The matter involving Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic had caused quite a stir. After returning from meeting George Lucas, Gilbert buried himself completely in post-production work.
This year, however, the situation was a little different. During the VIP reception at the premiere of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, many people had learned about the argument between Gilbert and David Ellison.
Because of that, The Last of Us, which should have announced its release date after entering post-production, suddenly fell into an eerie silence, as if it had vanished from the world.
Of course, the film hadn't disappeared. Gilbert was simply waiting for Transformers to announce its own release date.
Little did he know, David Ellison was also waiting. Gilbert was fully prepared for a head-on clash, while Ellison was actually trying to avoid it.
Thus began a strange contest of patience between The Last of Us and Transformers—neither side willing to announce first, leaving both locked in a stalemate.
While these two films remained deadlocked, others did not.
After Iron Man, Marvel Studios' first film, entered post-production, it immediately announced its release date: June 9, 2006.
The film needed no lengthy introduction. Its production had gone remarkably smoothly, encountering none of the anticipated difficulties.
During an interview, director Jon Favreau said, "Gilbert gave me so much help. Without him, as a first-time director, I couldn't have made such an exciting film. I think Gilbert is the film's true director."
Lead actor Robert Downey Jr. even spoke with tears in his eyes. "I'm deeply grateful to Director Gilbert. It was he who gave me the chance to play Tony Stark. If he ever needs anything, I'd do whatever it takes."
Kate Beckinsale, who also starred in the film, smiled radiantly. "I'm really lucky to be part of this movie. Everyone was united with one goal—to make the best film possible."
Scarlett, on the other hand, took the chance to show off their affection—and accidentally spilled a little secret. "Gilbert told me my character would play an important role in the Marvel movies. He also said that in his next project, I'll be playing a major character."
The reporters were instantly intrigued. "Can you tell us what project that is?"
"Well…" Scarlett hesitated before replying, "I heard Gilbert say it's a science fiction story—a cyberpunk one."
After saying that, when she returned home, Gilbert gave her a playful smack on the butt.
Scarlett didn't resist at all—she actually enjoyed it. After all, Gilbert didn't hit hard; it felt more like he was giving her a light massage.
Scarlett's loose tongue quickly caught the attention of both the media and fans. The Last of Us hadn't even been released yet, and Gilbert already had another project planned?
How did his mind even work? What kind of structure did it have to hold so many ideas and visions?
Cyberpunk wasn't exactly an unfamiliar term. Netizens' imaginations ran wild, coming up with countless theories and elaborate stories. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough information, so none of the guesses turned out to be right.
When reporters managed to catch Gilbert for an interview, he responded to the rumors. "You could say this is one of my more ambitious plans. I can't reveal much for now—you'll know when the time comes."
The reporters pressed further. "Can't you at least give us a little hint, so we have something to look forward to?"
Gilbert thought for a moment and said, "All I can say is that there will be multiple films telling one complete cyberpunk world. Let's keep the surprises for later."
Since Gilbert refused to reveal more, the reporters had no choice but to let him go.
Following Iron Man, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest also officially announced its release date—July 7, 2006.
The original cast had returned. Although Gilbert was no longer the director, he still served as the film's producer. The director this time was Stephen Sommers.
Production was going smoothly, and everything was on schedule.
After that came 20th Century Fox's X-Men: The Last Stand, scheduled for release on May 26.
Next summer, two Marvel superhero films would hit theaters—guaranteeing audiences an exciting season.
Cars was slated for June 16, while Ron Howard's The Da Vinci Code, starring Tom Hanks, was set for May 19.
Another Tom Cruise film, Mission: Impossible III, was scheduled for June 30.
With so many summer blockbusters already lined up, only The Last of Us and Transformers remained without dates.
"David Ellison sure knows how to stay patient. Why hasn't he announced his release date yet?" Ivanka asked, staring at the already packed summer calendar in confusion.
"Maybe he's waiting for us to announce first," Gilbert replied calmly. "Then he can declare his own release as a challenge, positioning himself as a warrior and a rival. That way, the publicity will make him look brave and heroic."
Sheena Boone spoke up and asked Gilbert, "From what you're saying, it sounds like you have high expectations for Transformers. Should we avoid a direct clash with it?"
"How can we avoid it?" Ivanka disagreed immediately. "So many people already know about this. If we back down now, no one will take us seriously in the future."
Gilbert rubbed his chin in thought. "Something feels strange. This reaction doesn't seem like David Ellison's style. If he really planned to release Transformers on the same date as The Last of Us, he should be giving interviews everywhere by now, stirring up hype. But instead, he's unusually quiet. It's not normal."
"You mean…" Sheena prompted.
Gilbert shook off the uneasy feeling in his heart. "Forget it. Let's not worry about him. We'll announce our release date first and see how he reacts."
"Alright."
So, right after the New Year's Day holiday ended, The Last of Us officially announced its release date—May 5th, the start of the summer movie season. It fit perfectly with Gilbert's usual style.
However, the reaction he had expected didn't happen. After The Last of Us announced its release date, Transformers didn't immediately follow with one. Instead, things seemed hesitant and uncertain.
At Sky Dance Studios, David Ellison, Michael Ovitz, and Martin Bob were listening to Michael Bay speaking passionately.
"Trust me," Michael Bay insisted. "Transformers can absolutely go head-to-head with The Last of Us in the summer season. This is a great opportunity—if we miss it, we won't get another chance."
Michael Bay had longed to defeat Gilbert head-on and free himself from that lingering shadow, but he had never had the chance or ability to do so.
Until Transformers. Now, he felt his chance had come. When he heard that David Ellison had once challenged Gilbert, he was overjoyed, believing the moment to break free had finally arrived.
But David Ellison, after listening to advice, no longer wanted to face Gilbert directly. Michael Bay immediately opposed the idea.
He tried to persuade Ellison, and his words did move him somewhat, leading to the current situation.
Seeing that Ellison was wavering, Michael Ovitz spoke calmly. "David, filmmaking isn't a game. The release schedule determines a lot of things. You must think carefully and not act on impulse."
Having spent a few tough years in Hollywood, David Ellison had been beaten hard by reality and learned painful lessons.
If this were his younger self just entering the industry, he would have immediately announced both films for the same release date without hesitation.
But now, with Sky Dance Studios growing larger and the shadow of the failed Napoleon project still lingering, his father's disappointment weighed heavily on him.
That pressure made David Ellison cautious. Taking a deep breath, he said, "We won't compete with The Last of Us. Move the release date to May 19."
"A wise decision, David," said Michael Ovitz with relief. At least Ellison hadn't let his emotions get the better of him.
In contrast, Michael Bay looked disappointed. But he knew that when it came to such matters, he had no say. He wasn't Gilbert, after all.
In the end, everything circled back to Gilbert. Was he really that terrifying? When Michael Bay had been trying to persuade David Ellison, his whole body had trembled uncontrollably, like someone having a seizure.
That wasn't excitement—it was fear.
Gilbert had already become Michael Bay's nightmare. Even in his dreams, he was haunted by Gilbert.
In short, he was terrified.
....
Hi For access to additional chapters of
Director in Hollywood (40 chpaters)
Made In Hollywood (Completed)
Pokemon:Bounty Hunter(30 Chapters)
Hollywood:From Razzie to Legend(40 Chapters)
The Great Ruler (30 Chapters)
Join pateron.com/Translaterappu