Chapter 159: A Breakthrough Role
Aaron had indeed been planning to invite Tom Cruise to star in Interview with the Vampire. What he hadn't expected was that Castle Rock Pictures would also be considering Cruise for The Shawshank Redemption.
Brad Pitt had just finished filming A River Made to Heaven under the direction of Robert Redford. If it eventually came down to Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt sharing the screen, that pairing alone would be enough to ignite enormous anticipation.
"If you're serious about developing Interview with the Vampire," Paula Wagner said, "then I'm sure Tom would be interested in working with you."
Faced with Aaron Anderson's invitation, Paula naturally wasn't inclined to refuse lightly. Beyond Aaron's proven eye for projects, Cruise himself was actively seeking roles that would allow him to break new ground in his career.
The vampire character in Interview with the Vampire was precisely the kind of challenge he needed.
"But Aaron," Paula continued, "what kind of budget are you planning for the film?"
Aaron knew very well that if he wanted to persuade Tom Cruise to take the role, the production scale couldn't be modest—especially for a story-driven film.
"The Mask of Zorro, which is about to begin shooting, has a budget of sixty million dollars," Aaron replied. "If Interview with the Vampire has Tom Cruise attached, the investment would be in roughly the same range."
Hearing this, Paula nodded in agreement.
"Don't worry. I'll have Tom read the novel carefully first. I believe he'll be very interested in collaborating with you."
After Ghost, Dawnlight Pictures had delivered yet another romantic hit—one that triumphed both critically and commercially. Nicole Kidman's reputation as the queen of romance grew even stronger, while Nora Ephron, transitioning from screenwriter to director, achieved remarkable success with her directorial debut.
"I never imagined that someone known mainly for comedies like me would land a role in Philadelphia," Tom Hanks said as he clinked glasses with Aaron.
Aaron smiled.
"Both Jonathan and I believe you have incredible range. Comedy suits you, but drama does too. In fact, I have another novel adaptation in development—and you're my first choice for the male lead."
Tom paused, momentarily surprised.
"Don't tell me… Interview with the Vampire?"
Aaron shook his head. "No. It's a relatively obscure novel—Forrest Gump. It's about a Southern boy with a low IQ but a pure heart, and his journey through life."
"As he grows up," Aaron continued, "he just happens to brush against a series of major events in American history."
He looked at Tom and added, "You might want to read it first."
Tom smiled. "I will. Your instincts, Aaron, have never been wrong."
---
Late at night, in Santa Monica, at a villa in Pacific Palisades.
On the bedroom bed, Nicole Kidman lay sprawled across Aaron, barely containing her excitement.
"I'm practically becoming the queen of romance films."
Feeling the smooth warmth of her skin, Aaron chuckled. "How does it feel—being adored by everyone?"
"Completely different," Nicole said with a laugh. "I've gone from a nobody from Australia to a Hollywood star."
She kissed him hard, her voice filled with emotion. "It's all because of you. Otherwise, I'd probably still be enduring humiliating auditions and unspoken rules just for a chance."
"Who would've thought," she added softly, "that just two years ago, I was nothing more than a newcomer fresh off the plane from Australia?"
After back-to-back successes with Ghost and Sleepless in Seattle, Nicole Kidman had firmly established herself as one of Hollywood's most promising rising stars.
"Don't get complacent," Aaron said calmly. "New actresses break out fast—Julia Roberts, Demi Moore…"
Nicole smiled. "As long as you have projects for me, I'm not worried."
After all, Demi Moore's Indecent Proposal had been produced by Dawnlight Pictures as well.
"Oh, by the way," Nicole added, "Jane Campion's new film The Piano has started shooting in New Zealand."
"I know," Aaron replied.
Dawnlight's newly established subsidiary, Crescent Pictures, had already invested in The Piano. Upcoming releases like Damage and The Crying Game were also being distributed under the same banner.
---
As August approached, the Dawnlight–Sony collaboration The Mask of Zorro was preparing to begin filming.
In addition to California, many exterior scenes would be shot in Spain.
Around the same time, Dawnlight Pictures welcomed a heavyweight guest—billionaire David Geffen.
Two years earlier, Geffen had sold Geffen Records to MCA for $550 million in stock, later making a substantial profit when Matsushita acquired MCA.
"Oh? Interview with the Vampire?" Geffen said with interest. "I'm intrigued by that novel as well."
Like Jeffrey Katzenberg, David Geffen was a bald Jewish mogul—his polished head practically gleaming.
"Tom mentioned it," Geffen continued. "I read it myself and liked it. Geffen Pictures would like to invest."
Geffen had known Tom Cruise for years and had backed several of his films early in his career.
After receiving the novel from Paula Wagner, Tom Cruise had casually mentioned it to Geffen.
Aaron smiled. "Perfect. In that case, Dawnlight and Geffen Pictures can co-produce it."
"Budget: sixty million dollars. Geffen Pictures invests as a partner, Dawnlight handles distribution, with a fifteen percent distribution fee."
Geffen nodded. "Geffen Pictures can put up thirty million."
They shook hands.
David Geffen's name carried immense weight in Hollywood. Partnering with Geffen Pictures to develop Interview with the Vampire was more than ideal.
Besides, Aaron had never been someone who insisted on taking everything for himself—sharing profits was part of playing the long game.
"By the way," Geffen added, "besides Tom Cruise, do you have anyone in mind for the other lead?"
Geffen had always kept a close eye on promising male actors.
Aaron smiled faintly. "What about the drifter from Thelma & Louise?"
Geffen's eyes lit up. "You mean Brad Pitt?"
Aaron nodded casually. Clearly, Pitt had already caught Geffen's attention as well.
"Yes," Aaron said. "He also starred this year in Robert Redford's A River Runs Through It."
"And you know," he added, "Brad Pitt's looks and physique don't lose to Tom Cruise in the slightest."
"His appearance in Thelma & Louise made everyone take notice."