The Most Famous Actor in Hollywood

As a film with modest investment, the premiere of "The Weatherman" wasn't grand, and Matthew, conscientious as a guest, made no prolonged stops as he walked down the long red carpet and entered the interview area.

Upon entering, most of the journalists abandoned their current interviewees and quickly surrounded him.

Matthew remained calm; by now, he was battle-hardened and could handle the press even without much preparation.

Since it was the premiere of a film directed by Gore Verbinski, and Matthew was one of Gore's collaborators, it was inevitable that journalists would ask for his opinion on Verbinski.

"Compared to many commercial directors, Gore never treats the plot superficially," Matthew said, well-prepared for such questions. "He pays great attention to the development of the plot and causality, always using various small details to piece together a bigger story, creating a surprising experience for the audience."

His prepared response continued, "Gore's works often lean towards comedy or satire, with black humor being a central element. The process is always enjoyable without causing any worries."

After answering, Matthew headed straight into the theater regardless of further questions from the press.

"Please, this way."

At the theater entrance, a staff member directed him to the second floor. Matthew ascended the stairs and quickly entered the VIP lounge, which was already filled with many people, most from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" crew.

Gore Verbinski's most successful work to date was "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl."

Of course, Matthew also saw several stars who had worked with Gore before, like Naomi Watts, who had starred in the American version of "The Ring." Unlike the last time he saw her, her boyfriend was no longer Heath Ledger but a somewhat unfamiliar male actor.

After greeting Naomi Watts and other acquaintances, Matthew headed straight to the left corner of the VIP room, where the "Pirates of the Caribbean" crew gathered.

"Hey, Matthew," Eva Green called out to him from a distance, waving him over. "Over here."

"You look beautiful today," Matthew complimented as he approached Eva Green.

Eva seemed to have a special fondness for black attire, wearing a low-cut black evening gown that day.

"Did you come alone?" she asked.

Matthew nodded, with a double meaning, "I'm on my own, so I had to come alone."

Suddenly, someone from behind lightly tapped him, and Matthew turned to find Johnny Depp, who had quietly arrived behind him.

Johnny leaned in and whispered, "I saw Harvey Weinstein. He's also here for the premiere."

Matthew puzzled, "Why would he be here?"

"Who knows." Johnny shrugged and then explained, "Gore's 'The Weatherman' is produced by Paramount Classics, which seems to have some collaboration with the Weinstein brothers in independent films."

As he spoke, Matthew noticed a portly, short man entering the VIP room. People near the entrance, including the now second-tier star Naomi Watts, eagerly greeted him with apparent enthusiasm.

The portly man responded with just a slight nod.

Although it was Matthew's first time seeing him in person, he had seen him many times in newspapers and magazines and recognized him as Harvey Weinstein.

Matthew hadn't expected to encounter Weinstein here, and recalling the recent issues and Helen Herman's advice, he told Depp, "I'm going to head out."

Following the principle of avoiding trouble when possible, Matthew intended to leave the VIP room. However, the lounge was not large, and his location near the entrance and the conspicuous presence of Eva Green had already caught Weinstein's attention.

The portly man walked straight towards them.

Johnny was supportive, giving Matthew a push, "I'll go greet him; you get out of here."

But before Johnny could act, Weinstein had already called out, "Matthew Horner!"

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried, "Hard to catch you."

Matthew could no longer leave and smiled, "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Weinstein."

Weinstein strode over, first glancing at Matthew and then lingering his gaze on Eva Green for several seconds before saying, "Call me Harvey."

He then turned to Eva, "You're French?"

Eva felt an indescribable discomfort from his gaze, compounded by his portly figure, which nearly made her nauseous. However, knowing his status in Hollywood, she quickly managed a smile, "Hello, Mr. Weinstein. I'm Eva Green, an actress from France."

"Ah," Weinstein nodded. "You have a distinctive look, you'll be famous with the right role."

Matthew found the comment distasteful but intervened with a smile, "Eva is my friend and currently part of 'Pirates of the Caribbean.'"

"A supporting role?" Weinstein remarked dismissively.

Eva glanced at Weinstein and then took Matthew's arm, "With Matthew looking out for me, I'm not worried about my roles."

Matthew

's gaze flicked across Eva's face; the enchanting woman was certainly no fool.

Weinstein changed the subject, looking around at the onlookers and raising his voice slightly, "Folks, I'd like to have a word alone with Matthew, if that's okay?"

Hearing this, everyone around, including seasoned actors like Geoffrey Rush, quickly moved away.

Then, Weinstein looked at Johnny Depp, who seemed less inclined to leave.

Matthew didn't want to involve his friend and gave Johnny a nod. Johnny hesitated but, seeing Matthew's firm stance, excused himself to Eva and also left.

In the corner of the VIP lounge, only Matthew and Harvey Weinstein remained.

Weinstein appeared amiable, like a jovial elder, and began, "Matthew, hard to catch you indeed."

Matthew, however, was not so easily swayed and smiled, "I've been really busy lately, shooting back-to-back sequels of 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' often working overtime."

"You should file a complaint with Disney," Weinstein suggested, perhaps taking his statement at face value. "Want me to have a word with the actors' union?"

Hearing this, Matthew internally cursed Weinstein, knowing well that complaining about overtime could land him on many companies' blacklists.

This Weinstein was clearly setting a trap.

Matthew wouldn't fall for it, pretending to misunderstand, "Considering the generous overtime pay, it's best not to make a fuss."

He made it clear to Weinstein that the crew paid for overtime, and complaining would be futile.

After a few probing exchanges, Weinstein gained a preliminary understanding of Matthew, clearly not a fool but a star capable of independent thought.

"I spoke extensively with Frank Miller recently," Weinstein cut to the chase. "You and Zack Snyder launched the '300 Spartans' project, didn't you?"

With Frank Miller involved, denying it was impossible. Matthew nodded, "You could say that. After working with Zack on 'Dawn of the Dead,' I wanted to collaborate on a project Zack envisioned. I had seen the graphic novel '300 Spartans' and recommended it to Zack."

As soon as he finished, Weinstein continued, "As far as I know, you are the core and key to this project. Frank Miller was persuaded after seeing the segments featuring you as Leonidas; David Ellison agreed to heavily invest in a project with a relatively unknown director, simply because you, Matthew Horner, were the lead actor; negotiations for distribution rights between Warner Brothers and Ellison's Skydance Productions hinged crucially on your consecutive successes."

Matthew self-deprecatingly remarked, "I'm not that important."

"No!" Weinstein's tone was adamant, "You are more important to this project than they think!"

Matthew knew that without him, the project would still proceed, but not as smoothly.

But others saw it differently; his commercial appeal as a successful actor influenced many judgments, including Harvey Weinstein's.

Weinstein's words carried the weight of his status in the industry, "Matthew, work with me, and I can give you everything an actor desires!"

"Uh..." Matthew thought quickly, saying, "Harvey, I'm flattered that you hold me in such regard."

As he had discussed with Helen Herman, it was best not to offend someone like Harvey Weinstein, even if refusing, it should be done in the most tactful way possible.

Weinstein nodded, feeling he was dealing with a smart individual.

Matthew feigned confusion, "My schedule is booked for the next two years; I might need to adjust my calendar."

Weinstein looked up, not giving him any room to pretend, "The film collaboration is for later. I'm talking about working together now, on the '300 Spartans' project!"

___________________

(Support with power stones, comments or reviews)

If you guys enjoy this story, In support me on Patreon and get access to +200 advance Chapters

Read Ahead

Patreon.com/INNIT

Get 33% off all subscription levels from Jan 11–18! Use code: 5CEC6