"Post-dinner reading?"
Anson casually picked up a script and flipped through it. "I thought the main focus this year was 'Spider-Man 2.' And if we also consider the discussions for 'The Princess Diaries 2,' we probably won't have time for any other projects, right?"
"Yes, 'The Princess Diaries 2'," Edgar replied. Just as many in the industry were eyeing Anson, trying to find an opportunity before he reached the peak of his success with "Catch Me If You Can," Garry Marshall had already made his move.
However, Edgar looked a little concerned.
"Are you sure about joining 'The Princess Diaries 2'? They might not offer a big paycheck and could sneak in extra scenes for you, possibly affecting Anne's role in the movie."
Anson chuckled. "That's where you come in."
Edgar looked over at him.
"I don't want that to happen. It's 'The Princess Diaries,' and shifting the focus would mess up the script's structure. It could lead to an uneven and chaotic movie, potentially ruining it."
"A supporting role is just that—a supporting role. I'm the sidekick; Anne is the star. So, there's no need to expect a big payday. I'll do it as a favor."
Edgar: ???
Seeing Edgar's dumbfounded expression, Anson couldn't help but laugh heartily.
"Captain, I have friends in Hollywood, too. Don't be so surprised."
Edgar smiled and shook his head but held back from saying more.
He wanted to point out that Anson wasn't wrong. It wasn't unusual in Hollywood for top stars to do a cameo or play a supporting role in a friend's movie just to generate buzz.
But the timing wasn't right.
At this point, Anson's career was skyrocketing. Once he decided to join, the producers and screenwriters of "The Princess Diaries 2" would likely try their hardest to maximize his value. Even if Anson agreed to a friendly cameo fee, they might not follow his vision for the script and role.
The words were on the tip of Edgar's tongue.
But in the end, he swallowed them.
First, they hadn't even sat down with the director and producers yet, so there was no need to jump to conclusions.
Second, Edgar understood that "The Princess Diaries" was Anson's big-screen debut, and from a perspective of gratitude and loyalty, he should give the team another chance.
Third, Edgar had originally chosen to represent Anson because, even when others were lukewarm towards him, Anson maintained a calm demeanor. And now, even in the face of massive success, he still held that same mindset.
He shouldn't stand in the way.
His thoughts swirled for a moment.
Then.
Edgar pushed his concerns aside for now and nodded. "Alright, I'll talk to them."
"But."
"Even if it's not this year, the number of projects hoping to get you on board is already overwhelming. They're trying to strike a deal before 'Catch Me If You Can' hits $300 million at the box office, before you gain even more leverage."
"A variety of projects have already taken over half my office."
"I think we need to give them some kind of response. We also need to prepare for what's next. More choices and more options are always better."
On the surface, it seemed like Anson was on top of the world, having climbed to the peak overnight. But looking at how Leonardo DiCaprio had been treated over the past three years made it clear: everyone wanted a piece of him, but no one treated him as a person. No wonder Leo had retreated into the wilderness to escape.
Edgar didn't want the same fate for Anson.
To avoid such a scenario, the next project choices would be crucial. In Edgar's view, there were two paths.
One was the Tom Cruise route, pushing Anson further into blockbuster territory, turning him into a new icon.
The other was the Tom Hanks route, breaking free from the labels the media and public had put on him, seeking new challenges as an actor.
Including "Spider-Man 2" and "The Princess Diaries 2," Edgar needed to map out a comprehensive and long-term development plan for Anson.
But at the same time, Edgar knew Anson wasn't some Barbie doll to be moved around at will. Anson had his own ideas and vision, possibly even sharper than his own.
That's why Edgar was visiting today.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have been in such a rush to disturb Anson, who had just returned from vacation—it wasn't just about planning the next project, but looking ahead to future moves.
However, Anson's focus was slightly different.
"Your office?" Anson raised an eyebrow.
Previously, Edgar had shared an office with three other agents and their assistants, with just one desk of his own. But now?
Edgar was momentarily stunned; he hadn't expected Anson to notice that detail. But he didn't deny it. "Yes, I have my own office now."
"Captain, you should've told me! I could've at least sent some flowers or fruit baskets to help spruce up the place." Anson was genuinely happy for him.
Anson looked a bit curious. "I'm guessing there's a bit of office competition going on?"
Edgar remained calm. "I've already sent them in your name. And they were the most luxurious ones. You should've seen the envy in the office, even though they started cursing me the moment I turned my back. But I don't mind."
"Haha." Anson paused, then burst out laughing. "Hahaha." He gave Edgar a thumbs-up.
Nice!
After all, even if Anson had sent flowers and fruit, he would've had to ask Edgar to arrange it anyway. So, Edgar just skipped the steps.
Anson smiled warmly. "Make sure to charge it to my accountant."
Edgar couldn't help but smile, too. "Of course."
Wait, what were they talking about again?
"Oh, right, 'Spider-Man 2.'"
"Anson, honestly, I'm a bit worried."
"Sam signed a sequel deal with Sony-Columbia back in April last year, but the script still isn't done."
To be precise, after the internal screenings of "Spider-Man" received overwhelmingly positive feedback, and with Sony-Columbia betting everything on its success, they quickly greenlit the sequel. Sam Raimi had signed on to direct it even before the movie's summer release.
That was good news. Keeping the same director would help maintain the consistency and quality of the series.
After all, looking at this year's sequels, aside from "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" relying on the international market to just barely surpass its predecessor, all other sequels had underperformed.
If "Spider-Man 2" wanted to avoid that fate, the studio would need to keep a tight rein on things from the start.
But it wasn't that simple.
Nine months had passed, and the script for "Spider-Man 2" still wasn't ready, which wasn't exactly reassuring.
Anson didn't hide his surprise. This situation wasn't ideal. What if the script wasn't ready by the time filming started?
But Anson's focus was slightly different.
"Sony-Columbia renewed Sam's contract early, but none of the actors have signed on yet. That's what you're worried about, right?"
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