A long time ago, George Lucas had mentioned that he initially wanted Gilbert to take over the Star Wars series.
However, Gilbert had his own projects, one after another, with an abundance of creative drive, leaving him no time to take on Star Wars.
With no other choice, George Lucas had to handle it himself.
Despite the many criticisms, Star Wars was still Star Wars—as expected, the film became a massive success.
After returning from the premiere event, Gilbert saw one media outlet praising the love story between Anakin and Padmé.
The headline was quite amusing: "This Five-Year Age-Gap Romance Is a Tragic Love Ballad."
Gilbert skimmed through the article before setting it aside with a smirk. These journalists sure knew how to spin a story—it was no surprise, considering their background in journalism.
After a brief glance, Gilbert put Star Wars out of his mind.
With the preparations nearing completion, Gilbert planned to lead the entire crew to China in mid-June to begin filming.
Likewise, the actors' training locations were also moved to China.
According to the schedule set by the director and production teams, each actor had different requirements, but they would all need to stay in China for at least three months. Since the trilogy was being filmed back-to-back, some actors might have to stay for over a year.
Under Gilbert's plan, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring was scheduled for a summer release next year.
By then, the filming of the next two movies would likely still be in progress, with each installment being released at a steady pace of one per year.
Unlike other film series, The Lord of the Rings trilogy was structured as a single complete narrative within the traditional three-act format—beginning, middle, and end.
This meant that the films couldn't be spaced out over two or three years; otherwise, it would significantly diminish the viewing experience.
A one-movie-per-year release schedule was ideal.
Since there was still time, Gilbert took the opportunity to visit the set of The Fast and the Furious.
After his conversation with Sheena Boone, it didn't take long for the project to get underway. This mid-budget film, with an investment of $38 million, had now entered the production stage.
Gilbert had brought in Rob Cohen as the director and had signed a distribution agreement with Warner Bros.
Disney showed little interest in this racing-themed film and did not compete with Warner Bros. for the distribution rights.
Moreover, Disney was currently dealing with internal conflicts. Aside from Gilbert's projects and its own animation division, it was largely indifferent to other ventures.
The film starred Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, and Liv Tyler—who had been personally added to the cast by Gilbert. The rest of the cast was quite different from the original lineup, with significant changes.
When Gilbert arrived on set, Liv Tyler was thrilled. She practically skipped over to him and threw herself into his arms.
"Did you come here just to see me?" Liv Tyler asked.
"Uh, of course," Gilbert replied, though what he really wanted to say was that he had come to check on his investment.
Liv Tyler was even happier. Excited, she gave Gilbert a sweet kiss before proudly linking arms with him, showing off to the crew with an air of triumph.
The people on set were surprised—so the rumors were true. Liv Tyler and Gilbert indeed had an unusual relationship.
Some of them began to reflect—had they flirted with Liv Tyler inappropriately over the past few days? Had they done anything that might have offended her? Would she tell Gilbert? Would they end up facing consequences?
But such concerns were unnecessary. Liv Tyler was too absorbed in her happiness to think about anything else.
"Take me to see Director Cohen," Gilbert said.
"As you command, my knight," Liv Tyler responded playfully. She led the way with her long legs bouncing in excitement, pulling Gilbert along as they searched for Rob Cohen.
Once they found the director, Gilbert had a detailed discussion with him about the progress of the project. So far, things were going smoothly—this was a mid-budget B-movie production.
Gilbert told Rob Cohen, "I don't expect anything profound. I just want this to be a fun, exhilarating popcorn movie that lets audiences enjoy the thrill and excitement in theaters."
Rob Cohen clearly understood his task. "Don't worry, sir, I know exactly what to do."
As an experienced director, Rob Cohen had previous filmmaking experience, and directing a high-energy popcorn flick like this wasn't much of a challenge for him.
Gilbert felt reassured. As the film's producer, he would ensure that the project remained under his control.
After wrapping up his conversation with Cohen, Liv Tyler pulled over a beautiful woman with tanned skin and delicate facial features.
"Let me introduce you—this is my good friend, Jessica Alba," Liv Tyler said. "Mary, this is Director Gilbert. You know him, right?"
Jessica Alba shook hands with Gilbert and greeted him politely. "Hello, Director Gilbert."
Gilbert shook hands with the Latina beauty before turning to Liv Tyler. "I heard from Director Cohen that you've been acting like a diva on set."
"He actually tattled on me?" Liv Tyler was surprised.
Gilbert playfully patted Liv Tyler's cheek, and she let out a soft, contented hum. Jessica Alba, watching from the side, was stunned.
So, Liv Tyler wasn't lying—their relationship really was unusual.
"Liv, you're a professional actress. I hope you take your career seriously. Don't follow in Gwyneth's footsteps—that kind of attitude will only ruin you," Gilbert advised.
Liv Tyler, who usually acted like a fierce lioness, suddenly turned into a meek kitten in front of Gilbert. She obediently nodded. "Okay, I understand. I'll behave."
Gilbert then turned to Jessica and said, "Since you're Liv's good friend, help me keep an eye on her and remind her."
Jessica was delighted. This was an opportunity for her. She immediately agreed, "Of course, Director Gilbert. I'll keep an eye on Liv."
"Good," Gilbert nodded with satisfaction before saying goodbye. "I'll be leaving now. Focus on your work."
"Wait, you're just leaving like that?" Liv Tyler looked disappointed—she had thought Gilbert was here for something more personal.
"You guys can visit me in China after filming. I'll be busy with my current project then," Gilbert said.
"Alright," Liv Tyler responded like a doting wife. "Be careful over there. I've heard it's a dangerous place."
"Where do you hear these things? Don't be misled," Gilbert waved as he got into his car. "I'm off."
As the car drove away, leaving a trail of exhaust, Liv Tyler suddenly turned to Jessica Alba.
"Mary, what do you think of Director Gilbert?" she asked.
Jessica replied, "I think he's pretty nice—not as intimidating as the rumors say."
"Really?" Liv Tyler smirked mischievously. "Then, how about joining me?"
"Joining you in what?"
"Becoming one of Gilbert's lovers!"
Jessica rolled her eyes. "Liv, are you crazy? Who even says things like that? Have some shame."
"Of course, I do," Liv Tyler replied shamelessly, even proudly. "Look at all the women living at Melon Manor. They're all treated with respect."
"In his film kingdom, Gilbert is the king—what's wrong with him having more women?"
Jessica was speechless. However, Liv Tyler's words had planted a seed in her mind, and she couldn't help but start imagining things.
Gilbert had met so many beautiful women that even someone as stunning as Jessica Alba didn't faze him. Still, as he rode in the car, he casually asked his assistant, Anna, "That actress named Jessica—does she belong to Sheena's agency?"
"Yes," Anna replied. "Do you want me to make arrangements?"
"No need," Gilbert said. He was just curious.
Meanwhile, production was also beginning for The Matrix sequels.
The original cast had returned, and Hugo Weaving would join The Lord of the Rings production after finishing The Matrix.
Director James Gunn was also shooting the sequels back-to-back, but since much of the groundwork had already been laid in the first film, his workload was much lighter compared to The Lord of the Rings.
The sequel featured new faces, including an actor from Hong Kong, Collin Chou, who had a ten-minute role.
Additionally, Italian goddess Monica Bellucci had joined the cast to play an undisclosed character.
At thirty-five, she still radiated charm, her allure now enhanced by a mature woman's elegance.
The upcoming Matrix films would maintain their signature cool and stylish aesthetic. Gilbert had one main requirement for the cast: they had to be either cool, handsome, or beautiful.
The second installment was titled The Matrix Reloaded. Gilbert had long discussions with James Gunn about the film's style.
"James, don't pay too much attention to the critics' praise. Don't lean too heavily into the philosophical themes," Gilbert emphasized. "I want this film to have plenty of action and explosions—it should feel like a true blockbuster."
This was necessary, given the massive $250 million combined budget of the two films. A significant portion was allocated to the salaries of Keanu Reeves and Charlize Theron, who had both received substantial pay raises. Additionally, the movie required extensive visual effects.
James Gunn assured him, "Don't worry, Gilbert. I know what needs to be done."
Gilbert trusted James Gunn's abilities. "Good. If any issues arise, reach out to me immediately."
James Gunn gave a confident hand gesture, indicating he understood completely.
Based on the current direction, the sequels might not match the critical acclaim of the first film. However, as long as they delivered on commercial expectations, they would be successful.
Long ago, Gilbert had analyzed the success of The Matrix and concluded that its massive box office earnings had little to do with deep religious or philosophical themes.
Those elements were just decorative. What truly made the film a hit was the combination of stylish characters, intense action, and spectacular explosions.
These were standard Hollywood tropes, but when wrapped in a futuristic cyberpunk aesthetic, they appeared highbrow. At its core, The Matrix was no different from The Fast and the Furious—both were built on action and adrenaline.
After discussing with James Gunn, Gilbert went to check on Charlize Theron, who was in training.
"For the next year or so, I'll be based in China," Gilbert told her.
Charlize Theron nodded. "Don't worry. I'll take care of things at home. Besides, Naomi and Michelle are here too."
"That puts me at ease," Gilbert said as he pulled Charlize Theron into his arms. "Come visit me in China when you have time. There are so many beautiful sights—you'll love it."
Charlize Theron murmured in agreement and leaned into Gilbert's embrace, savoring the rare peaceful moment.
With all of his projects progressing smoothly, Gilbert felt reassured.
On June 20th, he officially led a massive crew of over 3,000 people to China, marking the beginning of the epic filming journey for The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
This process would undoubtedly be long and arduous, but Gilbert was confident in its success.
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