Bill Mechanic was a seasoned veteran at 20th Century Fox. With his seniority, even if *Titanic* had flopped, it wouldn't have shaken his position too much.
In another timeline, he might have taken a more cautious approach—cutting funding for *Titanic*, bringing in other studios to share the risk, lowering promotional costs, and selling distribution rights. A series of strategic moves to preemptively minimize Fox's losses.
But this time, things were different. Bill Mechanic had made a baffling mistake—he had arbitrarily hired an 18-year-old kid as the film's director!
A blunder like this, no matter how impressive his track record was, would make it impossible for him to regain the trust of Rupert Murdoch and News Corp.
So now, he had only one choice: double down.
He had to go all in on *Titanic*, leveraging Fox's powerful marketing and distribution resources to create massive hype and turn the situation around completely.
If people thought he was blind, then Bill Mechanic would prove to them that he had an eye for true talent!
Even if he didn't know or trust Dunn very much, he had no choice but to stand firmly behind him and offer full support.
Fortunately, the film lived up to his expectations.
🎶 *Every night in my dreams, I see you, I feel you…* 🎶
As Celine Dion's hauntingly beautiful voice filled the air, the lights in Fox's private screening room flickered on.
A moment of silence—then, someone started clapping.
The applause quickly spread, soon echoing throughout the entire screening room.
Besides Fox's top executives, the audience included some of Mechanic's close industry friends. They all stood up, clapping and congratulating him.
There was no doubt—this was an extraordinary film!
Bill Mechanic let out a deep breath. The immense pressure he had been carrying for months finally eased. A satisfied smile spread across his face as he strode toward James Cameron, gripping his hands tightly.
"James, you did an incredible job! This is a masterpiece of commercial cinema!"
Like Mechanic, the other industry professionals also stood up, their eyes shining with excitement as they approached Cameron, showering him with praise.
"James, this film has completely changed my perception of visual effects! I believe it will define a new era—just like *Star Wars* did!"
"I've always admired your work, James, but I have to admit—I still underestimated you. This film is nothing short of spectacular!"
"I was completely spellbound for three whole hours! James, you have no idea—the final scene with Leo and Kate? Absolutely breathtaking!"
One by one, people swarmed around James Cameron, shaking his hand and expressing their admiration.
And yet, no one acknowledged the young director, Dunn Walker.
They simply couldn't believe that an 18-year-old could have directed something this profound, this perfect, this deeply moving.
To them, it had to be Cameron's work.
Dunn watched the scene unfold with a calm smile—but deep down, how could he not feel bitter?
He had poured just as much, if not more, effort into this film as Cameron had!
Grant sighed and patted Dunn's shoulder. "You're still young. If you have real talent, one day, people will recognize it."
"I know," Dunn replied, exhaling with a hint of self-mockery.
Did he really need Hollywood's approval?
What was Hollywood's status in the grand scheme of things?
Dunn had far bigger dreams. He wasn't here just to work for Hollywood—he was here to build his own legend!
As for these so-called "industry professionals" who were only showing respect to Mechanic? They meant nothing.
No matter what, Dunn's directing contract was valid. His $5 million base salary was locked in, and he was also entitled to 10% of the film's global box office revenue.
That money would be his first step toward building an empire!
Meanwhile, Fox's production chief, Jim Gianopulos, outwardly seemed thrilled—but inside, he was filled with dread.
The success of *Titanic* wasn't in his personal interest.
If Bill Mechanic were to step down, Tom Rothman would likely take over. And Rothman, being well-connected with Murdoch, might even push Gianopulos into the role of Fox's president.
But now? No matter how *Titanic* performed at the box office, it was clear the film's reputation would be stellar.
And honestly, from Gianopulos' own perspective, the box office was probably going to be massive too.
"Tom, it seems like everyone has a lot of confidence in this film," Gianopulos said with a smile.
Tom Rothman scoffed. "They don't speak for the audience! This movie is over three hours long!"
"But there's no doubt the word-of-mouth will be great," Gianopulos countered.
Rothman snorted. "*The Shawshank Redemption* had great word-of-mouth too."
***
As they stepped out of the screening room, Cameron awkwardly turned to Dunn. "Dunn, I'm sorry."
Dunn understood what he meant. He smiled casually and said, "James, this is all well-deserved."
Cameron, however, was visibly frustrated. "They… They're discriminating against you because of your age!"
Dunn just shook his head. He didn't care—so long as the money was in his pocket.
Cameron wasn't done. "Dunn, I know we had some misunderstandings at first, but after working together for over half a year, I have to admit—you have an incredible sense for filmmaking. Your instincts have been spot on every time. In that regard, you're better than me!"
Dunn waved his hand dismissively. "James, you know I don't care about all this. What I care about is whether the box office will hit $1.8 billion—otherwise, the whole world will have a good laugh at me!"
Cameron burst into laughter. "Well, that's what you get for making bold claims! But don't worry—Bill has already promised to throw everything Fox has into promoting *Titanic*. The marketing campaign will be everywhere, and it'll continue for a month after release."
Dunn's eyes lit up. "Did he say how many theaters we're getting for the opening weekend?"
Cameron gave him a puzzled look. "Do you even need to ask? With a production this big, at least 3,500 screens—maybe even 4,000?"
Dunn grinned.
His presence had changed history.
Originally, *Titanic* had been released in the Christmas season with minimal marketing, opening in just 2,800 theaters. Many people didn't even realize it was a love story.
As a result, this groundbreaking film had a shockingly low opening weekend of just over $30 million.
Luckily, through sheer word-of-mouth, its breathtaking romance and stunning visuals spread across the world, eventually leading to an explosive box office run.
This time, things would be different.
***
As Cameron and Dunn stepped outside Fox headquarters, a group of reporters immediately swarmed them.
"Mr. Cameron, what do you think of Walker's directing abilities?"
"Do you still hold a grudge against him for taking your director's seat?"
"What's your opinion on Dunn's bold claim that *Titanic* will make at least $1.8 billion?"
Cameron glanced at Dunn, who remained calm, as if none of this had anything to do with him.
He turned back to the reporters and said, "*Titanic's* trailer will premiere nationwide tonight, and let me tell you—the movie is even better than the trailer. As for Dunn… the box office and the film itself will speak for him."
"Mr. Walker, producer Jon Landau reportedly didn't believe in your abilities and thought you might ruin this project. What do you have to say to that?"
Dunn and Cameron exchanged surprised glances.
Jon Landau had been quietly fired by Fox a while ago—but now, he was trying to stay relevant by bringing up *Titanic*?
Dunn's eyes darkened, but he kept his expression steady.
With a firm, unwavering voice, he declared:
"*Titanic* will not sink."
Bold. Unshakable. Resounding.