The moment Dunn Pictures dropped its blacklist on Disney, the industry shook. These two were clearly in it to the death!
Thankfully, both sides kept things measured, not letting the fallout spiral out of control. Everything stayed within bounds.
Just like when Disney's blacklist against Dunn Pictures hit, news of Dunn's retaliation spread fast, and his friends wasted no time reaching out.
Mel Gibson was the first, his tone dripping with mockery. "Dunn, a few days ago you were chewing me out, saying my anti-Semitic vibes would tank me in Hollywood. Now you're picking a fight with Disney—aren't you the one courting death?"
Dunn shot back, annoyed. "You think I'm dumb? I wouldn't issue a blacklist without being damn sure of myself."
Mel snorted. "That's your idea of a blacklist? Please—Disney's partners don't need your memo to steer clear of you!"
Dunn grinned shamelessly. "So what? It's not about the outcome—it's the message! I want Hollywood's big shots to see: they might cower before Disney, but I, Dunn, don't!"
"Bullshit!" Mel roared. "When the hell have I ever been scared of Disney? With or without them, I've got offers lined up!"
He wasn't bluffing. With Mel Gibson's clout in Hollywood, name a $20 million fee, and studios would trip over themselves to sign him. These days, his pay had blown past that industry ceiling, hitting $25 million.
Dunn smirked. "You're not afraid of Disney, sure—but don't forget the whole 'Aussie crew' behind you."
Mel scoffed. "I'd love to see Disney try blacklisting all of Australia. Anyway, I'm on set—no time to yap. When's your new flick starting?"
A Beautiful Mind starred Aussies Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman. "Soon—August 21st. Why?"
"I'm heading out early September for The Unsinkable. Set it up—I'll swing by for half a day to cameo in your film," Mel said casually.
Dunn blinked. "Wait, what?"
Mel huffed, impatient. "You deaf? I said I'll cameo in A Beautiful Mind. Arrange it! Don't worry, I'm doing it for free—no cash needed!"
"Mel, this…"
Dunn was touched, stumbling over his words.
With the blacklist drama boiling over, Hollywood's top directors and actors were rattled, caught in the crossfire, unsure where to land. Dunn Pictures or Disney—which side to pick?
Dunn Pictures was the underdog, but their films popped, launching stars—case in point, this summer's breakout, "Spider-Man" James Franco. Disney's movies couldn't compete quality-wise, but their empire was vast—TV, music, theater, variety shows. Cross them, and you're toast.
Now, Mel Gibson was stepping up, offering a cameo in A Beautiful Mind. Symbolism trumped substance here. It screamed to Hollywood: the industry's biggest star was Team Dunn Pictures.
That was a hell of a favor.
Mel didn't linger. "Alright, I'm slammed here—gotta shoot. Can't do much for your Hollywood mess, so watch yourself."
He hung up, and Dunn let out a long breath. That Gibson guy—total cowboy grit. Loyal as hell.
Beyond Mel, a slew of A-listers—Leonardo DiCaprio, Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Tom Hanks, Anthony Hopkins, Jack Nicholson—sent emails or called, backing Dunn. Kate Winslet, though, cracked him up. She wanted to blast Disney on a talk show, only for her agent, Hilda Queally, to shut it down hard. Dunn jumped in too, talking her out of it.
Female actors in Hollywood had way less clout than their male peers at the same level. This kind of war? No actress could wade in without getting shredded by the fallout.
Amid the support, two actors ticked Dunn off.
First, Pearl Harbor's Ben Affleck. Back when casting Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Dunn fought tooth and nail to get him "Obi-Wan," catapulting him to A-list status. Fine if he worked with Dunn's nemesis Michael Bay on Pearl Harbor, or stayed quiet during the Dunn-Disney clash—tough spot, sure. But not even a text or email? That was cold.
Dunn was let down by the guy's character.
Then there was James Franco, summer's red-hot "Spider-Man." He emailed Dunn, but his stance was wishy-washy. In media interviews about the Dunn-Disney feud, he dodged, never giving a straight answer. Smart move—high EQ, good for his image.
But it left Dunn cold.
Franco owed his overnight A-list leap to Dunn—to Spider-Man! Bluntly put, Dunn was his benefactor. Others could play both sides, but Franco shouldn't. Dunn didn't expect him to pull a Mel Gibson, swooping into A Beautiful Mind with grand loyalty. But couldn't he at least stand firm for Dunn Pictures in front of the press?
Sure, Franco's approach wasn't wrong—he'd sent a consolation email. But Dunn vibed more with the Mel Gibson, Leonardo DiCaprio types—straight-shooting, ride-or-die. He'd hoped to be real pals with Franco. Now? Just business.
Franco was locked into a 10-film Marvel deal anyway. If Marvel dangled $20 million, he'd suit up as Spider-Man again, no questions asked.
When things are smooth sailing, everyone's your buddy. It's the rough patches that show who's real. Dunn almost thanked Disney's blacklist for that clarity.
On August 19th, Dunn Pictures shelled out $16 million to buy indie outfit Good Machine, folding it into their roster. Renamed Focus Features, it'd handle producing, releasing, and distributing indie films, especially award-bait dramas.
The blacklist clearly hadn't slowed Dunn Pictures' expansion.
August 20th, Girl, Interrupted's opening week numbers dropped: $15.8 million in six days, snagging second on the weekly chart. New Line's horror flick The Cell took first with $17.5 million, followed by Paramount's The Original Kings of Comedy at $11.05 million.
But while Girl, Interrupted racked up rave reviews and killer word-of-mouth, The Cell tanked with critics, slammed as a showcase for Jennifer Lopez's figure, not much else. Analysts bet Girl, Interrupted's buzz—no big releases competing—could push it past The Cell to claim first next week.
Some skeptics argued it was just an arthouse flick; its $15.8 million debut was Dunn hyping himself up to dunk on Disney. Next week, Disney's comedy The Crew hit screens. Maybe…
Another box office showdown was brewing!
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