In a lounge at Horner Manor, Matthew sat in front of the television with Margot Robbie beside him, both watching the screen. On the screen, Harvey Weinstein and a talk show host were discussing the currently box-office-dominating The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
"Warner Bros. and Matthew Horner are the biggest investors in The Hobbit," Harvey Weinstein said, his plump face brimming with anger. "It's time for people to know the despicable truth about them!"
Without waiting for the host's question, Weinstein launched into his tirade. "Originally, Warner Bros. signed an agreement with me, granting me the rights to invest in The Hobbit trilogy. But Matthew Horner forcefully intervened and stole the investment shares that rightfully belonged to me."
At this moment, Weinstein looked nothing like the arrogant power player he often portrayed. Instead, he resembled a victim. "Kevin Tsujihara betrayed the agreement he had with me and secretly collaborated with Matthew Horner. This is not only unethical but also illegal!"
Weinstein's voice grew louder. "Kevin Tsujihara and Matthew Horner are shameless thieves!"
"Mr. Weinstein," the host finally managed to interject, "how do you plan to handle this situation?"
Weinstein replied self-righteously, "I will sue Warner Bros. and Matthew Horner. I'll see them in court!"
The declaration sounded like a formal declaration of war.
Matthew didn't continue watching. He picked up the remote and turned off the television, his expression calm. Harvey Weinstein hadn't changed a bit—still the same as ever.
He remained composed, unfazed. This wasn't the first time Weinstein had attacked Warner Bros. or other major studios. A quick search online would reveal a long list of instances where Weinstein publicly clashed with one of Hollywood's Big Six studios. He had berated Warner Bros., insulted Disney, and cursed Paramount, among others—Weinstein had done it all.
No one really understood what Weinstein was thinking. Perhaps he believed that his two-decade tenure in Hollywood, his reputation as an Oscar kingmaker, and his Jewish heritage made him untouchable.
Since the late 1990s, Weinstein had made a habit of publicly lambasting competitors in the media. This time, Matthew had been dragged into the mess.
"Is the conflict between you and Harvey Weinstein really that severe?" Margot Robbie asked with concern.
Matthew nodded lightly. "It's been intense for five or six years now."
Margot frowned, clearly worried. "Is there no way to resolve it? I've heard Harvey Weinstein plays dirty."
"There's no room for reconciliation," Matthew said, shaking his head slowly. Then, after a pause, he added, "I know exactly what kind of person he is."
"Do you think this could turn into a serious problem?" Margot asked again.
Matthew chuckled, patting her hand reassuringly. "What's the worst that could happen? If he wants to sue, let him. Warner Bros. will be the one taking the brunt of it."
Back when Warner Bros. signed the investment agreement for The Hobbit, Kevin Tsujihara had explained the situation to Matthew. Weinstein had negotiated the deal in his capacity as an executive at Miramax. But Miramax was owned by Walt Disney, and Disney had also invested in The Hobbit. Additionally, Disney and Weinstein had been at odds for over a decade, with bitter conflicts arising between them.
Now that Disney and Warner Bros. were aligned as co-investors in The Hobbit, there was no chance they would side with Weinstein.
However, given Weinstein's personality and history, he would likely proceed with the lawsuit anyway. For one, he wouldn't swallow his pride, and two, Hollywood disputes of this nature were often resolved out of court. Even if only a small settlement was reached, Weinstein would see it as a win.
Margot still seemed uneasy. "With someone as ruthless as Weinstein watching us, I can't help but feel unsettled."
Matthew patted her hand again, smiling. "Don't worry, I'm the best hunter out there."
As a hunter, patience was a fundamental skill. Matthew had been biding his time for years in preparation for what was to come.
The downfall of a powerful figure often seemed swift and effortless, as though their opponent barely had to lift a finger. But anyone with common sense could imagine the immense time and effort spent laying the groundwork before making a move.
Matthew neither overestimated himself nor underestimated his adversaries. Otherwise, he knew he might end up being the one to regret it.
As expected, the next day, numerous media outlets reported that Harvey Weinstein had officially filed a lawsuit with the Los Angeles District Court. He was suing Warner Bros. and Matthew's Thirteen Studio, demanding $75 million in compensation for rights related to The Hobbit trilogy.
Weinstein, full of confidence, even released a public statement: "If it weren't for my initial financial support for Peter Jackson and Weta Workshop, there wouldn't be a Lord of the Rings trilogy or The Hobbit trilogy today."
Warner Bros. quickly responded, stating, "At the time of the agreement, Harvey Weinstein was representing Miramax. Therefore, the Hobbit trilogy's revenue should not be shared with him."
Miramax's parent company, Walt Disney, also issued a statement supporting Warner Bros.
Still, Weinstein persisted, publicly slamming Warner Bros. and Matthew's studio as he had done so many times before.
Demanding $75 million in compensation? Not a chance. Matthew wouldn't give Weinstein so much as $75.
Within Warner Bros., opinions were divided. Some worried the lawsuit could affect the ongoing success of An Unexpected Journey and cast a shadow over the sequels. They believed a settlement with Weinstein might be the safer route, considering the high costs of prolonged litigation.
Others, led by Kevin Tsujihara, favored a hardline stance. They had anticipated this scenario when they first partnered with Matthew to edge Weinstein out of the investment. After all, Weinstein's reputation in the industry was well-known.
This group believed Weinstein needed to be countered with equal force.
When news of the lawsuit broke, Matthew remained calm. In fact, he saw Weinstein's actions as an unintentional assist. Borrowing a yacht from David Ellison, Matthew invited Kevin Tsujihara for a casual afternoon tea outing on the water.
"That Harvey Weinstein is utterly unbearable," Kevin grumbled as they sat in the yacht's open lounge. The very thought of Weinstein's pudgy face irritated him. "How many times has he lashed out at Warner Bros. and me personally? He's like a fly buzzing around incessantly, annoying but hard to swat."
Matthew nodded, sipping his tea. "Kevin, we need to respond with strength," he advised. "We've planned for a trilogy with The Hobbit. With only An Unexpected Journey out so far, if we cave to Weinstein now, his behavior will only escalate with the sequels."
"You're absolutely right," Kevin agreed. "Weinstein's appetite knows no bounds."
"This isn't the first time he's given you and Warner Bros. trouble, is it?" Matthew asked casually.
Kevin chuckled bitterly. "I've lost count of how many times. He's worse than a fly, buzzing around incessantly but impossible to squash."
Matthew sighed. "Weinstein has caused me just as much grief. Did you know he once locked James Wan in a hotel room to try to steal Insidious from me? Luckily, I arrived in time. Without that, we wouldn't have the successful partnership that launched the Conjuring Universe."
Kevin shared his frustration. "Losing the Conjuring Universe would've been a huge blow for us!"
Though Warner Bros. only distributed the Conjuring Universe films, the high distribution margins made the series a significant revenue driver for the studio.
Matthew sipped his tea again and added, "That series is critical for both of us. There are many sequels in the pipeline, with minimal investment but massive returns."
Kevin understood the depth of their shared interests. In many ways, Warner Bros. and Matthew were partners.
"If Weinstein dares to meddle in the Conjuring Universe again," Kevin vowed, "Warner Bros. will cut off his hand!"
Matthew smirked. "Weinstein called us thieves, but even thieves like us aren't to be trifled with."
Thinking back to Weinstein's public accusations on television, Kevin's expression darkened.
Sensing that he had made his point, Matthew leaned back and sighed heavily. "Our conflicts with Weinstein run deep."
Indeed, no one could ignore the power of money and self-interest. Tens of thousands of dollars could turn friends into enemies—let alone sums in the eight- or nine-figure range.
Kevin Tsujihara had long disliked Weinstein. His actions during The Hobbit's investment negotiations made that abundantly clear. Frowning, he remarked, "The problem is, every awards season, Weinstein stirs up trouble. He's more revolting than a fly."
Matthew set down his teacup and nodded. "I feel the same." Then, he added with emphasis, "It would be great if Weinstein disappeared from Hollywood."
"You're not the only one," Kevin replied, giving Matthew a meaningful look. "A lot of people in this industry feel the same way."
Matthew tested the waters. "If the opportunity arises, should we work together to push Weinstein out of Hollywood?"
Kevin laughed. "I'd welcome that day with open arms."
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