After his eting with Natalie, Matthew didn't just sit back and wait. He and David reached out to the Wachowski brothers on several occasions, and the Wachowskis were receptive to their inquiries. After a few conversations, Matthew ca to understand that the brothers were open to an alternative to Pitt—they were simply holding out for the highest bidder.
They were using him to generate buzz around "Cloud Atlas," hoping to sell the project for a premium.
Though Matthew had suspected the brothers' ulterior motives from the very beginning, he had no complaints, as he was using them just as much.
But in the end, he and David were unable to outbid Pitt.
The reality was that after Skydance Pictures committed to investing in two other projects, its capital was stretched thin.
Other studios had approached the Wachowski brothers, but no smaller company could front the nearly one hundred million dollars the project required, while a major "big six" studio was unlikely to grant the Wachowskis the creative freedom they demanded.
To put it bluntly, the Big Six were never short on projects.
Perhaps it was Matthew's aggressive pursuit that made Pitt's camp feel threatened. By the end of May, Pitt's company, Plan B, had reached an agreent in principle with the Wachowski brothers and had already drawn up a draft of the deal.
Plan B would produce "Cloud Atlas," with Pitt confird for the leading role.
"I'm very disappointed in the Wachowskis; I've spent a significant amount of ti preparing for 'Cloud Atlas'."
As he prepared for a Disney Pictures promotional event for "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," Matthew gave a brief interview about the situation. "I regret this outco..."
Flanked by bodyguards, he made his way toward the venue, his expression making it clear he didn't want to talk at length.
The mont he stepped into the backstage lounge for the press conference, the slightly vexed expression on his face vanished without a trace, replaced by a warm smile. Depp and Keira Knightley were already there.
"Hey, Depp." Matthew embraced his co-star, then turned to Keira with open arms. "It's been too long, Keira. You look as lovely as ever."
Keira returned the hug with a smile.
Turning back to Depp, Matthew inquired, "So, how did things go with Christopher Nolan?"
Depp shook his head. "It didn't work out. They went with an Australian actor."
He furrowed his brow slightly. "So you backed out of the Wachowskis' project?"
"Well..." Matthew began, spreading his hands in a helpless gesture. "There was no way around it. David and I were tied up with the next installnt of 'The Fast and the Furious' and just couldn't raise the one hundred million dollars the Wachowskis were demanding. With no financing, the lead role naturally went to soone else."
Depp sighed. "That's a real sha. Matthew, they're incredibly talented. So of their ideas are just visionary, so creative. They're definitely rare geniuses in the world of comrcial filmmaking."
Keira chid in, "Depp's right. If I ever decide to do another comrcial film, the Wachowskis would be at the top of my list of directors to work with."
Matthew knew perfectly well that the Wachowskis' visionary work, with its intriguing settings and complex plot, would naturally appeal to most actors. Helen had even said it sounded like the next "Matrix."
But combining his foreknowledge, the Wachowskis' signature style, and his own years of experience in the comrcial film world, Matthew was convinced it was destined to be another flop.
The film might earn critical acclaim, but critical acclaim didn't always translate into box office success.
It wasn't that "Cloud Atlas" had zero potential for success, but Matthew believed it was far more likely to be a career pitfall than a hit.
But even so, this pitfall alone wasn't deep enough for Pitt.
Matthew knew that before "Cloud Atlas" was even released, he needed to steer Pitt into another, deeper trap.
Just then, a crew mber approached to remind them it was ti for the press conference.
"You do realize what's happening, don't you?" Keira murmured to Matthew as they walked toward the stage. "The Wachowski brothers are just using you."
Matthew smiled. "I know."
Seeing that Matthew was fully aware of the situation, Keira didn't press the matter.
The trio moved into the wings, waited for a mont, and then walked onto the stage as the host announced their nas. It was ti to start drumming up excitent for "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End."
Comrcial blockbusters were a classic example of a product that lived or died by its marketing. Especially in the modern era, without a massive promotional push, a film's chances of success plumted.
Matthew was well aware that "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" had exhausted a great deal of fan enthusiasm. Since the quality of the sequel hadn't matched the original, the box office forecast for the third film, "At World's End," was not particularly optimistic. It would likely underperform compared to "Dead Man's Chest," and its global box office would struggle to break the one-billion-dollar mark.
He was rely one of the lead actors in the franchise, not a credited producer, and had no say in post-production. There was nothing for him to do but watch things unfold.
Of course, even if he were given control over post-production, he was no match for the likes of Jerry Bruckheir and Gore Verbinski.
Matthew was nothing if not self-aware.
***
The press conference went smoothly, with everything proceeding according to the script. But as Matthew was leaving, he was once again cornered by reporters asking about "Cloud Atlas."
"You lost the battle for 'Cloud Atlas'!" a young reporter shouted. "Is this a major setback for you?"
Matthew, ever the perforr, put on a show, exuding the confident pride expected of a major Hollywood star in such a situation.
"Let
tell you sothing," he began. "When I was eighteen years old, I slept on a stained mattress I'd dragged out of a dumpster. It was behind a hotel that threw out its old mattresses every six months. Now, I'm standing here with all of you, talking about movies and my career. Those mories remind
to be grateful, so I'll never complain about what I have. In the grand sche of things, life is good."
With that, he turned and got into his car, already on his way to the next promotional event.
As the sumr movie season kicked off, it marked the beginning of the most important and hectic ti of year for a comrcial film star like Matthew.
Compared to the far less critical awards season, the sumr blockbuster season was everything to him.
***
Two hours later, Matthew was at a press event for the "Transforrs" cast, effortlessly stealing the spotlight from the film's stars, Shia LaBeouf and gan Fox, despite only being a voice actor.
With producer Steven Spielberg backing the project and director Michael Bay coming off a recent box office fiasco, Matthew inevitably beca the focal point of dia attention among the entire "Transforrs" cast.
"Matthew, if I may ask, why did you choose to be a part of 'Transforrs'?"
It was a question on the minds of many journalists. Beyond the hefty paycheck for his voice work, the live-action film based on a line of toys seed to lack any real appeal.
Matthew had a prepared answer. "It was a decision driven by nostalgia—by childhood mories, childhood toys, and childhood feelings."
His expression grew earnest as he turned to Michael Bay. "I'm incredibly grateful to Michael for giving
this chance to reconnect with the toys of my childhood."
A hush fell over the stage as all eyes turned to Matthew.
Shia LaBeouf shot Matthew an angry glare. He couldn't forget what had happened on the DreamWorks set, and a flash of disgust and hatred sparked in his eyes.
gan Fox's gaze also landed on Matthew, her bright eyes holding a hint of smug satisfaction.
Michael Bay turned slightly toward Matthew, a smile playing on his lips as he exchanged glances with the others, seemingly in response to Matthew's words. The production team had t with Matthew two days prior to devise this very promotional strategy: to sell nostalgia and evoke cherished mories through the words of a man born in 1980—the perfect age to connect with the target audience.
As for its effectiveness, that would all depend on the lines Matthew had prepared and how well he delivered them.
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