"Oh~ Elly~ congratulations on your series blowing up~"
"Thanks, thanks for coming to my party~"
"…"
"Oh~ Elly~ congratulations on your album selling so well~"
"I'd love to accept your congratulations, but I have to say this. Right now, the thing selling like crazy on the market is called Hannah Montana TV Original Soundtrack, not my personal album. And the singer's name is Hannah Montana, not Elizabeth Olsen. So—sorry—I'm still a long way from the kind of success you're talking about."
"Oh~ Elly~ that's not how it works. I bought that disc and listened to it, so I know every song on it is sung by you alone. So what's the difference between that and your personal album, right?"
The brown-haired girl holding Olsen's arm laughed. "And besides, tons of people in the entertainment industry use stage names. Take Nicolas Cage, for example. When Hannah Montana becomes your exclusive label, then Hannah Montana blowing up means you blowing up, doesn't it?"
She winked at her friend.
Her crisp words made Olsen's lips curl slightly.
"Uh—when you put it that way—it does kind of make sense."
"So—congratulations?" The girl raised her glass and lightly clinked it with Olsen's.
The clear ding made Olsen smile. "Alright, alright, I accept. Thank you."
"…"
"…"
"Oh~ Elly~ it's really hard to even get a word in with you today—"
"Tsk! So this is my fault now? You know this celebration party was something you guys talked me into!"
"My god, Elly—what are you thinking? I'm just saying there are a lot of people today. I haven't even found a chance to give you your gift! Here—this is something I specially prepared for you. Congratulations, big star~"
Parties are a uniquely Western pop culture thing.
The main reason they came about is that people in the past didn't have much entertainment.
So when they were bored, they'd gather in small groups, chat, joke around.
Since the essence of a party is "killing boring time with like-minded friends," no matter how big a party claims it'll be beforehand, it always ends up breaking down into one small circle after another.
People who like smoking weed stick together.
People who like drinking huddle together.
Outgoing personalities cluster up.
People who like going crazy lose their minds together—
Yes, losing your mind is very common at parties.
For example, once they're drunk, some unhinged people will climb onto tables in small groups, line up empty cups, then open the safety, aim carefully, and fire—ohhhhhh!
If we don't go crazy now, we'll get old.
Of course, this kind of insanity only happens at public parties. When a party has a host and that host is a big deal, unless the host leads the charge into doing something ridiculous, everyone else usually restrains themselves.
Like right now. After everyone raised their glasses and finished their drinks, they scattered to sing, chat, and have fun.
There were still plenty of people squeezing in chances to congratulate Olsen one-on-one.
But most people were just nonstop high, high, high.
Since Olsen grew up in the entertainment industry and had attended countless parties since childhood, nothing happening at this party felt strange to her. You could even say she was numb to it.
But when a friend she'd met while studying in North Hollywood showed her a necklace specially prepared for her, the sparkling, beautiful chain still made her smile, dimples appearing on her face.
"Oh—this is a Tiffany pendant?" Olsen looked delighted.
"Of course! HardWear series! This year's new release!" the blonde girl explained.
"OMG—you're way too good to me!" Olsen said excitedly.
The blonde girl snorted lightly. "You like it?"
"I like it, I like it." Olsen nodded repeatedly.
"Then I'll put it on you?"
"Okay."
After Olsen's classmate—a short-haired blonde—put the current-season Tiffany necklace on her, the piece worth over a hundred thousand dollars instantly made Olsen look like a sweet, clueless darling.
After admiring herself in the mirror for quite a while, Olsen finally picked up the unfinished topic.
When she said she was deeply moved by her classmate's kindness and didn't know how to repay her, the short-haired girl immediately looked around, pulled her to a quiet spot, and said—
"Elly, you know that a hundred-plus thousand dollars is nothing to me, right?"
"…Yeah, yeah—who doesn't know your family's rich? Real estate."
"Okay, then if you really want to repay me, let's not talk about money, something so tacky, alright?"
"?"
Her classmate's words put Olsen on guard.
No choice. The ulterior motive was way too obvious.
"Sure—oh—I knew you wouldn't just give me a pendant for nothing. Go on, what do you want?"
Her tone was relaxed, but inside, Olsen's defenses shot up layer by layer.
In her view, if her classmate made some unreasonable request—like asking her to bring her into the industry or hook her up with major resources—then this kind of plastic friendship could end right here.
However, just as Olsen was preparing for the worst-case scenario of a friendship breakup, the short-haired girl said, "Elly, I heard Hannah Montana has finished filming? So can I know what happens later?"
"Does the Hannah Montana you play fall in love in the show?"
"Wow~ do you know how crazy the romance speculation about you goes on Myspace every day?"
Olsen let out a sigh of relief.
So her friend just wanted spoilers?
"Uh—no, she doesn't get into a relationship—"
Since it wasn't a big deal, Olsen chose to tell the truth.
And she also understood why her friend asked.
In many people's eyes, Hannah Montana was basically Isabella Haywood's autobiography.
So the first episode being related to romance?
And every episode after that discussing youth and love?
It was hard not to make viewers think Isabella was dating someone.
As for that—
"Since you brought this up, I'll tell you something, but you can't tell anyone."
Olsen lowered her voice conspiratorially.
"Mmhmm! Elly! Don't worry! I can keep a secret!" the short-haired blonde nodded like a hamster.
Olsen said, "Hannah Montana is just a spin-off of The Voice. Even though it's produced by Beaver Entertainment, the story has nothing to do with Isabella. It's all written by credited screenwriters."
"Really?" The blonde's eyes lit up.
"Of course! The writers are on set! I'm acting in front of the camera, and they're behind it discussing the plot with the director. A lot of scenes are written on the spot. I saw it with my own eyes!"
"Oh—thank you, Elly—this is huge gossip!"
The short-haired blonde was thrilled.
"You're welcome." Olsen waved it off. "We're friends."
"Oh, Elly, there's one more thing I want to ask."
"What is it?"
"There are rumors going around that you'll appear on The Voice season three. Is that true?"
"It's true. After Hannah Montana blew up, Disney wanted me to show up on The Voice as a special guest. I won't compete in the main contest. It'll be the last episode of the national competition's group stage."
Olsen continued, "It boosts popularity and also warms things up for season two of Hannah Montana . Disney is already talking with Beaver Entertainment about the second season. If nothing goes wrong, it should air this year."
"Oh—then can you take me to the The Voice recording set to hang out?"
The short-haired blonde clasped her hands together, making a wish.
"I really want to get up close with those mentors!"
"This…"
Olsen hesitated.
Celebrities are people too. They have friends and family. And some of those friends and family chase stars too.
So a lot of the time, when a celebrity finds out their friends want to tag along to chase another celebrity, they'll usually help if they can.
But this wasn't one of those times.
Helping friends chase stars also depends on status matching.
If you're A-list and you bring friends to another A-list's place, fine, no one cares.
But if you're B-list, or even a newly debuted C-lister, and your friend wants you to take her to a super A-list's place?
Any normal person would ask themselves one question. Am I worthy?
Right?
So—
"Please."
Olsen's pause made the short-haired blonde start praying.
Seeing this, Olsen swallowed all her refusals. "When I go, I'll call you. You'll pretend to be my assistant. And don't wander around! Don't cause trouble! Okay?"
"Yes yes yes! Elly! I definitely won't cause you trouble!"
"You know, my biggest wish is for you to become a super megastar! That way, anyone around me who wants to meet you will have to come ask me for favors! And you right now—wow—you're already on the road to becoming one!"
Her friend's praise pleased Olsen greatly.
After all, no one dislikes being admired.
But when one person is happy, another is worried.
The next day.
The British Isles.
A pitch-black MPV sped out of London toward Leavesden.
Inside the car sat Anne Hathaway and her mother.
Noticing her daughter staring absent-mindedly out the window, Kate Hathaway reached out and held her hand.
"Since you've already made the decision, don't think too much about it. Embrace the future properly, right?"
Her mother's words brought Anne Hathaway back to herself.
She raised the corners of her mouth and nodded slightly.
As they fell into silence, the vehicle gradually reached their destination.
After stating their appointment, they were led by staff into the reception lounge of Leavesden Studios.
Ten minutes later, Vivian also appeared before them.
Both stood up to greet her.
Vivian smiled and shook hands with them.
After inviting them to sit again, she got straight to the point. "Mrs. Hathaway, Miss Hathaway, have you officially decided to sign the contract?"
"Yes. I want to join Marmot Agency."
Anne Hathaway smiled and nodded.
"So our company is getting another newcomer?"
Almost at the same time.
The Scottish Highlands.
Margot Robbie, was sitting in a neat row with Isabella and Catherine Haywood.
Born in 1987, Catherine was already eighteen.
After she came of age, even though Isabella was still only fifteen and couldn't work independently, Vivian no longer needed to stay by her side at all times like before. She could follow the example of the young master's parents and replicate their earlier approach, transferring guardianship so Catherine could look after Isa. That way, Vivian could finally regain her freedom.
Well, "freedom" mostly meant being busy with work.
Robbie's comment made Isabella laugh.
While waiting for her scene, she nudged her older sister with her elbow. When Catherine tilted her head and raised an eyebrow, she immediately said, "She's getting anxious."
"…"
"Heh~"
Understanding her little sister's meaning, Catherine cooperated with a polite chuckle.
Robbie rolled her eyes and gave Isabella an annoyed shove.
"Isa, if we swapped roles, you'd be anxious too."
"Hiss—"
The sudden punch made Isabella clutch her arm.
People who grow up training in circus arts really have terrifying grip strength.
But her face was full of mockery. "Margot, you're wrong there. Even if we switched identities, I wouldn't be anxious. Because I know I'm a good person, and I don't mistreat my own people."
Her shameless self-praise left Robbie speechless.
"Hahahaha~"
This time, Catherine genuinely laughed.
She shook her head. "Isabella."
"Hm?"
"Your skin is really thick."
Isabella was not amused.
Grinding her teeth, she said, "Catherine, your mouth is really something."
Isabella received Anne Hathaway's visit request in the second week after Hannah Montana exploded in popularity, which was also the first weekend after The Voice of America season three officially aired.
At first, she was confused.
She didn't understand why Anne Hathaway wanted to join Marmot Agency.
But after learning about Anne Hathaway's situation in this lifetime—
She admitted that if she were Anne Hathaway, she'd probably have gone insane already.
Because in this lifetime, Anne Hathaway's life was genuinely miserable.
At that point, Anne Hathaway was basically unemployed.
After giving up The Princess Diaries and embracing The Phantom of the Opera, her acting career went downhill nonstop, because The Phantom of the Opera was a complete failure both at the box office and in awards.
With a production budget exceeding 70 million dollars, The Phantom of the Opera made only 51 million in North America and just 154 million worldwide. That kind of performance was a full-on disaster.
And since it was released in December 2004, it had zero chance of winning major awards.
Don't ask why.
If you ask, the answer is that Fox discriminated against the first Black Best Actress winner in Oscar history.
The 2005 Oscars were basically dominated by Black winners. Even though the final top prize still went to a white person, that person was Clint Eastwood. Leaving aside his qualifications, which no one could argue with, just look at his relationship with Jewish circles. He was Spielberg's people. Criticize him and the Jewish community would bite back.
Since The Phantom of the Opera had no buffs, being forgotten by the world was its best possible ending.
And when a movie fails both commercially and critically, the people involved are basically saying goodbye to the entertainment industry.
That said, The Phantom of the Opera wasn't actually the last movie Anne Hathaway made at that time.
After finishing it, just like in her previous life, she went on to take Havoc.
As for that movie—
Before taking it, Anne Hathaway and her mother were aiming for the Oscars.
After filming it, neither of them wanted anything to do with awards anymore.
There were two reasons.
First, Havoc itself was very mediocre.
During filming, they already knew it was a flashy-looking but rotten-at-the-core production.
Second, in an era where identity politics ruled, a film about family conflict like Havoc had zero chance of receiving preferential treatment from award juries. Using that movie to chase awards was simply a waste of time.
So after suffering both critical and commercial failures, and watching Elizabeth Olsen rise meteorically, Anne Hathaway finally had no options left. She chose to listen, accepted her mother's suggestion, and wanted to sign with Marmot Agency.
She longed for a new life.
Yes, in this lifetime, she never got Brokeback Mountain.
And this whole situation—
At first, Isabella felt awkward.
Because her existence, her butterfly effect, had made Anne Hathaway's life miserable.
That's easy to understand.
When your actions drastically affect someone's life, to the point of changing it completely and plunging them into hell, and then that person suddenly comes asking you for help—
No matter how you look at it, it's weird.
On top of that, Isabella had actually taken Anne Hathaway's resources.
Specifically, The Devil Wears Prada.
But after reflecting, Isabella still decided to sign Anne Hathaway.
This wasn't because her saintly heart suddenly activated and she wanted to compensate Anne Hathaway.
Rather—
"So Isabella, how do you plan to arrange her?"
Even though she'd just been insulted by her little sister, Catherine didn't care.
Her question made Robbie perk up her ears.
At that moment, Robbie really was anxious.
No choice. Resources in the industry are limited.
But one person's ambition is limitless.
Even though Robbie had already secured Transformers, who wouldn't want more?
If Marmot Agency had only one actor, she could play whatever she wanted. But once more and more actors were signed—
Even if she knew Isabella wouldn't treat her unfairly, worry was inevitable.
So—
"Oh, Margot, what's with that look?"
Catherine's question made Isabella glance at Robbie.
Seeing her staring straight at her, openly craving favoritism, Isabella immediately laughed. "Relax. I won't give projects suited for you to Anne Hathaway."
"Because I'm afraid that if you get upset, you'll go too hard while giving me a massage and accidentally kill me."
"I am fragile you know.."
"Hahahahaha~~~"
Robbie and Catherine burst out laughing.
Isabella continued, "I signed Anne Hathaway because I think she's suitable to play Catwoman in DC."
"Kevin Feige's idea is pretty interesting, isn't it?"
"So I want to make it real."
"Of course, that reality has to align with my own interests—"
In Isabella's previous life, Anne Hathaway was basically Catwoman incarnate.
Her performance in The Dark Knight Rises left a deep impression on Isabella.
Too beautiful—
Cough cough—
Isabella wasn't someone who judged purely by looks!
Uh—
Liar.
Who doesn't like being around good-looking people?
Heh.
Alright, jokes aside, back to the point.
Isabella admitted that Kevin Feige's earlier declaration of loyalty had inspired her.
If she could influence Barry Warner's kingmaker Barry Meyer, then DC was basically a toy in her hands.
Sure, she had no interest in "saving" the DC cinematic universe. There was no way she could buy DC from Warner anyway. Saving DC's film universe would just be working for Warner for free.
But if she could appear in the DC cinematic universe, and do so without playing a DC superhero—
That genuinely interested her.
Because as long as she could appear in DC films as a "tourist," her career might experience a massive leap.
The logic went like this:
When Isabella noticed that her cartoon beaver had been turned by enthusiastic netizens into Spider-Beaver, Deadpool-Beaver, and Iron Beaver, her mind immediately went to the wildly popular "Many-Faced Anya" from short-video platforms in her previous life.
Once the public could accept this kind of toy, pretending she didn't want to make money would be a lie.
But the problem was that even if everyone believed her cartoon beaver could appear in any work, that belief hadn't received official recognition from any IP collaborations.
So Isabella needed to prove to all capital interests that her cartoon beaver could collaborate with any IP. Only then could she reap the profits of such collaborations and make money together with other IPs.
Yes.
That was the real reason she signed Anne Hathaway.
She wanted to borrow Kevin Feige's thinking, push a standalone Catwoman film, and insert herself as a tourist character. For example, she accidentally enters Catwoman's world. At first she has no Catwoman abilities, but after putting on Catwoman's equipment, she becomes Catwoman, the embodiment the public loves.
As for why Catwoman instead of Harley Quinn, or why not embrace Marvel—
Simple.
The first answer had two parts:
First, Catwoman is one of DC's few high-popularity female characters, and she has lots of equipment.
Collaborating with high-popularity characters is easier for audiences to accept.
Combining with equipment-heavy characters makes the "many forms" concept easier to understand.
Second, in Isabella's previous life, Catwoman appeared in Nolan's Batman series.
If Nolan could push Batman to the peak, then using such a massively successful franchise as leverage made success far more likely.
The latter answer also had two parts:
First, the Marvel Cinematic Universe was already a proven success.
When you know a project will reach the top just by following the standard path, only someone with brain damage would use a guaranteed money-maker to play risky tricks. That's reasonable, right?
Second, the Marvel rights Isabella held didn't support risky tricks anyway.
Yes.
Marvel really was like a supermarket, selling off many rights.
But those rights only allowed people to make films.
As for anything else?
Take the rights Isabella got from Lionsgate. They didn't even allow toy production. That meant if a movie became popular and she wanted to make merchandise, she'd first need Marvel Studios' approval.
Utterly useless.
Of course, Marvel Studios couldn't do whatever they wanted either.
If they wanted to make merchandise money, they'd also need Isabella's consent.
Put simply, Marvel wanted to make money but lacked the ability, so they tried to lock profits with contracts.
When Isabella laid out her entire plan—
Both Catherine and Robbie were stunned.
They exchanged looks.
"Your idea is pretty outrageous," Catherine said honestly.
"Oh, is this the creativity of an Oscar-winning screenwriter?" Robbie flattered insincerely.
"Tch—too lazy to deal with you guys."
Isabella didn't care.
Because she herself didn't know whether this plan would actually work.
And she also knew that for this outrageous idea to succeed, Barry Meyer would have to achieve a decisive victory in the upcoming battle. If he lost, then even if Warner's new bosses Ted Turner and Steve Case liked her, they wouldn't support her the way Barry Meyer did.
And that—
When the date reached August 18, 2005, the world changed.
That day, The Wall Street Journal published an article—
"Has the Bloodthirsty Wolf King Found New Love? Can Old Rental Giant Blockbuster Be Reborn?"