not to meet Weinstein was also to avoid any potential conflicts. He had heard from Big Beard Jack about David Ellison's meeting with Weinstein. Ellison could afford such moves, he had the leverage.

But Matthew was different; as an actor, if he could avoid conflicts with industry moguls, he certainly would. Stirring up trouble with Weinstein was not a wise choice.

Besides, he was indeed very busy; the "Pirates of the Caribbean" crew was working overtime.

"You did the right thing," Helen Herman approached him during a break in filming and said, "We can't just hand over the distribution rights because Weinstein wants them. Harvey Weinstein is very powerful with a huge influence in the industry. This way, we can make our stance clear and avoid potential conflicts."

Matthew nodded, "I can't think of a better way either."

If he were a superstar, he could outright refuse Weinstein to his face. Even if Weinstein wanted to do something, a superstar's clout and commercial value could easily counter him.

At this stage, however, facing such an industry giant, it was best to be cautious.

"Does he have a big influence in the commercial film industry?" Matthew asked.

"Not as big as in the independent film circle," Helen Herman replied, evidently well-informed. "But he still holds significant influence. He's good friends with many producers; it's an exaggeration to say a single call from him could decide the lead roles in a project, but influencing some producers' choices and perceptions isn't too hard."

She reminded Matthew, "Harvey Weinstein has been in Hollywood for over twenty years, a key member of the Producers Guild since the mid-90s. Don't underestimate his power."

Matthew was well aware that a network of connections was a form of strength in itself.

Helen Herman continued, "As far as I know, Weinstein Films doesn't have any production plans this year. Weinstein's main focus is on finding films to distribute. With the success of 'Sin City,' I doubt he'll give up easily."

"Don't worry," Matthew took a sip of water and said, "My shooting schedule for the next two months is completely full. I don't have time."

"Just be careful," Helen Herman still warned. "The Hollywood circle is small. If you really bump into him, try to avoid conflicts and push any problems onto David Ellison."

Matthew nodded seriously, "I know what to do."

Helen Herman was still a bit worried, "Harvey Weinstein has a habit of bullying, especially when dealing with actors."

Matthew frowned slightly, "Just because he's interested in '300 Spartans,' do we have to give in without limits?"

Helen Herman also seemed helpless, "He's one of those especially domineering types in the industry. If he sets his sights on you, he considers it giving you an opportunity. That's just how it works."

Matthew spread his hands, "Well, I hope I don't get such 'opportunities.'"

Johnny Depp came over, and Helen Herman ended the topic, saying, "I'm going to talk to Jerry Bruckheimer."

"Go ahead."

Matthew knew Helen Herman was recently negotiating with Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer Films about the sequel to "National Treasure." The negotiations weren't going smoothly. His side's terms of 20+10 were unacceptable to Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer Films, and their offer of $15 million in salary was equally unacceptable to his side.

Negotiations were at a stalemate. Disney didn't want to give in, and he wasn't lacking in work, so the sequel project might be delayed indefinitely.

Matthew wasn't in a hurry, and neither was Disney. Such sequel negotiations in Hollywood could take years.

"Keira said you've been having some trouble lately?" Johnny Depp sat down beside Matthew, referring to Harvey Weinstein.

"Yeah," Matthew didn't need to lie to Depp and responded straightforwardly. "This kind of attention from a big shot is too much to handle."

Johnny Depp showed a rare serious expression and advised, "Be careful with Harvey Weinstein. He's notoriously difficult and domineering."

"I know," Matthew responded earnestly, then joked, "Is he more troublesome than you?"

"Me?" Johnny Depp pointed

 at himself, "I can't compare to Harvey Weinstein. I might be a bit of a diva, but that guy really plays dirty behind the scenes."

Matthew put the jokes aside, saying, "Don't worry, I won't provoke him."

Johnny Depp shrugged, "The problem is he's already come after you. Given his aggressive style, he won't let go easily."

After hearing both Helen Herman and Johnny Depp, Matthew also realized that this Hollywood mogul, whom he had never met, was probably a bully by nature.

He had a bit of a headache, "I'd better stay out of his way."

For the next few months, he would be safely busy at the Disney studio filming "Pirates of the Caribbean." Walt Disney had just ousted Harvey and Bob Weinstein, so it was unlikely Weinstein would come directly to the Disney studio.

Johnny Depp didn't talk long with Matthew as his scene was about to start, and he headed to the set. Matthew continued sitting there, and Keira Knightley, having just finished her makeup, came over.

"You didn't meet with Harvey Weinstein, did you?" Keira Knightley sat down and asked concernedly.

"No," Matthew shook his head, "I declined his invitation citing my busy filming schedule."

Keira Knightley visibly relaxed and advised, "Good. Just make sure not to meet him in a hotel."

Matthew didn't quite understand, "I'm a guy, not a woman."

"That can be hard to say," Keira Knightley seemed aware of rumors about Weinstein, "Maybe Weinstein isn't interested in women anymore and has turned his attention to men? There are producers in the industry who swing both ways."

"Keira, I've already made a lot of money," Matthew suddenly brought up an apparently unrelated topic, "Even if I do nothing from now on, I'll still be a multimillionaire."

"What are you trying to say?" Keira Knightley asked, somewhat displeased, "Are you showing off?"

Matthew shook his head, continuing, "If anyone dares to do that to me." He drew the sword hanging at his waist, flicking it with a flourish, "I'll make sure to shove this up their backside!"

Keira Knightley, knowing Matthew well enough to recognize he wasn't joking, thought for a moment and then said, "Harvey Weinstein is unusually domineering and stubborn. I heard from Emma Thompson once; she firmly refused Weinstein, but even now, whenever he visits the UK, he calls her, trying to meet up and even threatening her..."

Possibly because the topic involved another British actress, Keira Knightley stopped herself mid-sentence.

Matthew didn't press for details. From what he already knew, combined with the reactions of those around him, it was clear what kind of person Weinstein was.

This confirmed that his strategy was correct: if he couldn't confront the problem, he could always avoid it.

After chatting with Keira Knightley for a while, an assistant director came over to call them, and they both entered the set to join the filming.

Until mid-October, apart from regular breaks, Matthew was mostly busy with the filming of two sequels to "Pirates of the Caribbean," sharing almost as much screen time as Johnny Depp.

By late October, "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" had finished its North American theatrical run, withdrawing completely from theaters after more than five months, with a North American box office total of $275.2 million, a resounding success.

With the film's international screenings continuing in just over a dozen smaller markets, its overseas box office also exceeded $250 million.

The global box office for the film reached $552.1 million.

By any measure, "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" was a commercially successful film.

Climbing to the status of a top-tier star wasn't just for Matthew, but also for Charlize Theron. She not only held an Oscar for Best Actress but, with the success of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," was one of the rare actresses to break the so-called Oscar curse in recent years.

Matthew kept in touch with Charlize Theron. Outside of work, she spent most of her time in South Africa.

Approaching the end of October, Matthew and other key creators of "Pirates of the Caribbean" temporarily set aside their work to attend the premiere of another film directed by Gore Verbinski, "The Weather Man."

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