"Three Best Actress winners (Nicole won twice), one Best Director, one Best Picture—Meyers Pictures is making a name for itself!"
The day after the Oscars, headlines were everywhere.
And the biggest winner? Meyers Pictures.
Since entering the film production industry, Meyers Pictures had already secured three Best Actress awards, one Best Director, one Best Picture, and one Best Original Screenplay (thanks to Martin). Their dominance in awards season was becoming undeniable.
Drew was busier than ever, with party invitations booked out for the next six months.
Actors, directors, and producers who wanted to get closer to Meyers Pictures—unable to reach Martin—turned their attention to Drew instead.
Drew's hands were practically sore from accepting invitations and gifts.
Martin reminded her, "Woman, don't forget you have a job to do. Don't waste all your time socializing."
Drew giggled. "Are you jealous? A few handsome guys invited me to their parties."
Martin clenched his fist. "Sounds like someone needs a spanking."
Drew stuck out her backside and patted it. "Yeah? Then come hit me."
Martin grinned wickedly. "You asked for it."
And soon, the sound of firm "punishment" filled the air.
…
On the Brokeback Mountain set.
Martin noticed Leonardo DiCaprio frowning and couldn't help but ask, "What's up with you these past couple of days? You've been in good form, but you keep looking all gloomy."
Leo sighed. "You know about the Kingdom of Heaven script?"
Martin shrugged. "Yeah, it's an English-led mega-production. I think 20th Century Fox is involved too. Why? You got a casting invite?"
Leo nodded. "Yeah, ever since watching The Lord of the Rings, I've been fascinated by epic films. This one is supposed to be directed by Ridley Scott. I really want to be a part of it, but the competition is fierce—"
"Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt… oh, and your buddy Orlando Bloom. I have no idea how to stand out."
Martin sighed, patted Leo's shoulder, and said, "Leo, do you trust me?"
Leo paused, then nodded. "Of course. Why?"
Martin said, "Don't get involved in this project. Seriously, don't."
In Martin's memory, Kingdom of Heaven was a massive financial disaster. With a budget of over $130 million, its North American box office didn't even hit $50 million.
Orlando Bloom, whose career had just started to rise, saw it crash overnight because of this film. Most of his upcoming deals were put on hold, and if not for Pirates of the Caribbean, he might have struggled to stay relevant.
"You're serious?" Leo's eyes widened.
Martin raised two fingers and pointed to his eyes. "Look at me—do I look like I'm joking? I've read the script. It's too bloated and all over the place. The screenwriter tried cramming in everything. Unless they make it over 200 minutes long, it's going to be a mess."
(Author Note: The final director's cut by Ridley Scott was 191 minutes, and he claimed it couldn't be trimmed further. But at that length, it was impossible to release in theaters. 20th Century Fox had to cut it down to a two-hour version, which resulted in a massive box office flop.
Originally, Ridley Scott suggested splitting it into two parts, which could have made the story clearer, but Fox rejected the idea. They feared audiences would lose interest after the first part, preferring to just cash in with a single release.)
The next day, Leo seemed much more relaxed.
When he saw Martin, he greeted him with a smile and said, "Hey man, I pulled out of the audition. I hope you're right about this—otherwise, I'm gonna look like an idiot."
Martin reassured him, "Trust me. When the movie comes out, you'll be thanking me."
…
Elsewhere—
"Orlando, Jack called last night. He said Martin doesn't think highly of this project and advised us to drop the audition."
Inside the CAA headquarters, agent Robin Baum spoke to Orlando Bloom.
"Jack? Jack Raymond?"
"Yes, that's him."
"Martin really doesn't think Kingdom of Heaven is a good project?"
"Nope. He even got the script himself and refused to audition."
Orlando Bloom fell into deep thought.
After a moment, he said, "If I insist on auditioning, will that offend Martin?"
Robin chuckled. "Not at all. Martin just had Jack give us a heads-up. The final decision is ours."
"I see." Orlando exhaled.
"So, what's your call?"
"No, we're out." Orlando was firm. "I trust Martin's judgment. He has no reason to lie to someone like me."
Robin nodded. "Alright, I'll call them now."
…
At Tom Cruise's mansion in Beverly Hills.
His agent, Brian Kaye, set down the phone and smiled. "Tommy, good news—Leonardo DiCaprio and Orlando Bloom have both dropped out of the Kingdom of Heaven audition."
Tom Cruise's eyes lit up. "So my only real competition is Brad Pitt now?"
"Exactly!" Brian grinned. "Ever since The Lord of the Rings, epic war films have been on the rise. Troy just finished test screenings, and word is it's getting good feedback. We have to secure Kingdom of Heaven."
Tom nodded. "Brad Pitt already has Troy, and now he wants Kingdom of Heaven too? That's greedy. I couldn't audition for Troy, but I won't let him take this one."
But then, Brian's expression suddenly turned thoughtful, his brows furrowing.
"What's wrong?" Tom asked.
"I just realized—it's odd that both Orlando Bloom and Leonardo DiCaprio dropped out at the same time. And… they're both close to Martin."
Tom's face darkened.
"You think Martin doesn't rate this movie?"
"I don't know," Brian admitted. "It's just a theory."
Tom clenched his jaw.
"Go investigate."
"Got it. I'll head back to CAA now."
Brian quickly left, leaving Tom deep in thought.