From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

A budget of 150 million US dollars for "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"—

It's worthy of Warner Bros.; only Warner Bros. would do that.

But after the initial amazement, when you calm down and think about it, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" grossed 430 million US dollars worldwide, which is indeed an excellent performance, but not enough for Warner Bros.' 150 million US dollar investment to make a profit. From a mathematical point of view, this was not a successful project.

No wonder the movie's prequel, "Wonka," took a full eighteen years to appear.

Let's bring the focus back to the present.

Clearly, Lucas and Edgar had an in-depth conversation about this project. Lucas understood the situation in all aspects, and now he's speaking eloquently.

"Warner Bros. is very clear that although the main character of the movie is Charlie, it's 2004 now, not 1994. Movies with teenagers as the main characters are not easy to market because they don't have the appeal and attraction. Perhaps the movie can attract family audiences later, but the focus of the early promotion should still be on Willy Wonka."

"So, Warner Bros. is willing to spend money on the actor for Willy Wonka."

This is Edgar's opportunity—

He just needs to convince Warner Bros. that there is no need to spend 15 million US dollars or 20 million US dollars to increase production costs. Choose Anson. Anson is willing to share the risk with Warner Bros. through box office revenue sharing and bear the responsibility of promoting the movie.

This is a worthwhile deal.

"Currently, Warner Bros. has listed a very luxurious list of actors."

"Robin Williams, Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, Jim Carrey, Rowan Atkinson…"

These are all comedians, and Rowan Atkinson is the famous "Mr. Bean."

Choosing a comedian to set the tone for "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" to be lighthearted and funny is a natural and expected direction.

These are all top superstars.

Needless to say, Anson also belongs to this category, and the goal of choosing them is also very clear, which is to rely on the star halo to make a fuss. Although Charlie is the main character of the movie, Warner Bros. doesn't mind operating the entire project with Willy Wonka as the main character—

Johnny Depp's name appearing here is not surprising; what's truly eye-opening are the other two names, which give rise to countless possibilities.

No wonder Edgar doesn't mind Anson appearing in this project.

Will Smith? Brad Pitt? It's really hard to imagine them playing Willy Wonka. If Will is a comedian, it can still be somewhat related, then Brad's appearance on this discussion list is a bit of a joke.

However, compared to the weight of these names, what really interests Anson is Warner Bros.'s determination:

From the actor list, you can see that Warner Bros. is indeed considering the image of Willy Wonka in all aspects, with different ages, different types, and different styles. If the style of the movie is determined with the actor as the core, and then the art style and lens characteristics of the entire project are established according to the actor's color, then this movie will eventually become a movie exclusively for Willy Wonka.

In his previous life, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" was indeed like this, completely branded with Johnny Depp's mark.

This is indeed exciting.

Although Anson is currently trying different movies and different roles, compared to Hollywood's prejudice against Anson as a pretty boy, his work style and type are already very rich; but he still doesn't have a work that truly belongs to his own style.

So, should he nod?

Lucas carefully looked at Anson, "What's wrong, are you tempted?"

Anson immediately became vigilant, "If I'm tempted, does that mean the number of security team members has to be increased to twelve?"

Lucas didn't expect Anson to complain like this, and a smile flashed in his eyes, "This matter is different. Edgar has been planning your next career step, hoping to open up the situation, cooperate with the work here at Forest Pictures, and strive for more say in our game with Sony Columbia. I can understand."

"Edgar said that this time Warner Bros. is full of sincerity. On this list of actors, your name is ranked first. Not only does the producer have great appreciation for you, but the company's senior management is also doing their best to promote the cooperation, and their attitude is very positive."

"Johnny Depp and Will Smith also have voices, but they can't compare to you at all."

Anson, "Senior management?"

Lucas, "Jeff Robinov, your friend?"

Anson suddenly realized, "I've met him twice. Last time, 'The Butterfly Effect' was cooperated with New Line Cinema through his matchmaking."

Lucas, "I inquired about it. He highly recommends you within Warner Bros."

Anson did not hide his surprise. He and Jeff Robinov did not have a real friendship, but this top producer did treat him very kindly.

"If there is a chance, I would very much like to cooperate with him once."

Lucas, "Why not this time? Is the 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' project not suitable?"

Anson looked into Lucas's eyes, "Reduce the security team to four people?"

Lucas was stunned, caught off guard by Anson, and almost nodded in agreement.

Anson watched Lucas almost break through, but at the last moment, he slammed on the brakes and managed to avoid being fooled, and couldn't help but spread his hands to express his regret, "Almost, just a little bit."

Lucas: … …

Anson also didn't continue joking, "The age isn't right."

"I know that these Hollywood projects have more than one way to change the script. The gender of the character can be changed, the race can be changed, let alone the age?"

"But in this project, Willy Wonka is a character who carries dreams and hopes, and still maintains childlike innocence after experiencing vicissitudes. His age and experience are important components of the character, and I don't want to change it casually."

"Since I now have the right to choose, instead of catering to the project and catering to the other party, why not choose a role and project that is really suitable for me and that I am also interested in?"

"Of course, in the final analysis, the role of Willy Wonka still didn't move me."

"Lucas, I said, I need to rest for a while. My mentality is not ready. Now I don't feel eager to try when I see these roles."

"So, I would rather refuse."

From all aspects, including Warner Bros.'s sincerity, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is indeed a good choice. The most important thing is that this project has the ability to leverage, making Sony Columbia feel threatened. Lucas and Edgar have reached a consensus on this and have also included it in their own considerations.

But now it seems that Anson is still sober and calm, completely indifferent, and maintains his original intention even in the face of the temptation and impact of the celebrity circle—

This is a good thing.