[Chapter 199: Red, and Steel]
After Anne Hathaway stayed with Daniel for a few days, she left once again.
An actor's life was about more than just acting. To maintain status in the industry, involvement in business, fashion, and other ventures was essential. Besides, that was where the real money was made.
...
Hollywood -- the newly established Marvel-Daniel Cross joint studio.
The atmosphere in the conference room was somewhat tense. Avi Arad held a list in his hand, enthusiastically recommending candidates for the lead role in Iron Man to Daniel.
"Daniel, although the script is still being refined, we need to finalize the choice for Tony Stark as soon as possible. Here's our current shortlist, with Tom Cruise at the top. His box office draw is unquestionable. If he stars, even if the movie turns out terrible, I guarantee we'll break even."
Isaac Perlmutter, sitting nearby, nodded. "Exactly. Though his salary is high -- likely twenty million plus a share of the profits -- he's worth it. Besides him, Nicolas Cage is also a strong candidate. With his current popularity, he could definitely compete with Tom. As an Oscar winner, his acting is never in doubt."
Daniel sat at the head of the table, playing with a fountain pen, not even glancing at the list.
Once Avi finished, Daniel spoke calmly. "Tom Cruise is not suitable."
Avi was stunned. "Why? He's a superstar."
Daniel replied, "Precisely because he's a superstar. His persona is too strong; when the audience sees him, they'll just think it's Tom Cruise in armor, not Tony Stark. What I want is a self-destructive, decadent, yet brilliant playboy. Tom is... too 'upright.' Also, don't forget, he generally avoids comic book hero roles."
Avi frowned. "Then what about Nicolas?"
Daniel shook his head. "No. Remember, Disney didn't make National Treasure 2 because they couldn't agree on his salary. He demands too much. I have a better candidate."
"Who?" Avi and Isaac asked at the same time.
Daniel said one name: "Robert Downey Jr."
"What?!" Isaac practically jumped out of his chair, his stingy face a mix of shock and anger. "That junkie? The guy who just got out of prison a few years ago? Daniel, are you serious?"
Avi also shook his head, his expression grave. "Daniel, I get that you might have your reasons, but this is absolutely out of the question. Do you know his reputation in Hollywood? He's considered 'box office poison,' a ticking time bomb. No insurance company will cover him. If he relapses during filming or gets arrested, the movie is finished -- that's an investment of over a hundred million!"
Marvel might be down on its luck, but it wasn't crazy. Casting an actor with that much baggage for Marvel's first big comeback was practically suicide.
Daniel's expression stayed calm. After they blew off steam, he spoke slowly, "I know his past. But that past is exactly why he fits Tony Stark perfectly. Same genius, early fame, a fall into the abyss, and a search for redemption. He doesn't have to act; when he's on screen, he is Tony Stark."
"But the risk..." Isaac tried to argue.
Daniel's gaze turned cold, cutting him off. "I will bear the risk. Don't forget, I'm the largest investor and copyright owner. I have final say over everything."
The room fell silent.
This was the power of money.
Avi and Isaac exchanged glances, both seeing the helpless acceptance in the other's eyes. The agreement they signed did give Daniel veto power and final decision-making authority.
"Alright." Avi sighed, as though he'd aged years in an instant. "You're the boss; you call the shots. But about the insurance company..."
Daniel said, "If the insurance company won't cover him, I will. If he causes problems that lead to the film's failure, I'll bear all the losses."
With that settled, neither had anything left to argue.
Isaac even thought to himself darkly, If this movie fails, it's his money at risk anyway, and Marvel can just take back the rights.
"Contact him." Daniel stood. "No, since he's my choice, I'll contact him myself."
...
An upscale oceanfront restaurant in Malibu.
When Robert Downey Jr. got Daniel's call, he was having lunch with his wife, Susan.
Hearing Daniel wanted to meet him, Downey Jr. brightened. Though he'd been making a slow comeback recently with roles in films like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, he was still in decent shape. But he knew that to the major studios, he was still an outsider.
And Daniel held a special place for him.
Back then, the miraculous Exorcist had not only helped him break his streak of bad luck but had given him two mysterious words: "Red" and "Steel."
For two years, he'd pondered these words, even deliberately wearing more red in his daily life, but his career hadn't yet broken through.
Half an hour later.
Daniel walked into the restaurant. Robert Downey Jr. and Susan immediately stood.
"Mr. Cross, long time no see."
Robert Downey Jr. warmly extended his hand, a signature slightly roguish smile on his face, but his eyes held genuine respect.
Susan also greeted, "Mr. Cross, long time no see."
Daniel smiled and shook their hands. "Sit down. No need to be so formal. Robert, how've you been?"
Robert Downey Jr. shrugged, mocking himself. "Not bad. At least I haven't gone back to jail, and I haven't touched those damn pills again. I'm a model husband now, practicing martial arts every day and drinking herbal medicine."
Daniel nodded. "Seems the effects of your Luck-Transfer Ritual are still working. I came today to fulfill what I promised back then."
Robert Downey Jr. was stunned; his heart started to race. "You mean..."
Daniel looked into his eyes and said slowly, "Do you remember the two words I told you?"
"Of course!" Robert Downey Jr. blurted. "Red, Steel! I've dreamed about those two words for years."
Daniel leaned back slightly, smiling. "Now, the opportunity has arrived. I have a project, and I want to invite you to be the male lead."
"What?" Both Robert Downey Jr. and Susan were stunned. They'd thought Daniel was here to discuss another project, not his own.
Robert Downey Jr. asked, "Mr. Cross, wait, this is your own project?"
Daniel smiled. "That's right. My own project."
Robert Downey Jr. and Susan exchanged dazed looks.
After a moment, Susan asked, "What kind of movie is it?"
Daniel said two words: "Iron Man."
*****
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