*Chapter 195: Box Office Domination*

"No problem, boss. I'll check out the specific situation on Melrose Avenue as soon as possible and secure a location for the store."

After having a proper dinner with Li Ying, Wayne and Hannah returned to Wayne Manor.

Time flew, and it was now the 29th.

There were many good films released recently, occupying much of the buzz. Disney and other companies also had films lined up, aiming for the same June 1st release window with great momentum.

DreamWorks spared no expense to boost excitement for their premiere. Even without counting Wayne and the film’s main cast, dozens of celebrities attended, including seven or eight A-list stars.

“Huh, you’re here too?” Wayne noticed the only person at the event whose looks rivaled his own, walking over with Martina, Ella, and Camilla.

“Why wouldn’t I be here?” Leo laughed and gave Wayne a big hug.

Though the women who had gathered around him were now staring at Wayne, Leo didn’t mind in the least. As someone with ambition, he wanted people to appreciate him for his acting, not just his looks.

In short, he’d been convinced by someone to abandon his good looks. But really, who wouldn’t want to be a handsome guy?

“By the way, I need a favor,” Wayne said after exchanging pleasantries.

“What is it?”

“Do you have any plans from the 5th to the 8th of next month?”

“Nope, I’ve been resting these past six months,” Leo replied without hesitation. He enjoyed leisure, and now that he was earning more money and choosing scripts carefully, he planned to relax until he began filming Gangs of New York and Catch Me If You Can later in the year.

“Perfect. How about joining me for a trip to China?”

“China?” Leo was surprised. “Aren’t you shooting The Wedding Crashers?”

“I can adjust the schedule. I’ve opened a talent agency over there, and on the 6th, I need to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony. You could join me and help support the event.”

For Leo, this was no big deal—it was similar to attending a premiere, just farther away.

Curious, he asked, “Don’t you already have a production company? Why open a talent agency too?”

Wayne explained, “Things in China work differently than in Hollywood. Besides, this time, I’m partnering with Hearst Group.”

Leo suddenly understood and quickly agreed.

By now, it was no secret that Amanda and Lydia had moved into Wayne Manor. Those paying attention to Wayne were well aware of his close ties with Hearst Group, which had played a key role in the success of his company, Hermola Films.

The next morning, amid much anticipation, the box office numbers for the premiere of Hotel for Dogs were released.

Even though the biggest star in the movie was Don Cheadle, playing a welfare worker, and Martina, who had just moved up to C-list after Mean Girls and The Dark Side, Wayne’s screenplay and Hermola Films’ brand still carried significant box office appeal.

It was like when James Cameron or Steven Spielberg released a new film—people wanted to see it.

Plus, since DreamWorks had bought the rights, it was effectively backed by Spielberg, guaranteeing solid box office results.

The film grossed $6.22 million on its first day, surpassing The Dark Side by over a million, though it fell short of Mean Girls.

Most importantly, audience feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The film struck a perfect balance between humor and emotion, earning excellent reviews and ratings.

On the 30th and 31st, theaters added more screens, and the strong word of mouth helped the film gross $7.51 million and $9.04 million, respectively.

On June 1st, the film’s official North American release, it took in an astonishing $23.86 million, crushing Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire, which made only $3.29 million that day, claiming the top spot at the box office.

That’s right—$23.86 million against $3.29 million.

Disney had released many blockbuster animated films, and Atlantis eventually grossed $84 million in North America and $102 million internationally in its previous incarnation.

But Wayne’s Hotel for Dogs crushed Atlantis so badly that it didn’t even come close.

Seeing these numbers, which surpassed The Bourne Identity and The Notebook, international distributors, even knowing the film had benefitted from its June 1st release, couldn’t sit still and began raising their offers.

This made Spielberg so happy he couldn’t stop smiling.

By June 3rd, Hotel for Dogs had grossed another $20.24 million in a single day, pushing its North American total past $90 million. DreamWorks sold the international distribution rights for 40-plus countries and regions for a total of $59 million.

Of course, the final profit would depend on the film’s overseas box office performance. If it performed exceptionally well, DreamWorks might end up owing Hermola Films money. But for now, Spielberg and DreamWorks executives were ready to pop the champagne.

Even if they lost some money at the box office, they could make it back through DVD sales. With the current trajectory, their $28 million purchase price and $5 million marketing budget would easily earn a return of over 100%.

On June 4th, Hotel for Dogs continued its strong performance with $17.35 million in daily ticket sales, pushing its North American total past $100 million to $107 million.

Although the numbers started to drop after the holiday and the workweek began, the film’s success had already far exceeded DreamWorks’ expectations.

Meanwhile, The Notebook showed remarkable staying power. After 15 days in theaters, it was still earning $4–5 million daily in North America and $6–7 million overseas, averaging over $10 million per day.

Its global box office reached $580 million, with $250 million from North America and $330 million from overseas, including $15 million from China alone.

At this rate, The Notebook was on track to hit $700 million globally, though reaching $800 million would be difficult, even with an extended release.

“If this were last year, it would’ve been the highest-grossing film of the year,” Wayne remarked as he lounged in the bath, attended by four women, including Masami Nagasawa, while reading the day’s paper.

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Due to the upcoming releases of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone later this year, both movies are expected to gross a staggering $871 million and an even more incredible $975 million at the box office, respectively.

Even if The Notebook can break $800 million globally, it will only manage to place third in annual worldwide box office rankings.

But that’s just how it is.

The potential of romance films today simply can’t compare to the box office appeal of fantasy films.

Not even James Cameron could change that.

“Sir, Miss Amanda’s and your luggage is packed and ready.”

“Thanks, Meda. I appreciate it.”

Early the next morning, Wayne set off for the airport, accompanied by Amanda, Hannah, Jessica, and four bodyguards.

Also traveling with them were Leo, Master Yuan, Jet Li, and their assistants, along with Liu Yifei and her mother, Liu Xiaoli.

Additionally, there was one person who wasn’t initially invited but joined voluntarily—Jackie Chan.

Upon hearing the news from some friends in Hong Kong, Jackie Chan reached out to Master Yuan, expressing his willingness to support Lighthouse Entertainment and attend the opening ceremony.

Wayne was a bit surprised by this news at first, but after thinking it over, he understood why.

Despite being considered an A-list actor in Hollywood, Jackie Chan’s situation was actually quite awkward.

Although nearing 50 years old, he still felt physically capable, but to the Hollywood producers and directors, he was seen as past his prime, and his action scenes weren’t as thrilling as they once were.

So, until Rush Hour 2 releases in August this year and hopefully achieves big box office success, he’s been in a tough spot with no new roles in Hollywood.

To be more precise, from when Shanghai Noon finished filming in May 1999 to August 2001, he only got one role, and that was in Rush Hour 2, a sequel.

Meanwhile, Jet Li had appeared in three films during that same time, and if not for his role in Hero, he could’ve taken on even more projects. His salary had risen to $8 million, nearly catching up to Jackie Chan.

Although after Rush Hour 2 became a box office hit, Jackie received several offers and saw his pay rise to $15 million, there were still two months before its release, and he wasn’t sure if it would be successful. Naturally, he wanted to explore other options.

Nowadays, when it comes to Hollywood directors whose films drive actors wild with excitement and have the most allure, there’s no doubt that Wayne, who has now surpassed George Lucas and Spielberg and stands alongside James Cameron, is the one.

Wayne understood Jackie’s intentions and, after some thought, didn’t turn him down.

A gentleman looks at actions, not motives. No matter what Jackie Chan’s personal motivations were, at least when it comes to making movies, he’s always been dedicated and professional, with a clear sense of right and wrong.

Besides, attending an opening ceremony isn’t much different from showing up at a movie premiere. It’s just a small favor, so there’s no harm in extending that courtesy to Jackie.

Since there was a large group, Wayne chartered a private jet for convenience.

Once on the plane, most people remained calm, except for Liu Yifei and her mother, Liu Xiaoli, who were clearly overwhelmed being surrounded by so many stars.

“Who are these two?” Leo curiously eyed Liu Yifei and her mother before turning to Wayne with a question.

Other than Amanda Hearst, he wasn’t very familiar with the others on the plane, but he recognized them all. Only Liu Yifei and her mother were unfamiliar faces.

In fact, it wasn’t just Leo; Jackie and the others were also curious about their identities.

“This is Liu Yifei, an artist with my new company, and her mother, who also acts as her manager, Liu Xiaoli,” Wayne casually introduced.

Today, Liu Yifei was wearing a pair of light blue skinny jeans that accentuated her slim waist and shapely hips, paired with a simple white T-shirt and canvas shoes. Without any extra accessories, she exuded a youthful energy, pure and fresh like a lotus emerging from clear water.

“Hmm, now this is more like it,” Wayne thought to himself.

To be honest, during this period, Liu Yifei’s figure was quite good. Although her proportions couldn’t compare to the long-legged Westerners, those who liked her weren’t really interested in her body, were they?

Noticing Wayne’s gaze on her, Liu Yifei, who hadn’t seen him in a while, felt both excited and shy. A blush crept across her pale cheeks.

Leo couldn’t help but display a mischievous smile as he looked between Liu Yifei and her mother.

After glancing at them again, he leaned closer to Wayne, nudging him with his elbow and grinning wickedly, “You really don’t hold back, huh? Is she even old enough yet, or do all Asians just look young?”

Wayne shot him an exasperated look.

Though he did have thoughts about Liu Yifei—and everyone present knew his nature—talking like this in front of her mother was a bit awkward.

Both Liu Yifei and her mother understood the implication of Leo’s words. One shyly lowered her head, while the other smiled awkwardly, though secretly pleased.

Despite the suggestive tone, Leo’s charm made it hard to be upset with him.

Besides, this was Hollywood. Jokes like this were nothing.

And even if things did go further, it wouldn’t be shocking either.

“I’m just recognizing her potential,” Wayne replied.

Leo chuckled.

Come on, everyone in Hollywood knew that when Wayne saw “potential” in someone, it usually meant they’d caught his eye. If not now, then definitely in the future.

“Alright, alright. So, tell me, what fun things are there to do in China? This will be my first time going.”

“You should ask Li and Chen about that—they’re the locals. But it’s a country much bigger than the U.S., with a long and rich history, so I’m sure there’s plenty to see.”

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(End of Chapter)