Discussing salaries was the last thing Kevin Feige wanted to bring up during initial talks, but since Matthew mentioned it, it couldn't be avoided.
Having considered Nicolas Cage and made preliminary contact with Tom Cruise before approaching Matthew, Kevin Feige and his production team were aware of the high fees demanded by top-tier stars.
Despite the strong internal push at Marvel Entertainment to save money and reduce budget costs, particularly actor fees, Kevin Feige knew how crucial "Iron Man" was as Marvel's first true superhero film. A box office star like Matthew could significantly lower the project's risk.
"For the salary, I can promise it won't be less than what you got for 'Pirates of the Caribbean 2,'" Kevin Feige glanced at Matthew, then added, "We can discuss the specifics with your agent."
His bottom line was $20 million, but he couldn't say that outright now. Convincing the company's board for $20 million would be another hurdle.
Matthew didn't want to waste time on this project. Either it worked out or he'd walk away.
The only thing that could make him reconsider was, unsurprisingly, money.
So, he dropped the pretense and said, "Kevin, I don't want to waste your time. Let's get straight to the point about the salary."
Kevin Feige nodded.
Matthew laid it out plainly, "For the salary, I want a base of $20 million..."
Kevin Feige's heart sank, though he knew this was Matthew's normal fee.
"...and 20% of the global box office gross!" Matthew stated matter-of-factly.
Without a 20+20 deal, why would he wade into the murky waters of superhero movies?
"20+20?" Kevin Feige felt despair.
These terms were outrageous. Neither Marvel's board nor he could agree to them.
But Matthew wasn't done. "I heard Marvel's been having cash flow issues recently? I'm willing to invest $20 million into 'Iron Man.' My $20 million salary can be converted into equity in the film, which should alleviate some of your financial pressure."
He added, "I also want to be a producer."
Although the chances were slim, Matthew wanted to try his luck. If it worked out, $40 million in investment returns plus 20% of the global box office would make him smile in his sleep.
Factoring in these returns, any potential negative impacts would be offset.
In fact, Matthew also wanted to ask for the right to invest in every Marvel superhero film in the future, but he knew that was too much. Marvel Entertainment would never agree to that.
However, just investing in "Iron Man" might be possible.
Kevin Feige felt as if he had fallen into a pit. He suddenly realized that today's conversation had been completely dominated by Matthew Horner. From initial refusal to a slight relaxation, to discussing the salary, and finally setting conditions, everything had been calculated and sequential...
This guy was incredibly greedy.
Kevin Feige sighed internally. The reason Marvel Entertainment hadn't reached an agreement with Tom Cruise was that Tom demanded not only a high salary and profit share but also the role of producer, controlling the film's direction like in the "Mission: Impossible" series.
That was something Marvel Entertainment could never accept.
Matthew remained seated, fully aware that the chances were slim. Initially, he was really going to refuse. However, considering the huge potential profits from the Marvel superhero series, he couldn't help but try to get a piece of the pie. Even if Marvel rejected him, he'd lose nothing.
After all, his initial intent was to refuse.
At this point, there was no need for Kevin Feige to continue the conversation. The terms Matthew proposed were beyond his authority to agree upon.
Even though Marvel Entertainment was indeed facing financial constraints, this project was essentially a gamble.
"I can't give you an immediate answer," Kevin Feige admitted honestly. "I'll report your terms back to the company."
Securing funding from multiple sources would undoubtedly reduce risk, but only the board could decide on such matters.
Matthew stood up, shook Kevin Feige's hand again, and left without further discussion on the topic.
Kevin Feige watched Matthew exit the coffee shop and sat back down.
Rachel McAdams soon returned, glancing toward the door before sitting opposite Kevin Feige. "How did the talk go?" she asked.
Kevin Feige shook his head, "Matthew wants $20 million plus 20% of the global box office gross."
Rachel McAdams wasn't surprised by these terms. Instead, she commented, "Matthew has a very strong box office draw."
"It's not just that," Kevin Feige continued. "He also wants to invest $40 million and be a producer."
"$40 million?" Rachel McAdams was slightly taken aback. The idea that someone who once struggled to make ends meet could now casually offer $40 million was startling.
Kevin Feige was about to leave as well. "We'll talk more later."
As he exited the coffee shop and stepped outside, he glanced back at Rachel McAdams. Given the harsh terms Matthew Horner had laid out, the company was unlikely to agree. If they couldn't secure Matthew Horner as the male lead, Rachel McAdams as the female lead might also become unnecessary.
Perhaps it was time to consider a different female lead—someone like Gwyneth Paltrow, who had a higher profile and could bring more resources to the table.
Meanwhile, Matthew had already arrived at Angel Agency.
"That's pretty much how it went."
Sitting comfortably on a sofa, he recounted his meeting with Kevin Feige. "What do you think of the terms I proposed?"
Helen Herman adjusted her black-rimmed glasses. "Investing is unnecessary. It would only add unnecessary risk."
Matthew casually nodded, taking her words with a grain of salt. He knew "Iron Man" had been a massive hit in the past. Helen Herman didn't have that foresight.
"20+20 is sufficient," Helen Herman said seriously. "If 'Iron Man' performs as well as 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith,' you could make over $100 million from one film. Those concerns I raised about the negative aspects of superhero films can be set aside."
Matthew understood the significance of $100 million. "Do you think Marvel Entertainment will agree?"
Helen Herman replied calmly, "The chances are less than 5%."
Matthew tried to recall Robert Downey Jr.'s fee at the time. Given Downey's then-current dire situation, Marvel Entertainment would probably have hesitated even at offering him $1 million.
The thought of $100 million was tempting not just for Matthew but also for Helen Herman. After a moment of silent consideration, she said, "I'll try to reach out to Marvel Entertainment and see what the situation is."
Matthew looked at her. Over a year ago, Helen Herman had warned him about the negative impacts of superhero movies. Now, the prospect of $100 million had made her dismiss those concerns. Truly, money had a way of changing priorities.
Come to think of it, wasn't she always like this? He was driven by money, and so was Helen. This shared mentality was why they had been able to work together for so long without parting ways.
After all, who wouldn't be tempted by $100 million? Who wouldn't compromise on some less critical principles?
"Okay," Matthew said casually. "If we can't secure a high enough fee, we'll just drop it."
At his level, negotiating with major production companies was mostly about the money. All other considerations were secondary.
The best scenario would be to invest in Marvel's superhero films. But for a movie star to break into the investment side of a major production was very difficult. Even someone as influential as Tom Cruise could only invest in films he starred in, and even that caused friction with long-time partner Paramount Pictures.
Fortunately, Marvel was just starting out. It wasn't even comparable to the second- or third-tier film companies, let alone the big six.
So, he would wait and see if an opportunity arose.
Back at the Horner estate, Matthew did some research and found that Marvel Entertainment wasn't owned by Walt Disney yet. Once Marvel's superhero films started featuring the Disney castle logo, funding would no longer be an issue for them.
In the end, no individual's power was limitless, even a major star like himself.
He aspired to control Hollywood, to wield power effortlessly. But in today's commercial world, Hollywood had long been divided among various interest groups.
Touch someone's profits, and there would be consequences.
Even he wouldn't let anyone infringe on his interests.
Hollywood, after all, was a business.
Putting the Iron Man lead role issue aside for the moment, Matthew handed the matter over to Helen Herman. He started focusing on the revised script for "I Am Legend" by Akiva Goldsman. Besides studying and understanding his role, he frequently visited the production office at Warner Studios to discuss the project with director Guillermo del Toro.
According to the indie film approach, to show dedication to a solo performance, Matthew should isolate himself to experience deep loneliness and solitude.
But Matthew didn't want to do that. The indie film method didn't suit him.
To him, and to Guillermo del Toro, this was a commercial film role. Rather than driving himself insane, it was better to visit New York and get a feel for the setting.
Matthew was heading to New York soon. The organizers of the US Open had sent an official invitation. Besides attending the post-tournament gala, he would also be presenting the women's singles champion's trophy.
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