As 2006 rolled around, Harry's casting issues were starting to sort themselves out.
Jake Gyllenhaal walked into the meeting with the script already halfway through. That instantly lifted Harry's spirits.
Jake had been steadily climbing the ranks since Donnie Darko, The Day After Tomorrow, and especially with Brokeback Mountain. He wasn't quite an A-list superstar yet, but he had the credibility and just the right amount of vulnerability on screen to make Kevin work.
Elizabeth appreciated him because he was a lot more budget-friendly than Daniel.
Harry liked him because Kevin needed someone who looked polished enough to be Walker's ideal successor, yet insecure enough for the audience to believe he could be easily manipulated.
Jake finished reading and set the script down.
"This guy thinks he's the smartest one in the room until he realizes he's not."
Harry gave a slight smile.
"That's Kevin."
Jake nodded.
"I'm in."
Unlike the negotiations with Daniel, this one was straightforward. Jake's team aimed for fair compensation, but nothing that would break the bank. Elizabeth wrapped up the deal within the week.
Now Harry had Omi and Kevin.
Only Lang was left.
---
A few days down the line, Harry found himself at the wrap party for The Prestige.
The film had just finished its shooting, and the vibe in the room was a lot lighter than what Harry had experienced on other sets lately. Crew members were enjoying drinks, the actors were finally at ease, and Greg looked like a guy who had just stepped into the sunlight after being stuck underground for ages.
Harry spotted Christopher Nolan leaning against the balcony with a drink in hand.
"How are you holding up?" Harry asked.
Chris appeared worn out but content.
"Good."
"And the release date?"
Chris took a sip before he replied.
"I'm aiming for summer."
Harry raised an eyebrow.
"For Prestige?"
Chris nodded in agreement.
Harry couldn't help but chuckle.
"That's a bold move."
Chris shot him a questioning look.
Harry waved his hand around the room.
"Summer is all about the big blockbusters."
That's just how Hollywood rolled these days.
From May to July, studios packed theaters with films designed for huge opening weekends. Think massive marketing pushes, big explosions, franchises, family-friendly animations, and event films. They wanted movies that audiences could grasp in a thirty-second trailer.
Prestige thrillers centered on obsession and rival magicians didn't quite fit that mold.
Harry pressed on.
"You're up against Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, Cars, The Da Vinci Code."
He paused. "And Warner's launching their first X-Men film."
That last part marked a significant shift in Hollywood.
After Harry bought DC Comics and it's entire library, Marvel faced some financial hiccups and the rights to their characters were split up in a frenzy.
Sony Pictures held onto Spider-Man and his rogues' gallery. In May 2005, Warner Bros. snagged the rights to the X-Men library, while Disney quietly took over most of the remaining Marvel assets and started planning for the long haul.
At that time, no one really grasped just how crucial superhero intellectual property would turn out to be.
But Harry did.
Chris raised an eyebrow.
"Mission: Impossible III is set for early May."
Greg had quietly joined in on the discussion.
"Then we shift to mid-May," Greg suggested.
Chris turned to him.
Greg just shrugged.
"Counter-programming."
Harry mulled it over.
The Da Vinci Code was bound to crush the opening weekend thanks to its controversy and brand power. But if Prestige had enough strength, positive word of mouth could keep it afloat afterward.
He nodded in agreement.
"Middle of May sounds good."
Chris beamed.
"Great."
—
Later that evening, Harry noticed Christian Bale chatting with some crew members.
He waited until Christian stepped away before pulling him aside.
Christian picked up on Harry's serious demeanor.
"That look usually means business."
Harry chuckled softly.
"It does."
He went on to explain the script.
Then he delved into Lang.
A man who turned patience into a weapon. A man who destroyed someone's life without looking like the villain. A man who believed he deserved what Omi had.
Christian was all ears.
As soon as Harry wrapped up, Bale jumped in.
"Yep."
Harry raised an eyebrow.
"That was fast."
Christian just shrugged.
"It's the best role I've come across in sometime."
Harry had his three leads locked in.
Javier Bardem
Jake Gyllenhaal
Christian Bale
—
Later that evening, Harry found himself chatting with Scarlett Johansson.
She had just finished her scenes for Prestige and seemed way more at ease than she had been during filming.
"I heard you're working on another movie."
Harry grinned.
"Trying to make it happen."
She chuckled.
"You're what, twenty-four?"
"Twenty five." Harry corrected.
She shook her head in disbelief.
"I'm around your age and still running for roles, and you're here running companies, directing films, and somehow churning out hits."
Harry picked up on the change in her tone right away.
First, her body language shifted.
Then her smile lingered a bit too long.
"You know," she said, "I'd really love to chat more about this movie over dinner sometime."
Harry let the silence stretch just a moment longer than usual.
Scarlett leaned in closer.
"I'm serious."
Harry smiled back.
"That's really flattering."
Her face lit up a bit.
But then Harry added,
"However, I have a girlfriend."
Her expression shifted instantly.
"And I'd like to stay loyal to her."
The smile vanished from Scarlett's face.
Harry politely excused himself.
As he walked away, he could almost feel her irritation following him.
---
The next morning, Harry found himself back at his mansion.
Anne Hathaway had just wrapped up her commitments for The Princess Diaries and had been spending more time with him lately.
Harry casually brought up what had happened with Scarlett.
Anne sat up straight, her interest piqued.
"She did what?"
Harry chuckled.
"It wasn't that dramatic."
Still, Anne looked offended on his behalf.
"She knew you were with me?"
"Probably. I even told her at the end."
"She's unbelievable."
Before she could go on, Harry pulled her closer.
"It's all sorted."
After a moment, Anne relaxed a bit.
Then she spotted the script lying on his table.
"This is the new one? The Shakespeare adaptation. What was it?"
"Macbeth." Harry said.
She picked it up, flipping through the pages.
"You still haven't told me what role I'm getting."
Harry grinned.
"You're assuming there's a role for you."
"There should be."
She skimmed a few pages before glancing back at him.
"I want Dolly."
Harry had anticipated this conversation.
He studied her for a moment before replying.
"You're talented."
Anne narrowed her eyes, sensing the hesitation.
"That's not a great start."
Harry sighed, trying to find the right words.
"You're not quite ready for Dolly."
Anne's expression turned serious.
Harry continued, choosing his words carefully.
"The role requires someone a bit older. Someone with more emotional depth."
Anne looked away, clearly displeased with his answer.
Harry sighed again, feeling a headache creeping in.