In a reception room on the top floor of Universal Pictures' office building, the parties had already signed the agreement. The lawyers, notaries, and Producers Guild representatives left first. Matthew and David Ellison went to Hall-Fenna's office, the head of Universal Pictures' film production department, and chatted for a while before leaving.
Previously, the negotiations were intense, but now that the agreement was signed, the atmosphere had returned to a cordial tone.
"It wasn't easy."
Walking down the long hallway towards the elevator, David Ellison sighed with relief, "We finally got it."
Matthew nodded, "Although there were some unexpected challenges, we still achieved our goal."
Vin Diesel's sudden appearance brought some trouble, causing Matthew and David Ellison to expend more energy and perhaps incur higher costs.
Originally, before Vin Diesel's appearance, Skydance Media had gained some leverage. However, once Vin Diesel expressed his desire to return to the "Fast & Furious" series, especially after it was revealed he was the one pulling the strings behind the scenes, Universal Pictures became more cautious.
At that time, Matthew knew they couldn't delay. Prolonging the negotiations could lead to more complications. He and David Ellison, along with Skydance Media's bald CEO, decided to negotiate directly with Hall-Fenna of Universal Pictures in two rounds of secret talks, ultimately reaching an agreement.
This agreement didn't involve the existing copyrights of "300" and Universal Pictures' "Fast & Furious" trilogy. The main content of the agreement was straightforward: Skydance Media exchanged the sequel rights of "300" for the sequel rights of the "Fast & Furious" series, plus an additional payment of $15 million.
Once the deal was completed, there would be no direct involvement between the two series and their original companies.
Skydance Media had already communicated with Frank Miller. For Frank Miller, transferring the sequel rights to Universal Pictures provided more peace of mind.
As for whether he would demand more than $15 million in copyright fees from Universal Pictures in future negotiations, that was no longer Matthew and David Ellison's concern.
Having successfully acquired the rights to the "Fast & Furious" series, Matthew was in a good mood. Passing by the lounge, he glanced inside. The door was open, but no one was there. Vin Diesel seemed to have left.
Vin Diesel did submit a plan to Universal Pictures. If not for Matthew and David Ellison, Universal Pictures might have been tempted to hand the series over to him.
However, with the sequel rights of "300" hanging in the balance and during the negotiations, Matthew specifically mentioned that since "xXx," Vin Diesel hadn't had a true box office hit...
Universal Pictures directly rejected Vin Diesel's agent.
In short, Vin Diesel overestimated himself. He thought that being the lead in the first "Fast & Furious" movie guaranteed his return to the series.
For someone with his 'I am the greatest' mentality, this was a normal thought.
"That guy's really gone." David Ellison regretted, "I wanted to have a chat with him."
Matthew turned into the elevator area, joking, "Be careful, he might hit you."
"Isn't that what you're for?" David Ellison stepped into the elevator first. As Matthew followed, he added, "Didn't you beat up Vin Diesel before? Would you mind doing it again?"
Matthew chuckled, "I'd enjoy watching him turn you into a punching bag."
He didn't know how Vin Diesel originally rejoined the "Fast & Furious" series, but now it was impossible. Without the series, Vin Diesel was just an ordinary small-time actor.
Why did Matthew work so hard to get this series? Besides its future potential, there was also Vin Diesel.
Of course, maybe Vin Diesel could find another opportunity...
Matthew knew this was possible. Was there any way to further reduce Vin Diesel's future chances? An actor like Vin Diesel could only take the typical action hero route. If that path was blocked, he would have no chance to rise again.
For the moment, Matthew couldn't think of a good way.
When the elevator doors opened, Matthew and David Ellison stepped out one after another. As they turned into the lobby, they saw a bright bald head.
Vin Diesel saw Matthew and David Ellison too, but before he could speak, David Ellison's mocking voice rang out, "Hey, idiot, you're no longer the boss of the 'Fast & Furious' series."
Matthew looked at Vin Diesel and shook his head.
Vin Diesel stood up from his chair, his face expressionless, and walked towards Matthew and David Ellison.
"Trash!" David Ellison had disliked Vin Diesel ever since the Victoria's Secret show, "Idiot!"
Seeing Vin Diesel getting closer, Matthew stepped forward slightly, blocking David Ellison. If Vin Diesel made a move, David Ellison's small frame wouldn't stand a chance.
"You despicable little men!" Vin Diesel stopped a few feet away from Matthew, "All you do is plot behind my back! Do you have the guts to compete face to face?"
David Ellison clicked his tongue, "Oh, so we're the only ones scheming behind your back..."
"Vin Diesel, or whatever your real name is," Matthew knew Vin Diesel wasn't his real name, "Do you think you can win against us in a direct competition? Use your bald head to think clearly. Don't always think the world revolves around you."
He didn't wait for Vin Diesel to respond and continued, "Do I need to remind you? Since 'xXx,' have you had a single noteworthy film? Has any film company been willing to pay you more than $5 million? You want to compare with me..."
Matthew's tone sharpened, "What do you have to compare with me?"
This direct mocking style was crude but perfect for dealing with someone as arrogant as Vin Diesel. For someone like Spike Lee, Matthew would never use this method.
"You..." Vin Diesel started to speak, but Matthew cut him off, "What about me? Any film I star in starts with a $20 million paycheck. The movies I've starred in have grossed over $3 billion. What makes you think you can compare with me?"
Vin Diesel's face turned even darker.
Matthew didn't stop, trying to provoke Vin Diesel into making a move, "You're a loser, a complete failure. You want to compete with me? Are you worthy?"
Vin Diesel's fists clenched, his arm muscles bulging, his dark face turning red like an angry bull.
The bulging muscles couldn't hide his protruding belly.
"Want to fight?" David Ellison suddenly said, "Come on!"
This remark made Vin Diesel sober up a bit. He remembered that five or six years ago, Matthew Horner had knocked him down with one punch. He had been unable to get up for a long time...
Now, he hadn't worked out for who knew how long, while Matthew Horner looked even more muscular than five or six years ago. He had read in the media that Matthew Horner not only worked out regularly but also trained in professional combat.
He believed that if he made a move, Matthew Horner would easily knock him out.
A person who indulged in smoking and drinking...
"Fine!" Vin Diesel turned to leave, saying coldly, "This isn't over!"
"Just like that..." David Ellison felt a bit disappointed.
Matthew turned to David Ellison and said, "David, you shouldn't have spoken."
David Ellison was puzzled, "Why not?"
Matthew walked ahead, explaining, "Your words reminded Vin Diesel, helping him calm down. I was hoping he'd make the first move."
They left the office building, and the car was already parked in front, with no sign of Vin Diesel.
In the car, David Ellison suggested, "Should I find someone to give him a good beating? I can find the right people."
Matthew shook his head, "That would only make Hollywood reject you."
David Ellison thought for a moment, nodded slightly, then asked, "So we just let it go?"
Matthew instructed the driver to head to Burbank and told David Ellison, "Vin Diesel said this isn't over, right? We'll find the right opportunity to give him a heavy blow."
"How?" David Ellison was always interested in how Matthew dealt with Spike Lee.
Matthew spread his hands, "I haven't thought of it yet. You can think about it too. When we have a plan, we'll strategize together." He waved a finger, reminding, "Let's not consider any extreme measures."
The best approach would be like how he dealt with Spike Lee, delivering a serious blow to Vin Diesel while enhancing his own reputation.
David Ellison couldn't think of a good idea for now and decided to wait for an opportunity.
Their Mercedes drove out of Universal Studios, heading north towards Burbank.
Near the gate of Universal Studios, Vin Diesel sat in his Dodge, watching the Mercedes disappear before starting his car and heading home.
He came with high hopes and left in disappointment, his anger palpable.
He lost the fight for the "Fast & Furious" series and was humiliated face to face...
Vin Diesel's confidence took a hit, but he wouldn't give up. At home, he immediately turned on his computer, logged into Facebook, and wrote a rant against Matthew.
He found a public photo of Matthew online, uploaded it to Facebook, and wrote, "Some people don't dare to confront you directly, only plotting behind your back. They are cowards, losers, and wimps. Do you have the guts to face me like a man?"
After posting the rant, Vin Diesel felt much better. It was also part of his publicity strategy, as he was competing for the lead role in a movie called "Death Driver" and needed the exposure.
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