Chapter 67: Let the Storm Rage On!
"Chris, this is the right look. You finally look like a normal high school student now."
Eric nodded as he looked at Chris Evans, who was a size smaller.
His initial judgment was correct; without the muscles, Chris Evans's demeanor aligned much better with Sam's.
This state wasn't the artificially constructed thinness seen in captain america, but a genuine, ordinary look, like a passerby you'd encounter on the street, not exaggerated in the slightest.
To be honest, when he first watched captain america, the fake muscles and physique made him feel quite disgusted.
Because only the body was thin, but the face hadn't thinned proportionally, making him look like a goblin, with a particularly strong sense of incongruity.
captain america was filmed after iron man, so logically, Marvel shouldn't have been short on money back then, and financing shouldn't have been an issue.
But the cheap special effects and the terrible script were truly a pile of garbage. After much thought, he could only attribute it to a lack of emphasis.
Thinking of captain america, Eric thought of Marvel, and thinking of Marvel, he thought of the acquisition issue.
This year, the acquisition must be put on the agenda. It's rumored that several large companies have already started making contact.
However, many people have the same idea. It just depends on who is willing to pay a higher price, and it's a competition based on the judgment of Marvel's future potential.
As long as MGM always outbids others by a hundred million, no company can compete with him.
Because they have a fatal weakness: they are public companies, and major decisions must be approved by the shareholders' meeting, and they are also accountable to shareholders.
MGM didn't have such concerns. Why were The Coopers so insistent on delisting back then?
Firstly, because the acquisition process would be faster this way.
Secondly, a private company can do whatever it wants. No one would dare oppose even the most outrageous decisions.
Thirdly, MGM was already notorious at the time, and going public wouldn't raise much money. It was better to recover first and then relist when market expectations rose.
His thoughts returned. Having received Eric's praise, Chris Evans felt that his recent efforts were not in vain.
He said somewhat self-deprecatingly, "You know, director, I used to play those muscular tough guys, and everyone seemed to think that's all I could do."
"Even my agent told me to maintain my physique, to make my muscles bigger and bigger, as if without that physique, I would never get another role."
"I'm really grateful that you gave me this opportunity, and this is also the first time since I entered Hollywood that I haven't had to deliberately work out or spend time at the gym. Honestly, this feeling is awesome!"
From Captain America's words, Eric could hear both complaint and gratitude, but that's just how Hollywood is. It's good to even get a role; many people don't even get that.
"Chris, actually, a little muscle is not bad. There's a physique called 'looks thin in clothes, muscular without them,' just like me, a balanced beauty—that's the most perfect."
"Also, you have a certain aura about you. When you get the chance, try growing a beard and applying mature makeup. You'll discover a new self."
Chris Evans frowned, but couldn't really imagine himself in that state. He thought he could try it when he had some free time.
Not far away, James McAvoy walked over to greet them. He was to play a minor supporting role as a computer expert, but he played a crucial role in intercepting the Decepticons' signals.
This character doesn't have much screen time, totaling about seven or eight minutes, some of which are in group scenes.
Not as much as Tom Hardy or Michael Fassbender, but what can he do when his face isn't suitable for a soldier?
However, there are benefits, of course, which is not having to suffer through military training. In the past few days, his buddies have been complaining to him that the training intensity is much greater than when they filmed band of brothers.
Tom Hardy said his thighs were chafed and swollen. As for what chafed them, who knows?
"James, your partner will join the team in a few days. You two should cooperate well."
"Who is it?"
"Chloë Sevigny. Have you heard that name?"
After a quick mental review, James McAvoy shook his head, thinking she was probably a newcomer.
But Eric's next words completely broke his composure.
"She was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, but she's only appeared in independent films, so she's not very famous."
"What! An Oscar? How old is she?"
"I'm not sure, probably around twenty-six or twenty-seven, a little older than you. She hopes to enter mainstream cinema through transformers, so even though it's a cameo, she'll definitely put in a lot of effort. You two have scenes together, so the pressure is on you now!"
Hearing this, James McAvoy looked worried. After all, he was an unknown suddenly acting with an Oscar nominee, which made him very nervous.
He patted James McAvoy's shoulder, giving him an encouraging look: "But I believe in your ability. Think carefully about the demeanor a computer expert, a hacker, should have."
Then he called Chris Evans over: "You two are good buddies in the movie. After training, go out for a drink and do some manly things together."
Chris Evans was familiar with this: "How about tonight? I know a good bar nearby."
James McAvoy shrugged: "No plans anyway, so sure."
After staying at the training base for two days, Eric left. He was just there for a quick check.
He could leave such matters to Patty Jenkins and Neill Blomkamp; he still had an impending problem to resolve.
New York. A plane landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport. After Eric walked out of the waiting hall, a silver panamera pulled up in front of him, just like the last time he was here.
Elena had clearly dressed up today, wearing stylish sunglasses, and looked at Eric: "Get in."
Bang!
"Where are we going this time?"
"Well, that depends on whether you want to enjoy yourself first or work first."
"I think it's better to get things done first. That's good for all of us."
"Hmph, I didn't realize you were such a steadfast young man."
"Steadfast? No, no, madam, only with you!" Eric said, rubbing his waist.
Hearing his teasing, Elena snorted: "If it weren't for you helping me earn a few million dollars, I'd devour you right now!"
"Only a few million? It seems you still don't trust me enough. Otherwise, if you had bet your entire fortune, you would have made a killing."
"Don't bring up that topic. It makes me angry. You must compensate me!"
"Hey! Do you hear yourself? I'm your great benefactor who helped you earn millions of dollars!"
"But I helped you earn even more, didn't I? And I promise, you'll enjoy it too."
"Can you give me a hint? What do you plan to do to me? Or are there any fun activities?" Eric was a little curious.
The enchantress gave him a charming look: "I also have two nieces. They are both very beautiful and would love to meet you."
That was all she said, leaving the rest to Eric's imagination.
"To hell with work, let the storm rage on!"