Everything seemed absurd and laughable.
If word got out that Sony Columbia was planning to replace Anson—not only the key figure behind the success of "Spider-Man," but also the undisputed top rising actor in Hollywood—the first reaction would likely be:
"Are you kidding?"
What is this, some satirical news? Even when fabricating news, there should at least be some logic. Such outrageous nonsense is easy to see through, so what's the point?
However, the situation was indeed unfolding—
Judging from Michael's actions, he was determined to see it through.
Even before the meeting, Michael had already begun gathering information on replacement actors, conducting a thorough evaluation, and offering a flawless solution that left no room for refusal.
Michael and Amy were once again locked in a fierce confrontation, sparks flying, but this power struggle showed no signs of concluding anytime soon.
Amy, well-established and deeply rooted in Sony Columbia, had been building her career for years. Now standing on the edge of a cliff, she was prepared to fight with everything she had for her career.
Michael, on the other hand, was all-in. Although he appeared unstoppable for now, stepping forward like this also put him in a position with no way out. If he lost this battle, his career could face a disastrous setback.
"Spider-Man" remained Sony Columbia's top priority. Even if nothing unexpected had happened to Anson, Michael would have still found a way to insert himself and leave his mark on the project.
If Anson knew about this, the confusion and discord between the second and third films in the series might have had deeper reasons.
The atmosphere was tense. Ian wisely kept his mouth shut, staying out of the storm's path.
Unexpectedly, a sudden voice chimed in.
"I think Michael has a point."
Laura Ziskin, another producer, and one of the key figures who had initially supported Anson, finally spoke. She had been silent throughout the meeting as the fifth participant.
Ian thought he was hearing things, "Laura?"
Although Laura hadn't been the biggest fan of Anson, she had still respected his talent. Now, she seemed to have changed sides.
Ian's gaze quickly shifted between Laura and Michael.
Perhaps Laura hadn't "betrayed" Anson but had simply chosen a new faction.
Laura remained calm, unbothered by Ian's scrutinizing look.
"I'm not saying we should replace Anson immediately, but we need to be prepared."
"Yes, Anson needs time to heal and recover, three to six weeks. But no one can guarantee whether it'll be three weeks, six weeks, or even longer."
"We can't just wait indefinitely."
"We need to be ready. If Anson needs six weeks or more, then next summer's release will be a joke. We can choose to wait for him, but that might cost an additional ten to twenty million in budget increases."
"Alternatively, we could demonstrate the company's strength, showing Hollywood that no one is irreplaceable. The studio should win over the actor. We refuse to be led around by the nose."
Smart—
Laura had deftly shifted the conversation toward salary disputes, clearly indicating that the studio was still dissatisfied with actors earning more and more.
Ian guessed that Laura had already chosen her new faction.
As Sam prepared to speak, Laura interrupted him.
"Besides, finding a successor isn't that simple."
"Remember how long it took to choose the final actor? Anson's success wasn't just luck."
"Now, choosing a new Spider-Man, under time pressure after an accident, will be no easier."
Laura looked directly at Sam, then shifted her gaze to Michael.
"We should give these potential replacements a chance, while we monitor Anson's recovery progress."
"Being prepared on both fronts will minimize our losses."
"After all, we are the victims here. Every day we wait costs us more."
Reasonable and well-argued.
After Michael's push, Laura's compromise sounded much more palatable and easier to accept.
Assuming, of course, everyone in the room played nice.
But they weren't.
Ian tilted his chin slightly. Michael and Laura's tag-team approach seemed victorious, but he wasn't going to be fooled easily.
"Hah, tight schedule, difficult situation. So, perhaps you already have an actor in mind? Why not speed things up and save us from going through the motions of auditions?"
To Ian, this seemingly reasonable plan was just a cover. Michael and Laura probably already had someone in mind, ready to be approved within forty-eight hours, leaving no time for Anson to recover. It would be a swift and ruthless decision, cutting Anson out before he even had a chance to speak.
Although Anson was riding high in public perception, the studio still saw him as unsteady, far from a true superstar.
Laura remained calm, looking at Ian. "You're one of the interviewers too. You have a vote. You can make your own judgment."
Ian didn't buy it.
Within the board, some votes supported Michael, while others backed Amy. If new actors were chosen, it would be less about "auditions" and more about another round of factional voting.
Michael or Amy?
If Michael's side was chosen, they would naturally pick the actor he had already set his sights on. The process would seem complex but, in reality, simple and transparent.
Laura's steady gaze bore into Ian, neither denying nor refuting his guess, but smiling as she asked,
"So, what's your stance?"
Ian was speechless.
Had he already decided to side with Amy? Was he truly standing against Michael? Once a choice was made, would there be no turning back?
His mind raced with a thousand thoughts.
Ian kept quiet, needing time to think.
Laura wasn't surprised, knowing Ian was smart. Dealing with smart people was easy—one hint, and they got it.
Amy's heart was in her throat. She knew Ian hadn't made a final decision yet, and she still had a chance to bring him into her camp. But one thing was clear: today, Michael would get what he wanted—
The audition for replacement actors was inevitable.
As for whether Michael's chosen candidate would become the new Spider-Man, that was another battle.
For now, Amy couldn't stop Michael any longer. His argument was too solid, and the board wouldn't reject it.
Amy couldn't afford to keep aggravating the board.
With that realization, Amy fell silent, her mind whirling with thoughts.
Michael, always observant, sensed the differing thoughts in both Amy and Ian. His tense expression relaxed slightly.
"Well, then, it's settled. We'll notify these actors—"
Bang.
A sudden noise interrupted Michael's concluding statement.