"The Expendables?" Matthew looked at a formal written invitation and said, "Is this Sylvester Stallone's new film?"
Helen Herman raised her head from behind her computer monitor and said, "The invitation was just sent yesterday. Stallone is inviting you to be one of the lead actors in the film." She added briefly, "Stallone is both the director and the lead producer. The film is funded by Millennium Films, with a production budget of around 70 to 80 million dollars."
Matthew placed the invitation back on his desk and asked, "What do you think?"
"I suggest you decline," Helen Herman said without hesitation, then explained, "Based on the actors Stallone has invited so far, this looks like a typical film made by old men for old men. Even though it's in the action genre, it doesn't align with your image at all."
Matthew nodded slowly. His impression of *The Expendables* was that it primarily appealed to nostalgia.
Helen Herman continued, "With so many action stars in the cast, how would your role be guaranteed? Stallone is both the director and the lead producer—do you think he'll let you be the main star? Also, with such a small production budget, would there be enough left to cover the production costs after paying your fee?"
Hearing this, Matthew said directly, "Find a scheduling conflict and turn it down."
This film really wasn't suitable for him. Besides, starring alongside a bunch of washed-up action stars—was he supposed to signal to the world that he, too, was washed up?
Matthew felt that his prime could easily last another twenty or thirty years. Many big-name Hollywood actors only get better with age.
Well, he was only twenty-eight now, so maybe it was too early to worry about getting better with age.
Helen Herman retrieved the invitation and casually tossed it into the wastebasket beside her. "You asked me to keep an eye on Plan B," she said.
"Has Brad Pitt made a move?" Matthew asked.
"Three days ago," Helen Herman replied, pushing up her glasses slightly and speaking at a measured pace. "Andrew Stanton is directing, with Brad Pitt and Natalie Portman starring in *John Carter* for Disney. Filming has started at their studio."
"Got it," Matthew nodded lightly.
Helen Herman looked at Matthew, as if she wanted to ask something but ultimately held back.
Matthew noticed this, but since some things couldn't be explained clearly, he simply asked, "Anything else? If not, I'm going home. This last shoot was exhausting—I need to rest for a couple of days."
Helen Herman said, "Yes, there's more. Disney has secured a spot for the *Fast & Furious* crew to present at next year's Oscars, possibly as presenters for a major award. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has also formally invited you to become a member. Don't forget to attend your cameo shoot for *Hannah Montana* in three days. And finally, Christopher Nolan wants you on the *Inception* set next week."
Matthew drummed his fingers on the armrest of his chair, quickly making a decision. "Accept everything."
Presenting at the Oscars was a chance to promote *Fast & Furious 4*. Since he planned to keep making these films long-term, the success of *Fast & Furious 4* was crucial, and he couldn't miss any opportunity to draw attention to it.
Even though Oscar viewership had been declining in recent years, falling to around 30 million on average, the ceremony was still a highly anticipated industry event.
The Academy's invitation to join meant he would become one of the Academy's more than six thousand voting members. There was no downside to this, especially since renowned filmmakers like George Lucas, who never joined the Academy, were rare.
"Who nominated me?" Matthew asked out of curiosity.
Academy members are invited by the governing committee, and the criteria include significant achievements in the film industry, talent, recognition, or contributions to the industry. Candidates must be nominated by at least two current members.
"Johnny Depp and Keira Knightley," Helen Herman said coolly.
"Those two..." Matthew shook his head. "They didn't even give me a heads-up. Were they trying to surprise me?"
He asked Helen Herman, "Once I accept the invitation, when will I officially become a member?"
"By December 30th," Helen Herman guessed Matthew's thoughts, "just in time for the Oscars voting."
Matthew nodded seriously. "Finally, I get to experience voting blind."
Helen Herman glanced at him. "You're so childish."
Matthew shrugged. "Isn't that how most people vote?" Then, a thought occurred to him. "Will any candidates try to lobby me for votes?"
Helen Herman didn't quite understand what he meant and sensed some mischief in his words, but she replied, "Probably. Given your fame, you might influence some people's voting choices."
Matthew clapped his hands. "Good to know."
He was already a member of the Screen Actors Guild and was working on joining the Producers Guild. Since *Twilight* had been released and was a big hit, he expected to become a Producers Guild member this month.
This would give him voting rights for both the acting and film categories.
Best Picture wasn't a big deal, but the Best Supporting Actress and Best Actress categories seemed fiercely competitive.
Unlike male actors, female actors had to seize fame and awards early. Most of them were sidelined by the time they hit forty.
Come to think of it, it's already award season. Which actresses are gunning for the Oscars? Maybe I should pay some attention.
But then, wouldn't that mean I couldn't vote blindly? I really wanted to enjoy the experience of voting with my eyes closed, like most Oscar voters.
As for the *Hannah Montana* cameo and reporting to the *Inception* set, Matthew planned to show up as scheduled. He had already agreed to Disney's request, and it would be beneficial for their future collaborations. Plus, he had a formal agreement with Christopher Nolan, and he needed enough pre-shoot discussions to prepare properly.
Before leaving the Angel Agency, Matthew made a point of calling Christopher Nolan. They had a brief conversation. At the moment, the *Inception* crew was still in pre-production, and aside from Matthew and a few minor roles, Nolan was still casting other parts.
Most of the confirmed actors were British, long-time collaborators with Nolan, like Michael Caine and Cillian Murphy, who had both appeared in the Batman films.
Also, Ken Watanabe, who had played the ninja master's body double in *Batman Begins*, had joined the cast.
Nolan was currently holding auditions for several male and two female roles.
After speaking with Nolan, Matthew thought of James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender. Maybe he should ask if they were interested and recommend them to Nolan.
Back at Horner Manor, Matthew called both of them. James McAvoy had originally planned to propose this year, but work had kept him too busy with back-to-back shoots, so he had to postpone it. Michael Fassbender was still his usual self, going through one girlfriend after another.
Both were very interested in working with Christopher Nolan and had open schedules in the first half of next year.
Matthew took the time to visit Warner Bros. Studios, where he found Nolan busy with pre-production. He formally recommended James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender to him.
Nolan's preference for actors from the British Isles was well known, and both McAvoy, a Scot, and Fassbender, who grew up in Northern Ireland and held Irish citizenship, fit the bill.
Since it was Matthew's recommendation, Nolan agreed to let both actors audition for roles after reviewing their materials.
Considering that none of them were Nolan's regulars, Matthew was quite satisfied with this outcome.
After all, if Nolan had accepted his recommendation without even seeing McAvoy and Fassbender, something would have been wrong with him.
This film would start shooting after the Oscars next year, with Nolan planning to finish the shoot in no more than 100 days and release it in the summer of 2010.
Matthew had high hopes for *Inception*. After *Hancock*, he needed a film that would be both critically acclaimed and a box office success.
For the next two days, Matthew rested at the manor. He met with Charlize Theron to discuss *The Hunger Games* before heading to the Disney studio for his *Hannah Montana* cameo, as agreed with Disney.
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