Entertainment: Starting as a Succubus, Taking Hollywood by Storm Chapter 296 - 303: Spielberg’s Proposal

The presence of George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Jas Caron to support Martin's The Matrix premiere electrified the reporters, their cara shutters clicking non-stop.

But the surprises didn't end there.

Soon, another car pulled up to the red carpet. A short, stout man erged from it: Peter Jackson.

Reporters were reminded that Hollywood's roster of most profitable directors now included another na.

With just one film, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Jackson had cented his place among Hollywood's elite directors, with a global box office of $1.042 billion. And there were still two more installnts waiting to be released.

Spielberg glanced at Jackson's arrival and suggested to the others, "Why don't we wait a bit longer?"

Lucas nodded. Caron, while noncommittal, didn't leave either. He casually posed for the caras with his new wife, clearly doting on the forr actress.

Jackson, overwheld by the sight of the three legendary directors waiting for him, felt both exhilarated and elated.

"Co on, Peter, join us for a group photo," Spielberg warmly invited.

Spielberg's overt friendliness hinted at his intent to win over this rising star.

Grinning ear to ear, Jackson eagerly joined the group.

After the four directors had their photo taken, they finally moved off the red carpet.

By now, the sun had fully set.

In front of the Dolby Theatre, crowds thronged in excitent.

A sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of the red carpet.

The atmosphere hit fever pitch as a man and woman stepped out of the vehicle and onto the carpet, greeted by a tidal wave of cheers.

"Martin! Martin!"

"Neo! Neo!"

"Nicole, look this way!"

"Trinity (Nicole's character), you're stunning!"

Indeed, Nicole Kidman looked dazzling. To align with the film's promotional thes, both she and Martin were dressed entirely in black.

Martin's black suit was classic—after all, n's formal wear offered little room for creativity.

But Nicole's black gown, custom-made by Dior, was breathtaking, accentuating her curves in all the right ways.

The pure black fabric highlighted her luminous, alabaster skin.

The gown featured a daringly low-cut back that stopped just shy of scandalous, teasing the imagination.

This tantalizing "almost-reveal" had hearts racing.

Nicole, now one of Hollywood's most elegant red carpet fixtures, radiated a commanding aura honed by years of experience.

When Martin escorted her to the dia area, it was obvious that so reporters were struggling to keep their composure.

"Nicole, this is your second collaboration with Martin. What's it like working with him again?"

Nicole bead and joked, "It's a very different experience. The first ti, Martin played my son. Now he's my boyfriend. Who knows? Maybe next ti he'll play my father!"

Her lighthearted quip drew laughter from the crowd.

Brushing off her earlier jest, Nicole added with sincerity, "This ti, working together has been amazing. I love my character in the film—a skilled and fearless woman. It's my first ti playing such a role, and it's been an exhilarating experience."

The host then turned to Martin.

"Martin, George Lucas revealed earlier that you turned down his invitation to write and star in Star Wars. What was on your mind at the ti?"

Martin smiled. "I didn't think I could handle writing for Star Wars. Everyone knows it's George's brainchild, and his stamp is all over it. I didn't feel confident I could surpass that, so I simply declined. That's my secret to avoiding failure."

His humorous reply drew more laughter.

"And what are your expectations for The Matrix? What do you think its box office performance will be?"

"Expectations? Of course, I hope the box office soars! If I were to predict, I'd say $600 million globally and $250 million in North Arica."

The host pressed further. "Next month, George Lucas's Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones will be released. Do you think The Matrix can beat it?"

"Is George here tonight?" Martin asked.

"He is," the host confird.

"Oh, in that case, I don't think The Matrix will surpass Star Wars. George is my senior, and I must respect him."

"So, you're only saying that out of respect?"

"That's your interpretation," Martin laughed before adding, "Why can't both films succeed?"

"But they're competing in the sa genre."

"No, no, no," Martin shook his head and waggled his finger. "Star Wars is science fiction. The Matrix is science fiction, but also an action film and a philosophical piece. They're entirely different categories!"

Laughter erupted again.

After the interview, Martin and Nicole entered the banquet hall.

The customary mingling began.

Martin guided Nicole toward the group of Lucas, Spielberg, Caron, and Jackson.

Surrounded by a throng of people hoping to curry favor with the four directors, the atmosphere was abuzz.

Martin's arrival turned heads, his presence adding to the fervor.

Were it not for Nicole's presence, so actresses would've likely sidled up to him.

Hollywood actresses, especially in the face of capital, often displayed astonishing initiative.

After exchanging greetings with the directors, Spielberg pulled Martin aside.

"Martin, have you sold the film rights to Ready Player One yet?"

Caught off guard, Martin quickly understood and smiled. "Not yet, but I plan to produce it through my own company."

Spielberg imdiately offered, "DreamWorks can invest."

Martin chuckled. "We welco all friendly investors. However, DreamWorks' overseas distribution capabilities..."

"We've been working on it. DreamWorks' international distribution network is now on par with the big six studios. You can trust on that."

Martin nodded. "If you're willing to direct, Steven, I'd be happy to accept DreamWorks' investnt."

Spielberg broke into a grin. "I'd be honored to take on the job."

"Great, then here's to a fruitful collaboration."

"Cheers to that."

And just like that, a multimillion-dollar deal was struck.