Time flew to mid-October. Besides spending time with Gadot, Eric focused on the progress of several major ongoing projects.
"red dragon" grossed nearly $60 million in its opening weekend. This achievement motivated the cast and director, who all worked hard to promote the film.
Box office represents achievement, a resume, and one's box office appeal. Who would dislike a less-than-stellar resume?
Coupled with good word-of-mouth and the stronger staying power of a suspense film, "red dragon"'s second-week box office only dropped by 45%, earning $31 million.
At the same time, the opening weekend box office results from several other countries were released: $8.5 million in the UK, $6.9 million in France, $8.8 million in Germany, $6.2 million in Italy, and $6.3 million in Spain.
These five countries are considered major box office markets in Europe. Other countries like Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Norway, and Belgium contribute far less to the box office, with typical film total box office only reaching about one-third to one-fourth of these five.
Aside from Europe, the major box office markets in Asia are Japan and South Korea, but these two countries have later release dates, delayed by another week.
As for China, it had not yet risen in 2002. Due to the lack of a film rating system, strict censorship, low revenue-sharing ratios, and a strong preference for certain film genres, it was not even considered.
For a thriller-suspense film like "red dragon," large-scale scenes would definitely be heavily cut, and even if it were released, it wouldn't fare well.
Eric remembered that Jiang Wen's "The Missing Gun" was released in 2002, and its box office didn't even reach 10 million.
Since even domestic suspense films struggled, "red dragon" certainly wouldn't succeed. Only action-romance blockbusters like "True Lies" and "titanic" could make a profit.
Currently, "red dragon"'s total North America box office reached $90 million, with overseas box office at $62 million, making its total box office $500 million.
Analysts predict that after its release in Japan, South Korea, Australia, and other countries, the final box office is expected to reach $300 million.
For "saw," Leigh Whannell ultimately gave up on starring as the male lead; he wanted to focus his energy on polishing the script.
Then he contacted the people Eric recommended. Ryan Reynolds and Patrick Wilson, after reading the script, both expressed great interest and willingness to star.
Ryan Reynolds even called Eric specifically to inquire. After learning some inside information, such as promotion and sequels, he was even more determined to secure the role.
However, some things seem to be fated, and some people are destined to come together.
Ryan Reynolds clearly contacted James Wan and Whannell in advance and gained their approval, but when Patrick flew from Broadway to Los Angeles, everything seemed to change.
At the "sharknado" set, as the sun set, the day's work concluded.
To meet Eric's demands and speed up progress, the entire crew had been very tense recently. Warren and director Anthony Ferrante thanked everyone while also encouraging them.
Especially Ryan Reynolds, Ferrante had said many good things about him. There was no other way; although Reynolds wasn't very famous, he was already the biggest star on this set.
Fortunately, Ryan Reynolds had a good personality, didn't demand special treatment, and acted very diligently.
Many people privately gossiped about him, wondering why he was acting so seriously for a film that was clearly a big flop, like a dead dog.
But perhaps this is what actors with conviction are like; they have professional ethics and dreams.
It doesn't matter if the film is bad, as long as I'm not bad!
As long as Eric Cooper can see it! As long as he doesn't forget his promise!
After removing his makeup, washing off the blood, changing into comfortable clothes, and saying goodbye to everyone, Ryan Reynolds took out his phone from his bag.
As he walked out of the studio, he looked down, and James Wan's missed call immediately caught his eye. A bad feeling instantly enveloped him.
He was very familiar with this feeling because he had extensive experience: it was the feeling of a role being snatched, the feeling of bad luck striking again.
He quickly called James Wan back.
"Director, this is Ryan Reynolds. I apologize, I was working and didn't see the call. Is there something wrong?"
A moment later, Ryan Reynolds stood rooted to the spot, mechanically muttering, "I understand, yes, it's all for work. Thank you for letting me audition. Okay, okay, I understand, goodbye!"
After hanging up the phone, this man, now 26 years old, who had been in the industry for 12 years but still hadn't made a name for himself, stood there dumbfounded.
He messed up, he messed up again. In 12 years, he had messed up countless times, and by rights, he should have been numb to it. But with such a good opportunity, he still felt very lost and heartbroken.
He didn't know where he had gone wrong. You all thought highly of me, and we had already agreed, so why did things change so suddenly?
I was here first!
What made him even more upset was that this opportunity was recommended by Eric Cooper, and he wondered what he would think of him, whether he would consider him an incompetent fool.
"Hey! What's wrong, Ryan? You've been standing here for half an hour!"
Suddenly, someone slapped him hard on the back. Ryan Reynolds stumbled, turned around, and saw Warren standing behind him.
After a long period of contact, the two had become very close. Although Warren was a producer, he was very kind. While he wasn't popular with women, he was very popular with men.
Ryan Reynolds also knew he was Eric's subordinate and didn't hide anything, truthfully explaining the situation.
After listening, Warren sighed, "Ryan, these things are unavoidable. You've been in Hollywood for a long time, you know that in your heart."
Ryan Reynolds's voice was low, "Yes, I'm used to it."
Looking at his dejected state, Warren felt a little sympathy, and he knew that the other party was truly working hard and desperately wanted an opportunity.
He patted him on the shoulder, "Ryan, how about this? I'll contact Eric; perhaps he can help you get this opportunity."
Ryan Reynolds's eyes lit up. If Eric Cooper was willing to speak, even James Wan would have to obey.
But his relationship with Eric wasn't strong enough, so he certainly couldn't ask directly. If Warren stepped in, it might actually work.
In fact, the Screen Actors Guild strictly prohibits obtaining roles through connections. If unfair competition is discovered, such as bribing a director, it can be reported to the Guild.
But looking at human society for thousands of years, which circle doesn't rely on connections? So, such matters always depend on who has stronger influence, and almost no actor would report it, similar to laws requiring civil servants to be paid overtime, but it's never enforced.
Ryan Reynolds asked somewhat hopefully, "Can it really be done? But wouldn't that be inappropriate? Will Eric have a bad impression of me?"
Looking at his anxious expression, Warren laughed heartily, "It's just a try, don't get your hopes up too high. If it doesn't work, then so be it. Besides, he and I haven't hung out in a long time. How about now, is there a suitable place?"
Gulp… Ryan Reynolds swallowed, "How about Avalon?"
"Good taste!"