1591-1593

*Chapter 1591: Basic Understanding*

"There won't be a fourth film; the third one is the end."

Edgar's words made Amy pause, an unexpected twist.

"If Anson continues to play Peter Parker, then there will only be a third one."

"Of course, if you're looking for a new actor to play Spider-Man, Sony Columbia is completely free to envision a series of four or even six films. I believe that could be a fantastic series."

Unexpected, completely unexpected.

Michael and Amy both believed that guaranteeing the third and fourth films in the series would be the key to convincing Anson to come on board, but Anson had absolutely no interest in a fourth film.

Amy was also caught completely off guard, but she still managed to control herself. After all, Edgar was being honest, wasn't he?

This was an opening.

Amy calmed down, maintaining a smile. "Why? Is Anson planning to move into art house films next, trying to make a run for the Oscars?"

Edgar countered, "Why, is that inappropriate?"

Amy just laughed. "No, no no no, I'm just saying, this is our loss. Have I told you? I'm a fan of Anson's looks."

"Haha." Edgar laughed especially heartily. "I'll tell Anson that. But no, Anson isn't preparing to give up opportunities to act in commercial genre films."

"After all, as you said, this is Anson's foundation, and his most important basis for standing as an actor. We won't ruin our own future."

Amy slightly raised her chin. "So, you're dissatisfied with Sony Columbia?"

Edgar just laughed. "Oh, that's a serious accusation."

Amy's lips also curled up slightly. "But it's completely understandable. I'm willing to defend Sony Columbia, but at the same time, I can understand Anson's frustration and unhappiness."

"Or perhaps, this is a negotiation strategy."

"The third film is one thing, the fourth film is another. There's no need to discuss or negotiate them together. We can determine the basis for the fourth film's cooperation terms based on the third film's box office. I never knew Anson was so ambitious."

If that were the case, Amy couldn't possibly agree. She couldn't abandon Sony Columbia just to sign Anson; that would be a short-sighted approach that would be ultimately harmful. Even if signing Anson was successful, the Sony Columbia board wouldn't be satisfied, and it would become another potential opportunity for Michael to disrupt the balance.

Amy also had her bottom line.

"Heh." Edgar chuckled lightly. "I won't deny that possibility. In Anson's words, if you left a hundred-million-dollar check, he certainly couldn't refuse a fourth film."

Amy laughed along.

Edgar, "Indeed, Anson is ambitious, but not in this area."

"Undoubtedly, Anson will continue to act in genre films, continue to act in commercial films. Goodness, that's one of the key joys of working in Hollywood, isn't it?"

"But the truth is, Anson needs to uncouple himself from Peter Parker."

Amy was taken aback, her smile lifting unnaturally. "Alright, I admit, this is unexpected, a completely new situation that I didn't anticipate."

Edgar chuckled softly. "See, that's the difference."

"You want Anson and Peter Parker to be tied together further, breaking the fourth wall, whether Peter is an extension of Anson's screen image, or Anson acts as Peter's real-life spokesperson. Sony Columbia hopes this bond will deepen, evolving into a brand."

"However, Anson needs to shake off the Peter Parker image. If everyone who sees him just thinks he's Peter Parker, then what should Anson Wood do?"

"Other directors and producers will see the same impression when they see him. They might not be able to offer Anson other roles. Even if Anson manages to secure a role through his own efforts, audiences seeing Peter Parker suddenly become an alcoholic middle-aged man probably wouldn't be able to digest the shock."

That's how simple it is.

It's precisely because of this that all Hollywood child stars face such a bottleneck.

In the audience's minds, they are just children, but in real life, they need to grow up. They can't refuse to grow up forever like Peter Pan in the movies. Macaulay Culkin, Drew Barrymore, Lindsay Lohan, Leonardo DiCaprio, Will Smith, and so on and so forth, are all like this.

Including Anson's friends, Brad Renfro and Scarlett Johansson, there are no exceptions either.

On a similar note, the three main actors in the "Harry Potter" series are also facing such choices.

In the novels, one book per year, the children grew one year older; in the real world, movies couldn't be made one per year. From the first to the third film, it took five years. The children, who were eleven back then, grew rapidly, visibly becoming teenagers.

Leaving aside Warner Bros.' concerns for a moment, the three core actors faced immense pressure. Not only did they need to handle a busy filming schedule, trying to finish filming before they fully grew up, but they also needed to balance their studies and private lives. The constant, bothersome attention posed severe challenges to their lives.

Against this backdrop, Emma Watson officially considered whether she should continue playing Hermione. She worried that the long-term contract might restrict her growth and freedom, and completely tie her to the character of Hermione, making it impossible to explore other possibilities.

Although it was currently just at the rumor stage, Warner Bros. still became alert—

Naturally, actors and film companies consider things differently.

Later, the first thing Daniel Radcliffe did after leaving the role of Harry Potter was to take off all his clothes on stage in London's West End in front of the entire audience. While "sacrificing for art," it was also a declaration of his coming of age, completely shaking off the Harry Potter image.

"Oh. My God." Amy exclaimed.

"So, Anson's next project is planning to star as an alcoholic middle-aged man? Are there only drinking scenes in it?"

Amy looked meaningfully at Edgar, looking eager.

Edgar just laughed.

Amy gently let out a breath. "This is a big one, and an unexpected one. It looks like our plans need to be completely overturned. I might need a little time."

Amy quietly stared at Edgar. "Anson is serious, right?" This wasn't a joke, nor was it a strategic maneuver.

Edgar just smiled without speaking.

Amy just felt a headache coming on. "I should have seen this possibility. Anson... phew, he's quite different from what all of us imagined."

Edgar expressed agreement. "You should be thankful this isn't the end. At least there's still a chance for one more collaboration."

Anson was now in a commanding position.

Should Sony Columbia be thankful Anson was willing to give them one more chance?

Amy gently nodded in agreement. "Indeed, now we need Anson; Anson doesn't need us."

Edgar, "Don't worry, Anson doesn't plan on making outrageous demands. Cooperation can take many forms: short-term, long-term, one-off, and so on."

Clearly, Anson could have cut off their escape route, heavily extorted Sony Columbia, made a killing, and walked away. But Edgar didn't do that. Instead, he openly laid out the plan for no fourth movie, showing sincerity. The implicit message was that it was now Sony Columbia's turn to show sincerity.

*Chapter 1592: Taking a Real Risk*

Short-term partnership. Long-term partnership. One-off partnership.

The subtext couldn't be clearer. Edgar had laid out the demands and his hand on the table, then handed the decision-making power back to Sony Columbia.

Amy realized the main event was here.

The build-up and lead-in before were just appetizers; the numbers coming next were the crucial part. She had to find a balance between Anson's demands and Sony Columbia's interests, otherwise Michael's predicament would serve as a cautionary tale.

Thinking of this, Amy's nerves tightened slightly.

However, just as Amy was preparing to make her move, Edgar spoke again.

"Looking at it from another angle, ending the story with the third film might actually be a good thing."

"Look at 'Terminator,' look at 'Alien,' look at 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones.' Film studios always hope to keep successful series going indefinitely, but in the end, they all turn into 'Scary Movie,' destroying themselves from within."

Amy was taken aback for a moment, then a smile returned to her lips. "Sony Columbia isn't involved in those examples. Should we be celebrating?"

Edgar replied, "So you still have a chance to hit the brakes before disaster strikes."

Amy burst into laughter.

Edgar continued, "This is Anson's idea."

"A trilogy is a complete loop. Perhaps we can truly give Peter Parker a satisfying arc, a perfect conclusion. Just as you said, before he enters society, the workplace, marriage, and another phase of life, we can bring this coming-of-age story to a close, preserving a bit of youthful brilliance."

"Because we all know how miserable middle age can be."

The atmosphere was exceptionally relaxed.

Amy chimed in, "After all, Peter Parker isn't Bruce Wayne."

Edgar mused, "Who knows, maybe Peter Parker's future is Bruce Wayne."

Amy slightly raised her chin, studying Edgar closely, trying to glean some truth. Was Edgar implying that if Sony Columbia didn't seize this opportunity, Anson was ready to delve into deep collaboration with Warner Bros.?

But Edgar didn't pause. "So, Anson needs producer power."

"Not a puppet or a figurehead. He needs real decision-making authority, to collaborate with the director, writers, and other producers to create a truly satisfying character and bring the trilogy to a perfect close."

"We both know there were many reasons behind the box office explosion of the second film. The possibility of replicating such a feat with the third film is very, very slim. But at the very least, we can ensure the quality of the third film is on par with the second."

Amy understood immediately. "Start with the reputation, build a perfect trilogy."

Edgar elaborated, "We make the work an asset, not limited to box office numbers, but something that can continuously generate influence and create more value."

"Anson really, really hopes to complete this journey hand-in-hand with the film crew."

Amy could see sincerity in Edgar's eyes, a completely different strategy than when he dealt with Michael.

Or perhaps it varied depending on the person.

When Michael discussed numbers with Edgar, Edgar discussed numbers; when Amy discussed emotions with Edgar, Edgar discussed emotions.

However, the key was that hidden behind all the smoke and mirrors, Edgar's real leverage remained unclear—

In this negotiation, Edgar consistently held the initiative.

Amy knew it was her turn to show her cards.

"We genuinely hope for a long-term partnership. Believe me, I'm sincere. Even though you mentioned only the third film, I still devoutly pray for a fourth."

"In my opinion, Anson won't become Christopher Reeve, whose entire career was defined by Superman, forever unable to shake the label of 'the first flying man in big screen history.' Even now, Anson has already opened up new avenues; people see countless possibilities in him."

"Now, it's Peter Parker who relies on Anson, not the other way around."

"So, I sincerely hope there will be a fourth film. Sony Columbia is willing to continue the partnership with the utmost sincerity; this is what I've been busy with all day today."

"Edgar..."

Amy looked into Edgar's eyes, filled with sincerity.

"I wish Anson could be here because then I could apologize in person."

"Everything that happened last summer, undeniably, it did happen, and our handling of it was absolutely terrible. That's a responsibility we have to bear, and it's also something we owe Anson."

"It proved our foolishness and arrogance. I need to apologize to Anson. Anson has a hundred reasons to abandon us and refuse to continue the partnership, but even if there's just one reason, I still hope Anson can continue working with Sony Columbia."

"We need Anson."

Not only sincere, but also lowering her stance.

Incredibly, the confrontation between "Anson vs. Sony Columbia" had completely turned around. In just one year, Hollywood had changed dramatically.

There was a pause, not because Amy was waiting for Edgar to respond, but because she was continuously conveying her sincerity.

Then.

"We are willing to join hands with Anson to create history, to break through Hollywood's pyramid ceiling."

"Executive Producer, of course, that's not a problem. Frankly, after the film's release, when we read the critics' and audience feedback, we were discussing whether the film could have become a new classic if we had listened to Anson's opinions and revised the script back then."

"Of course, we were too greedy. So, if Anson is willing to participate in the creation of the third film, we naturally welcome it with open arms and legs."

"Additionally, a base salary of twenty million dollars, plus 5% of the box office revenue."

Finally, the cards were on the table.

Amy was a bit nervous because she knew the terms Edgar had given Michael, which were like a heavy mountain weighing on her chest.

Looking at Michael's situation, while Amy didn't sympathize with him, she didn't have time to kick him while he was down because she was about to face the same situation.

Trying her utmost to remain calm and rational, Amy looked directly into Edgar's eyes.

The smile on Edgar's lips lifted slightly. "Amy, you're not being honest. Is this really Sony Columbia's absolute highest limit?"

This time, Edgar didn't immediately throw out numbers to humiliate the other party like he did with Michael.

To be precise, Edgar wasn't even in a hurry to mention numbers.

Edgar sat steadily in his seat. "Sincerity for sincerity. I thought that was your strategy, which is why I spoke so freely about Anson's plans. But if this is the extent of the risk Sony Columbia is willing to take, then I'm very sorry, but I don't think there's any need for us to continue negotiating."

For "Spider-Man 2," Anson's salary was ten million dollars plus 5% of the box office revenue—provided the North American box office exceeded two hundred million dollars.

And now, it's only increased to twenty million dollars and 5% of box office revenue, without the previous conditions. But honestly, Edgar didn't see Sony Columbia's determination or sincerity.

Amy let out a soft breath, her face showing difficulty. "Edgar, we can't just look at the numbers, can we?"

Edgar chuckled. "Then what should we look at? You're not actually asking to test sincerity, are you?"

Amy could sense the teasing in Edgar's words, meaning the negotiation hadn't completely broken down yet. But if she didn't show more sincerity soon, they wouldn't be far from it.

***

*Chapter 1593: Showing Their Hand*

An objective fact: a salary jumping from ten million to twenty million dollars in Hollywood is moving up two levels, because the twenty-million-dollar club is basically the ceiling. What's more, Amy Pascal's terms included a 5% box office percentage, which would completely shake up the existing salary landscape in Hollywood!

You can imagine the storm that would hit Hollywood once that deal was signed.

So, this set of numbers was absolutely not as insignificant as Edgar made it sound, as if they were just a bunch of meaningless figures.

But equally, another objective fact was that Warner Bros. had already shown their corresponding sincerity, even before "Spider-Man 2" was released, showing their willingness and sincerity for long-term cooperation. At this moment, the box office explosion of "Spider-Man 2" put Sony Columbia in a difficult and awkward position.

Relying solely on that set of numbers was far from enough to move Anson.

However, the question is, do those guys on the Sony Columbia board actually care?

No, they don't care.

They don't even care about the numerical ratios of costs and revenue; they only care about the final financial report. As for the complexity and hardship of the process, it's all ignored.

Bathed in Edgar's gaze, Amy took a deep breath. Without arguing or explaining, she directly showed her hand.

"Twenty million dollars, 7.5% box office percentage."

Edgar's eyebrow slightly twitched, revealing a look of keen interest. He seemed to be sizing up Amy, and also seemed to be deep in thought.

Amy didn't rush. Instead, she waited patiently for a moment before explaining.

"Edgar, I know the number you have in mind is twenty million dollars plus a 10% box office percentage, but that's truly too much pressure for us."

"If that were the case, the production cost for the third film in the series could exceed two hundred million dollars. At the same time, our profit margin would be compressed. You know this deal is unfair."

Edgar wasn't fooled by the plea for sympathy strategy. "First, I know that even so, you would still be able to achieve profitability, and a profit easily exceeding one hundred million dollars wouldn't be a problem."

"Second, I also know that without Anson, nothing is possible. Of course, you could reboot the series, and we could continue to explore other possibilities, thoroughly helping Anson shed the Peter Parker label. But who do you think would care more?"

Finally! Edgar also showed his edge for the first time in front of Amy.

"Amy, you should know that the number I put forward is very reasonable. It slightly exceeds your expectation, but it's still reasonable. However, the responsive attitude you've shown makes me start thinking that perhaps ending the cooperation now is the best choice, before things get dirty and ugly."

"After all, you are Sony Columbia, a presence at the top of the Hollywood pyramid, while we are just small fry with no backing."

Amy smiled. "Small fry? William Morris is not just any small fry."

Edgar gently shook his head. "If you say you don't know that William Morris is working behind the scenes to get the role of Peter Parker, persuading you to abandon Anson and reboot the series, then you're lying."

Amy was startled—

She had thought William Morris would have done it secretly. After all, backstabbing their current biggest star actor would not sound good if it got out.

But looking at Edgar's expression, it was very certain; he wasn't probing for information. Amy's heart tightened. "So you chose Warner Bros. as your fallback?"

Edgar didn't admit it, but he didn't deny it either. "As I said, compared to giants like you, we are just small fry."

Amy, "But you know we won't reboot the series."

Edgar, "No, we don't know. We were gambling. If the box office hadn't been successful this time, the situation sitting here right now could be completely different."

"We were fighting hard for a glimmer of hope. And now, we are winning, yet we refuse to lower our guard."

A short sentence that accurately struck a chord with Amy—

Because Amy was also fighting and gambling, a high-wire self-rescue and adventure.

However, Amy had a feeling that Edgar didn't see her as a teammate. Otherwise, the news of Anson working with Warner Bros. wouldn't have been kept from her.

It's not that Amy necessarily had to be informed. After all, Anson hadn't signed an exclusive cooperation agreement with Sony Columbia; he had the right to sign deals with any company on any project. But precisely because there was no need for Anson to be secretive, yet he deliberately concealed it from Amy and proceeded quietly, it showed that they still saw Amy as the CEO of Sony Columbia.

What they called cooperation was just making a choice between Michael and her.

Amy quietly sized up Edgar. "So, this is your final proposal, no room for maneuver?"

Edgar's lips curved up slightly, but he just smiled without speaking.

Amy noticed. "Or are you saying we still have room to negotiate?"

Edgar, "Whether it's Michael or you, you're both fighting hard for it. Clearly, Sony Columbia refuses to give up this piece of profit. This must be the breaking point in the tug-of-war between you and the board members."

"Rather than saying I have room to negotiate, it's better to say you haven't left any room for negotiation."

"However, I have another proposal here: no base salary, 20% box office percentage."

Heh. This time, Edgar didn't beat around the bush; he directly dropped a bombshell.

Because it was too unexpected and too sudden, Amy was completely unprepared mentally. She just froze for a moment.

Edgar didn't rush. Instead, he left Amy time and space to react. After waiting a moment, he spoke.

"I know that for Sony Columbia, cost control has always been a challenge. If we were to ask for a twenty-million-dollar salary, that's an expense, and the movie production cost could exceed two hundred million dollars. For the crew, that's too big a burden."

"But this way, we don't take a base salary and rely entirely on the box office percentage. This ensures the production cost stays within a reasonable range, allows for some cooperation synergy, and we share the box office risk together. Plus, you can maximize Anson's influence and appeal."

"For both sides, this is a win-win."

The logic is clear.

However, Amy remained clear-headed. "So, this is what you've been planning?"

"No, you know this is impossible. If the box office is five hundred million, you'd take one hundred million?"

Edgar shook his head. "You can't calculate the numbers like that."

"If the box office is only one hundred million, then Anson's salary would only be twenty million. Compared to Jim Carrey, we haven't added any burden to the production cost. This is a worthwhile deal. It not only highlights Anson's status in Hollywood but also ensures Sony Columbia gets what it wishes for. The higher the box office, the more beneficial it is for both of us."

"You can't calculate the 20% percentage based on the success of the second film in the series. Because no one knows how the third film in the series will perform. The complete collapse of 'Batman & Robin' had no signs beforehand; it was the same for 'Alien 3' and 'Terminator 3'."

"Sharing hardships and moving forward together, that's the key."

Amy still gazed intently at Edgar.

Edgar laughed in spite of himself. "Yes, you've seen my bottom card."

"But there's no need to be so nervous. We can always go back to the original plan: twenty million dollars plus a 10% box office percentage. Compared like this, don't the original terms seem much more reasonable?"