The news of the director change for "Titanic" spread throughout the United States after a few days of speculation. This film, which was already met with skepticism, shocked everyone when an 18-year-old newcomer was appointed as the director. This not only alarmed the tabloids but also led several reputable media outlets across the country to publish critical articles.
The *Chicago Reader* ran a headline titled "Fox Studios Takes a Huge Gamble: Can an 18-Year-Old Save the Day?" criticizing Fox Studios and Dunn—"Since the project began, Fox Studios' executives have made a series of poor decisions that have nearly bankrupted 20th Century Fox! Three days ago, Bill Mechanic and the other executives shockingly appointed an 18-year-old to lead this nearly $200 million project—an unprecedented move!"
The *Los Angeles Times* ran the headline "Arrogant Kid's Bold Claim: $1.5 Billion at the Box Office is Just the Baseline?" and attacked Dunn without mercy—"Youthful ambition is one thing, but arrogance will surely lead to downfall. Dunn Williams Walker, newly appointed as the director of *Titanic*, has become a household name in America. But his claim that $1.5 billion is just the baseline, with a goal of $2 billion, seems more like the fanciful dreams of a teenager. It appears that Dunn Walker has yet to step out of his childhood fairy tales."
The *New York Times* was even more scathing, stating that "Dunn Walker is destined to be a fleeting presence in Hollywood," and subtly suggested that Dunn might be a victim of power struggles within Fox Studios, "which could lead to his complete downfall, leaving his life in ruins."
The *Times* was blunt, stating, "With so many directors in Hollywood, is a young, inexperienced boy really the best choice? This is a desecration of Hollywood and an insult to all filmmakers!"
Professional film magazines completely dismissed the *Titanic* project, predicting it would be the most significant financial disaster in history, with Fox Studios and Dunn Walker jointly staging the biggest farce in Hollywood history.
Fox Studios felt immense pressure and had to hold a press conference to explain the situation, stating that Dunn Walker is a genius director, even better than Steven Spielberg was at his age. They argued that Dunn's appointment to direct *Titanic* in its time of crisis required great courage and determination.
Fox expressed confidence in Dunn Walker, believing he could successfully manage the *Titanic* project and deliver a classic film for movie fans worldwide.
The Fox Studios spokesperson also pointed out that James Cameron had only stepped down as director and remained the film's producer. The filming and operations were still under Cameron's control, so there was no need for concern.
Unfortunately, this statement quickly disappeared amid endless criticism, accusations, and ridicule.
The pressure was suffocating.
Even Rupert Murdoch, the head of News Corporation, personally called to question the decision. Bill Mechanic, however, remained firm, insisting that Dunn Walker was the best choice to direct *Titanic*.
This was essentially an ultimatum, and the atmosphere within Fox Studios became tense.
In contrast to the uproar outside, the *Titanic* crew remained calm, for a simple reason: Dunn Walker's professional skills commanded respect.
Even James Cameron was impressed by some of Dunn's creative ideas during filming, expressing his admiration more than once, saying, "Dunn's level of professionalism is astounding. Of course, it would be even better if he paid more attention to detail."
Naturally, there was one person more nervous than anyone else—Kate Winslet.
With the Los Angeles scenes finished, the crew was set to fly to Mexico City the next day. Kate had some matters to resolve before then.
That day's filming ended early due to the upcoming flight, and everyone returned to the hotel to rest.
Dunn was assigned a luxurious suite, complete with everything he could need—a far cry from the small motels he used to rent.
Around 9 p.m., Dunn took a bath, put on his robe, and sat on the sofa in the living room, reviewing the storyboard script with a red pen in hand, making corrections.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.
"Knock! Knock! Knock!"
Dunn got up to open the door, and to his surprise, it was the leading actress, Kate Winslet, standing there!
She had clearly just taken a bath as well, with her tousled auburn curls lazily draped over her shoulders, wet and alluring. Her sea-green eyes sparkled like gems set in her fair, radiant face, with her red lips and pearly white teeth.
There was no denying it—she was stunning!
Sexy, charming, and confident.
Dunn had read her bio. At 5'7" and around 120 pounds, she didn't have a model's figure, but she certainly wasn't deserving of nicknames like "Fat Kate."
Dunn wondered why she was here so late.
"I'm sorry to disturb you so late, Mr. Director... May I come in for a cup of coffee?" Kate Winslet asked, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear with a seductive smile.
Dunn raised an eyebrow, puzzled.
Having coffee this late? What's going on?
"Of course," Dunn replied, stepping aside to let her in.
As Dunn turned away, Kate quickly sighed in relief, nervously patting her chest.
Kate knew Dunn Walker was approachable—most of the crew called him "Dunn." But since she hadn't been given permission, she had stuck to the formal "Mr. Director."
Her goal that evening was to change that.
After pouring Kate a cup of coffee, Dunn sat back down on the sofa, continuing to make corrections to the storyboard.
Suddenly, a delicate fragrance filled the air, and a few damp strands of hair brushed against his face. Kate Winslet had sat down beside him, her voice sweet and flattering, "Mr. Director, are you still working this late?"
Dunn turned to her in surprise, noticing her stunning profile and inadvertently swallowing to mask his reaction. "I'm just cutting some unnecessary shots," he explained.
Kate noticed several big Xs drawn over the storyboards and wondered about them but said nothing—it wasn't her job.
"Mr. Director, we have a flight early tomorrow. You should get some rest," Kate suggested with a warm smile.
Dunn sneered inwardly. If you think I should rest, why come over for coffee? Are you playing games with me? I didn't hold last time against you, and now you're pushing your luck?
Dunn was about to reprimand her but hesitated when he saw her tender gaze, her lips slightly parted, and her chest subtly rising and falling.
Even if Dunn was less experienced, he finally understood Kate's intentions.
"So that's what this is about..."
Dunn felt his heart racing, his mouth suddenly dry.
Hollywood—this was Hollywood, after all!
"Mr. Director..." Kate's soft body leaned forward, pressing gently against Dunn's chest. She whispered seductively in his ear, "Last time was my fault. Can you forgive me?"
Dunn, already in the prime of his youth, couldn't resist such allure. He suddenly grabbed her waist and stood up, heading toward the bedroom. With a fierce look, he growled, "Hmph! Whether I forgive you depends on how you perform!"
Kate Winslet finally breathed a sigh of relief, smiling slightly as she wrapped her delicate arms around Dunn's neck and murmured sweetly, "Mr. Director, Rose is asking you to punish her..."
Dunn nearly stumbled, losing his balance!
When a Hollywood actress uses her top-notch acting skills to flirt with you, no man can resist!
Absolutely no one can!