Since the establishment of the Harry Potter Studio, after long-term hype and publicity, the Harry Potter series has blossomed brilliantly in Europe and the United States. Just as many book critics have commented, the books may not possess significant literary value but are highly aligned with market demands. The dreamlike storyline not only captivates minors but also profoundly influences young adults.
All feedback from the market data indicates that the time has come to adapt this series into films.
Although waiting a few more years for further fermentation might yield better results, the Harry Potter Studio has invested significant funds and resources into the series. Capital, by nature, exists to seek profits. From Duke's studio to Warner Bros., everyone is eager to see returns as soon as possible.
Following the initiation of Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone has also been put on the agenda.
Duke flew back to Los Angeles from Sydney to finalize several critical matters regarding the film.
As a future investor and producer, and a top director who has repeatedly proven his vision in filmmaking, Time Warner Group strongly insisted on Duke's involvement in the planning and production of this series.
Another key figure in the series, Joanne Rowling, also traveled from London to Los Angeles. When Duke met the inspirational single-mother author again, he noticed a complete transformation in her temperament. The cautiousness of the past was entirely gone, replaced by visible confidence and shrewdness.
Anyone with Rowling's current fame would undergo such a change.
Rowling's transformation stemmed from her relentless efforts and, more importantly, opportunity. She could be seen as the publishing industry's new top star, created by Time Warner Group's massive media resources.
"Jo, you look even more beautiful."
Entering the Harry Potter Studio in the Warner Building, Duke shook hands with Joanne Rowling and then greeted Doug Walter, Robin Grand, and others before sitting beside Tina Fey in adjacent seats.
Those present would form the core decision-making team for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, deciding matters from investment to directorial appointments.
Among them, the person whose influence had grown the most was Joanne Rowling.
This was entirely natural. Like Duke in the past, increasing status and influence naturally brought power.
Even if Duke and Warner did not intend to follow her opinions, they still needed to offer appropriate respect.
Rowling and Warner had an unspoken agreement on certain matters, such as their persistent hope that Duke would direct this series.
"Duke..."
Joanne Rowling made no effort to hide her thoughts. "I believe you are the most suitable choice for director."
Doug Walter immediately echoed, "You know, Duke, this has always been my opinion."
"Jo, Doug, you've both seen my schedule. I'm directing The Lord of the Rings trilogy and producing Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions..."
Before Duke could finish, Doug Walter interjected, "And you must be the producer for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone."
If possible, Doug Walter would want Duke to produce every Warner Bros. film.
"Human energy is limited." Duke spread his hands helplessly. "I can't devote all my energy to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Besides, I'm not suited to family-friendly genres..."
Of all his arguments, the last one was the most convincing. Joanne Rowling and Doug Walter exchanged glances, temporarily falling silent.
As the production manager responsible for the crew, Robin Grand timely interjected, "I think I have a say in this. I've worked with Duke since Speed, and his style indeed doesn't suit family-friendly films."
"You've all seen my films." Duke tacitly picked up, "If I were to make Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone a PG-13 film, it would inevitably cause many problems."
Doug Walter frowned and sighed. "Duke, you're the director we have the most confidence in..."
The discussion had already indicated a clear direction. None of the participants were foolish. Duke had never made a G or PG-rated film, and even his PG-13 films were rare. Most of his released works were R-rated.
For a work like Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, classification was critical.
"Rowling, what's your opinion?" Doug Walter looked at Joanne Rowling.
Jeff Robinov, who had confirmed his transfer to Time Warner as an executive president at the end of his term, aimed to compete for the CEO position. Duke and Rowling were his most crucial supports.
"It's truly regrettable that Duke can't direct." Joanne Rowling thought for a moment before saying, "I think Spielberg would be a great choice."
Spielberg's two career-defining films were typical family-friendly movies.
Looking across Hollywood, Spielberg was indeed highly suitable for Harry Potter, but Duke didn't want to see him in the director's chair.
"I oppose." Duke, not just a director but also a businessman, immediately provided a reason convincing enough for Warner to abandon Spielberg. "DreamWorks is facing significant challenges, and Spielberg has been searching for suitable projects to save it. What if he demands a share in the film's investment?"
This wouldn't affect Rowling but could influence him and Warner Bros.
Without much consideration, Doug Walter sided with Duke. "Jo, I think we need to be cautious."
Joanne Rowling wasn't naive. Sitting beside her, her agent timely offered a reminder. She quickly realized this involved Hollywood's internal power struggle and didn't insist on her opinion.
"The production budget is as high as $130 million."
Such a figure was enough to make anyone cautious. Directors without sufficient credentials wouldn't even be considered. Robin Grand said, "We need a director with enough successful experience to helm the project."
"Let me recommend someone." Duke naturally remembered the name of the director from before. "Does everyone still remember the Home Alone series?"
Doug Walter immediately caught on. "You mean Chris Columbus?"
Duke nodded. "He's Hollywood's most successful family-friendly director of the 1990s."
This was merely a suggestion. Without thorough evaluation and negotiation, neither Duke nor Warner would be foolish enough to finalize a director immediately. After all, proposing someone was one thing; Chris Columbus accepting was another.
Finalizing the director for a production of such scale couldn't be settled with just a few words.
Subsequently, Warner executives suggested Tim Robbins and Brad Silberling, director of Casper, who were also listed as candidates for evaluation.
After determining the investment amount and identifying directors for consideration, the meeting moved to another critical yet contentious topic—filming locations!
The primary dispute lay between Rowling and the Harry Potter Studio.
"I insist that the film be shot in the UK," Joanne Rowling's stance was firm. "And the main roles must be played by British actors."
Duke glanced at the frowning Doug Walter and understood this wasn't the first disagreement on the matter.
Doug Walter looked at Duke, clearly hoping he could persuade Joanne Rowling.
To be honest, Duke didn't care much about Rowling's demands. With such a huge budget, filming in Australia, New Zealand, or Canada could save a significant amount through tax incentives. As for insisting on British actors for the main roles...
It must be said that while literature and film have no boundaries, authors and directors certainly do.
Duke didn't care whether the actors were British. Harry Potter is a typical series where the characters make the actors. Once the series concludes, the main actors' value would plummet, and they'd likely never escape the labels imposed by the series.
The former child actors did leave a deep impression, but the series could do without any of them. Even without Daniel Radcliffe or Emma Watson, Harry Potter would still be Harry Potter.
Moreover, the actors chosen by J.K. Rowling ultimately didn't age well. Including the three leads, most of them grew up to be examples of Hollywood child stars who became less appealing as adults.
That wasn't the main issue, though. As their age increased, the acting skills of the three leads not only failed to improve but seemed to decline continuously. Leaving aside Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, even Emma Watson, who had been highly regarded by countless people, displayed hardly any acting talent. By the later stages, many were begging someone to teach them how to act properly.
Recalling the three leads, Duke suddenly thought that Emma Watson was essentially the British version of Natalie Portman. Her reputation in the media had always been positive, but a careful observer couldn't miss how many boyfriends she'd had and how frequently they changed—a rate well above Hollywood's average standards.
In this circle, the so-called noble and pure "goddesses" were often nothing more than fan-created fantasies.
Duke believed that if he had stayed in Los Angeles for a few more years, he would undoubtedly witness more juicy scandals about Emma Watson. As for her acting career, it would either continue its downward spiral or she would resort to taking off her clothes to seek a career transformation.
Hollywood's youth idols were all destined to take this path—some succeeded, and some failed.
However, given the deep Hermione imprint on Emma Watson and her atrociously bad acting, unless a miracle occurred, the highest point in her life would always remain as Hermione Granger.
These thoughts quickly flashed through Duke's mind. Turning to J.K. Rowling, he considered her request for the film to be shot in the UK. He could agree, but empty words alone held no convincing power.
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