America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

Warner Bros. Studios, code-named the "Rory's First Kiss" project, was undergoing pre-production preparations.

A grey office building became the headquarters for the crew.

Thomas drove an electric cart, taking Martin towards the crew headquarters and picked up Louise on the way.

Martin asked, "Dear, has the joint investment meeting for the project ended?"

Louise replied succinctly, "It's pretty much settled. The production budget is 180 million US Dollars. Warner Bros. will handle distribution, with DC Comics and Legendary Pictures co-producing. Along with Warner Bros., Pacific Pictures, a few smaller companies, and The Nolans are also participating in the investment."

She adjusted her black-rimmed glasses, "The project's theatrical run is set for three years in North America, after which Warner has the mandatory option to buy out all online and offline rights."

Martin asked a key question, "Warner Bros. is also involved in the investment?"

Louise said, "Their investment is about the same as Pacific Pictures', but their main focus is still on the new Terminator."

The electric cart stopped at the entrance of the grey office building, and Louise got out first, leading Martin and Thomas inside.

Louise, a member of the crew, wielded power second only to Charles Roven, representing Warner Bros., and DC Comics' supervisor, Aulin.

Through Emma Thomas, Martin had made an appointment with Nolan.

They had just passed the lobby when Mene came out from inside, approached Martin, and whispered, "I've infiltrated the crew."

Martin thought, 'That was fast.' He asked, "As an actor?"

Mene nodded lightly, "Emma spoke with the casting director. I passed the audition yesterday and landed an important black supporting role. I'm here today to discuss the contract."

Martin nodded, "Keep an eye on the crew's dynamics."

"Boss, you can count on me," Mene stated, thriving lately: "Several key department heads in the crew are women over 40."

Bruce came from behind, pulling Mene aside to chat privately.

Louise led Martin into a reception room and after a short wait, The Nolans entered together.

Martin approached and shook hands with Nolan; after exchanging pleasantries, they quickly got down to business.

Nolan glanced at Emma and said, "You've discussed this project with Emma, saying the Joker is the real protagonist?"

"That's the impression the script gave me," Martin said directly. "The character is very special, fully fleshed out, and can't even be called a villain. I think the Joker in the script is much like the two protagonists in 'The Boiling Point.'"

This piece of information came from Mene.

Sure enough, Nolan said, "That's correct. When Jonathan and I were writing the script, we were indeed influenced by the showdown in 'The Boiling Point.'"

He looked at Martin differently because this young actor's every word struck a chord with him, hitting right at the heart of his creative philosophy.

The Joker was too important for this film. In Nolan's mind, Batman was merely a supporting role to the Joker, whom he elevated to an extraordinary level.

Thus, when choosing the actor, Nolan was extremely cautious. He needed someone who could truly embody this complex character.

If the Joker fell short, the film would too, and the 180 million US Dollars would disappear into thin air, along with his future as a director.

After a moment of thought, Nolan said, "Martin, I understand your situation. Here's what we'll do: wait for my notification to go directly for a makeup test audition."

Martin knew the meeting was coming to an end and shook hands with Nolan to say goodbye, "I hope to work with a dreamy director like you."

After seeing Martin and the others off, Nolan asked his wife, "A dreamy director? He's quite the talker."

Emma commented, "He has a great reputation in the industry and is very dedicated."

Nolan was aware, "And he can really stir things up."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

With the high stakes of the film, he wasn't going to make a hasty decision, "We need to meet the other candidates as well."

After lunch and dealing with some paperwork, Nolan received notice that Christian Bale had arrived at the studio.

Due to the box office disasters following the repeated change of actors for Batman in the 1990s, Warner Bros. and DC Comics learned their lesson and invited Bale back from the beginning of the project to continue playing Bruce Wayne.

Bale's agent was in final negotiations with the crew.

Nolan, who had collaborated with Bale several times and had a very good relationship with him, asked him directly into his office and inquired, "Is the contract negotiation almost done?"

Bale was in good spirits, "The highest payment in my career, 15 million US Dollars."

Nolan glanced at Bale's physique, "Get back to your physical training, try to get as strong as possible."

Bale, known for his physique transformations, agreed, "I've already started bulking up." He had other matters to discuss today and asked, "I hear that the crew has begun auditioning for the Joker?"

Nolan nodded slightly and asked in return, "What, do you have someone suitable to recommend?"

"I do, actually. Among the younger actors, he has top-tier acting skills and is willing to go all out for the role," Bale began with praise before revealing the name, "Heath Ledger, the lead actor from 'Brokeback Mountain.'"

Hugh Jackman had also recommended Heath Ledger, so Nolan wasn't too surprised by Bale's suggestion.

Bale was an actor with a big heart, clearly wanting to help his friend.

But Nolan had to consider the risks involved, "Has Heath Ledger's situation improved?"

"It's basically under control," said Bale, who was second to none when it came to loyalty to a friend, "I can assure you that he won't cause any trouble during the shooting because of that, and the crew can sign a contract with him that includes relevant restrictions."

Nolan had known Bale for many years, and Bale was very reliable, so if he said this, he must be sure of it.

Bale continued, "There are too many actors touching that stuff; too many to even count. It might be more appropriate to say that those who haven't are the rare ones."

Having been in the industry for ten years, Nolan knew this statement was true.

"What happened in New York wasn't a big deal; I was there. Martin Davis and Aniston exaggerated it so much that it almost ruined Heath Ledger's future," Bale said from his perspective, briefly discussing the situation at that time, and further added, "I have a special rapport with Heath. If he acts opposite me, there will definitely be a synergy."

Just like "The Prestige"'s Hugh Jackman, Nolan took Bale's recommendations seriously. After some thought, he said, "Bring Heath Ledger to the set. I want to see his condition for myself."

"I'll call him right away and have him come over from New York immediately," said Bale.

Nolan instructed, "As soon as possible."

Bale said his goodbyes and had already dialed Heath Ledger's number before he even descended the stairs.

After the call, he approached a production manager he was familiar with in the crew and asked, "Which actors is the crew currently favoring for the role of Joker?"

Once he confirmed the list of actors, Bale could call them and persuade them to step down.

He had used similar methods several times in the past.

"It's not decided for the moment," the production manager recalled, "This morning, Louise Mel, one of the investors, along with Martin Davis and his agent, met with Director Nolan. I'm not sure what they discussed, but I suspect it might be related to casting."

Hearing Martin's name, Bale's gaze hardened, immediately thinking of the role of Joker.

With Bruce Wayne definitely played by him, there were not many roles suitable for Martin Davis in the crew.

Bale disliked Martin, not just because of the Heath Ledger incident but also because of the Pine Forest Film Studio matter.

A grown man tearing up a sponge became a joke to all of Hollywood and even across America and England; countless people laughed at him behind his back.

Trio of Scoundrels had done their part, and Martin had played a role in it.

Thinking of Martin's sunny, handsome, and amiable face made Bale's stomach churn, and he felt an inexplicable urge to vomit.

Working in the same crew would be an absolute nightmare, especially since he was fighting for this role for Heath Ledger.

After leaving the production manager, Bale was contemplating how to cut off Martin's access to the crew.

Meanwhile, Emma Thomas, who had been busy with work for most of the day, left the office building where the crew was located and entered the cold drink shop on the set, as agreed.

Mene was sitting at a table, having ordered for her an ice cream sweet enough to be cloying.

After Emma sat down, she first tasted a spoonful. The super sweet flavor exploded in her mouth, so delightfully overwhelming that her whole being was engulfed in the happiness of a dopamine rush.

Happiness, of course, had to be doubled, and Emma ate most of the ice cream in one go.

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While she was immersed in the sweetness, Mene asked, "Emma, can my boss get that role?"

"It's not that simple. The opinion of us, as a couple, is very important, but we don't have the final say," Emma briefly explained, "We can only offer our opinion. The final decision will depend on the make-up test results; the project's investment is too high, and no one can afford the risk."

"There's no doubt about my boss's acting skills; even Nicholson and Scorsese have nothing but praise for him," said Mene.

Emma reminded, "Tell him not to take it lightly; the competitors are also very strong."

Mene asked, "Who else is interested in competing for this role?"

This information was not within the secrecy scope of the crew, and Emma casually said, "Bale has recommended Australian actor Heath Ledger, and there are some other companies or investors who have recommended their candidates. It is anticipated that there will be five or six people attending the final make-up test."

Mene noted down all the names Emma mentioned, especially Heath Ledger.

His boss had mentioned this man and said to keep a close eye on him.

Mene asked a few more questions about Bale's recommendation of Heath Ledger.

After the two finished their ice cream and made plans to try sweets the next day, Emma returned to the office building to meet her husband and prepare to go home.

Mene called a female executive producer she was involved with, leveraging the woman's age of nearly 50 to learn some information.

The lead actor Bale had already submitted Heath Ledger's materials to the casting team.

After leaving Warner Bros. Studios, Mene walked to the nearby Davis Studio to find Bruce and together they went to see Martin.

He shared with them the latest news he had gathered.

"As of now, Robin Williams, Josh Brolin, Jude Law, Heath Ledger, Paul Bettany, and Adrian Brody are all interested in this role," he said.