"Mom, Mom!"
Liu Xiaoli opened her eyes, somewhat tired, and saw her daughter standing by the bed.
"What's wrong with you? Why aren't you sleeping? What time is it?"
"I woke up and couldn't find Eric, and he wasn't in the bathroom either. Do you know where he went?"
Old Liu thought, where else could he go? After messing with your mom, he just packed up and left.
Eric had already told her the situation; he had six hungry tigers at home, so he rarely stayed out overnight.
"Oh, him? He left. He left after you fell asleep."
"Huh? Why did he leave? He didn't even tell me."
Looking at her somewhat dazed daughter, Liu Xiaoli sat up, immediately feeling a throbbing soreness. The damn guy had no idea how to be gentle.
"Xixi, sit here. I want to talk to you about something."
"About what?"
"About you and Eric."
It was mid-June, and a fierce battle was unfolding in movie theaters.
Disney's big production, mulan 2, was released. Seven years ago, in 1998, also in mid-June, the first Mulan met audiences worldwide.
As an ancient Chinese legend, the story of Mulan joining the army was given a fresh take by Hollywood, far across the ocean.
After Disney's production, the characters were vivid and interesting, ultimately grossing over $300 million worldwide.
That was $300 million in 1998; its significance goes without saying, placing it among the top ten highest-grossing films globally that year.
The Chinese character Mulan also leaped to become one of the Disney Princesses.
This incident was quite a blow to domestic filmmakers back then, with an unspeakable sense of irony.
As a sequel, mulan 2 was naturally highly anticipated, with many children and adults eager to return to the cinema to experience Mulan and Mushu's charm.
Unfortunately, ideals were rich, but reality was lean.
Although it was made by the original cast and crew, mulan 2 was met with a wave of negative reviews after its release.
Lacking the support of a legendary story, the screenwriters imposed modern sensibilities onto ancient characters, turning the film into a melodramatic love story.
This forced application created a severe sense of disconnect and discomfort. Directors Darrell Rooney and Lynne Southerland were almost drowned in a flood of criticism from audiences and film critics.
Such a great theme was wasted; it would have been better not to make it.
Elizabeth had wanted to drag Eric to the premiere, but Eric refused.
"Baby, promise me you won't go. This is absolutely a complete and utter flop. You'll be disappointed."
"Why? How do you know without even seeing it?" Elizabeth Olsen was a bit displeased.
"Because this movie was finished last year and has been sitting in Disney's vault for a year."
"If it were truly a high-quality, excellent work, they would have pulled it out last year to attack MGM."
"But the fact is Disney chose to let the movie gather dust in the vault. What do you think is the reason?"
"Although your analysis makes a lot of sense, I still want to see it. It's my childhood, please, okay? Will you come with me, please?" Elizabeth Olsen pouted and started to act spoiled.
Eric, unable to resist her pestering, could only agree: "Call me Daddy, and I'll take you!"
"Daddy!"
"Good girl, let's go then."
Then, before Elizabeth Olsen even finished watching, she threw up, cursing as she did so, calling it a pure cash grab with no sincerity whatsoever.
MGM, in June, released a blockbuster, rampage, starring Michael Fassbender.
This movie essentially brought the bank heist from the fast and the furious: Rio Heist to the big screen.
Michael Fassbender, as the protagonist, naturally took on Paul Walker's role.
They also brought in Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, bald head to bald head; he was clearly the counterpart to Vin Diesel, the family man.
Although Johnson would become an A-list Hollywood star in another ten years, his popularity was not on par with Vin Diesel's at the time.
His main career was still in WWE, and in film, he had a cameo as the Scorpion King in The Mummy Returns and starred in the spin-off movie The Scorpion King.
Other works he appeared in had lukewarm responses, so when he received an invitation for a dual-male lead, A-list production, he was ecstatic, practically bubbling with joy.
The female lead was given to Eliza Dushku, who had accumulated some fame playing Agent Carter in captain america.
At this point, all films tailor-made for the British Trio were completed.
And rampage, true to its name, was tearing up the box office at lightning speed.
The violent car chases, especially using a safe as a weapon to rampage through the streets, thrilled every audience member who walked into the cinema.
It was so exhilarating, this was real racing!
Film critics, while not acknowledging the film's depth, praised it as a competent commercial blockbuster.
If you want your adrenaline to surge, go watch rampage in the cinema.
As for the fast and the furious, the pressure was on them.
Michael Fassbender, Johnson, and Eliza Dushku also became famous overnight; this would become their representative work.
However, despite rampage's ferocity, it could only secure the runner-up position.
Because above it was a national-level super IP, star wars: episode iii – Revenge of the Sith.
As a Chinese person in his previous life, Eric had watched the Star Wars series but honestly didn't find them particularly outstanding.
He would buy merchandise for transformers and the lord of the rings, but Star Wars never truly captured his heart.
However, after coming to America, it was different. When Star Wars elements constantly popped up around you, over time, you naturally assimilated.
It was like a cultural identity; the atmosphere had formed and would gradually assimilate those around it.
Just like the old TV series adaptations of the Four Great Classical Novels, everyone said they were good, and you gradually accepted them.
Moreover, compared to Attack of the Clones, George Lucas was clearly more dedicated to this one, with improvements in script refinement.
A big IP combined with a good reputation naturally led to explosive box office numbers.
In half a month, it had already grossed $488 million worldwide, not only allowing Lucas to redeem himself but also giving Fox its loudest shot of the year.
As for the sniping plan Eric and Judy had originally formulated, it was no longer needed.
MGM was now the industry leader, and Warner Bros. was on the verge of being acquired. Anyone with eyes knew which way to choose.
rampage grossed $124 million in North America, and Box Office Mojo predicted a final global total of $450 million, with a chance of reaching $500 million depending on luck.
mulan 2?
No one cared about that garbage anymore.
And while the box office battle raged on, entertainment reporters' attention was focused elsewhere.
Hundreds of media outlets, carrying their cameras, surrounded a resort villa in Santa Monica.
Even by the sea, the June weather was scorching, but even though they were sweating profusely, these people refused to leave, still waiting for the villa's gate to open.
"How long have they been inside?"
"Almost an hour. Damn it, come out already! Why did they choose this location?"
"Only an hour. We probably have to wait a while longer."
"You never know. The content should have been agreed upon in advance, right? Just a signature at the last minute."
"I hope so. But the movie hasn't even finished its run yet. Why isn't George Lucas waiting? The higher the box office, the more he gets."
"Maybe it's already been paid based on estimated box office. And don't forget, rampage, the conjuring 2, and chronicle have also kept MGM's stock price rising."
"What does Lucasfilm have? Nothing more than the Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark series. Star Wars won't have a sequel anytime soon, and Raiders of the Lost Ark has no plans."
"If they drag it out, Lucasfilm will fall further and further behind MGM. It's better to sell it now as a favor and join quickly."
"I heard George Lucas plans to retire. Maybe it's true. The Star Wars prequel trilogy is over, and he has indeed completed his mission."
"I've heard that rumor too. He must be at least 60, right? At that age, it's better to relax and enjoy life."
"That's amazing. Once MGM acquires Lucasfilm, its special effects technology will experience a qualitative leap. This lion is constantly strengthening and perfecting itself."
"I actually think Disney is in trouble. It will become increasingly difficult for it to resist MGM's offensive."
"mulan 2 was so bad, and Michael Eisner still hasn't stepped down. I don't understand what Disney's board is doing."
"Rumor has it they're already considering firing Michael Eisner. Maybe they'll seek peace."
"Really? Is that true?"
"I don't know. I said it was a rumor."
Clap, clap, clap.
Inside the villa, everyone stood up and applauded.
Eric and George Lucas shook hands, and their names were signed on the documents on the table, symbolizing the official completion of the acquisition of Lucasfilm.
This transaction cost a total of $3.055 billion, using a stock-plus-cash model.
The contract included Lucasfilm, as well as core assets like Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound.
From now on, these assets belonged to Eric personally.
That's right, not to MGM, but to Eric personally.
Because Lucasfilm was 100% owned by George Lucas and was not a publicly traded company.
So Eric bought it for $2 billion and 3.87% of MGM's shares.
With this stake, old George was now MGM's second-largest individual shareholder.
However, he stated that he would not participate in company operations, only wishing to quietly collect money and dividends, ensuring his financial security for the rest of his life.
In contrast, Warner Bros.' acquisition, although costing $51 billion,
because it was a publicly traded company, what Eric bought was essentially the shares of those on the board of directors.
He would become Warner Bros.' largest shareholder, but Warner Bros. did not belong to him personally; a lot of money still belonged to the market and shareholders.
"Let's go. There are many reporters waiting outside. It's time to announce this good news to everyone."
"Okay."
George Lucas nodded, and the two walked side by side in front.
Click!
The villa gate opened. The staff gestured, and the reporters immediately cheered silently, rushing inside.
Upon reaching the hall, after a short wait, they saw a young man and an old man with a gray beard, each leading a group of people, walk out.
"It is my great honor to announce that just now, Mr. George Lucas and I reached a cooperation agreement."
"I will personally pay $3.055 billion in stock and cash to buy the entire Lucasfilm from Mr. Lucas."
The old man took over: "This is absolutely an exciting collaboration. Eric is a very capable and accomplished filmmaker and entrepreneur."
"Under his leadership, it is foreseeable that the company will develop even better, which is also what I look forward to."
After speaking, the two lightly embraced in front of everyone, then faced the reporters, allowing them to take as many photos as they wished, documenting this significant moment.
After a flurry of flashes, the reporters on site began to raise their hands to ask questions.
"Mr. Cooper, owning Lucasfilm means owning Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Do you plan to make new series?"
Eric smiled and pointed to the ceiling: "Revenge of the Sith is still in theaters, so I don't think Star Wars will be rebooted anytime soon."
"But I am considering making a TV series. Star Wars has never landed on the small screen before, and that will be an interesting story."
Hearing this, the reporter eagerly pressed: "I'm a huge Star Wars fan, Mr. Cooper. Have you already written the script?"
"No, I just have an idea. This story will take place after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order, revolving around the distant Outer Rim of the galaxy, far from the New Republic's control."
"There are many clues and characters to explore, and it will connect the plots of the Star Wars series."
"Does it have a name? Have you named this series?" another reporter quickly asked.
"Yeah! I want to call it The Mandalorian."
The reporters immediately committed the name to memory. They would publish their articles as soon as they got back, capitalizing on the movie's release for a huge wave of traffic.
"What about Raiders of the Lost Ark? Are there any plans for Raiders of the Lost Ark? The last movie was over a decade ago."
Eric recalled Raiders of the Lost Ark and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Although Spielberg directed it, the film received mixed reviews.
The plot failed to capture the pulse of the market and the times, leading to a barrage of criticism.
However, while its reputation couldn't compare to the first three, its box office was very strong, nearly $800 million worldwide.
$800 million in 2008 was considerably higher than Iron Man.
After all, it was the return of a major IP after more than a decade; even selling nostalgia could rake in a fortune.
If he avoided those major pitfalls and tweaked the plot, the movie had great potential.
"Yes, I personally also love the Raiders of the Lost Ark series. Raiders of the Lost Ark, he is every man's hero dream."
"I will make the fourth installment, and perhaps it can meet everyone by next Christmas."
The reporters were once again thrilled, with bombshell news coming one after another.
After asking a few more questions, they turned their attention to George Lucas.
The old man smiled and waved his hand: "Yes, I will not be directly involved in the future development of the Star Wars series. At most, I'll serve in roles like artistic director."
"The old man can't keep up with the younger generation's era anymore. Let me rest."
"What do I want to do?"
"I'll probably try to make some experimental films. This has actually been my lifelong wish, but I never had the time, you know."
"Of course, I am 100% confident that Eric can bring new life to both series. I will definitely be following The Mandalorian."