Dunn asking Deborah Johnson to join the production department at Dunn Films wasn't some spur-of-the-moment decision.
In Hollywood, it's pretty common during filmmaking to see a "husband-and-wife team" setup. The most famous example is the golden duo of Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall. Then you've got the "Nolan couple" and the "Snyder couple" too.
The husband directs, the wife takes on the role of executive producer, working alongside the director to manage and coordinate the crew's various tasks. Since they know each other so well, the wife can easily grasp what the director's going for.
This saves a ton of time during the shoot and cuts down on unnecessary headaches.
Plus, with both spouses in the same crew, they keep each other in check. You won't see any power abuses or shady "casting couch" nonsense, which makes these teams a hit with actors.
Christopher Nolan and Zack Snyder enjoy sky-high popularity in Hollywood not just because of their films' quality and box office success, but also because their upright "husband-and-wife" approach has earned them a stellar reputation.
So why does Dunn go all out to boost Nolan and Snyder?
The husband-and-wife team is a big guarantee!
Both are masters of commercial films, and commercial films often feature stunning actresses. With the wife keeping an eye on things, Dunn doesn't have to worry about any "rivals" popping up—he stays the only "privileged" guy in the crew.
Of course, another big reason is their loyalty.
Warner Bros. discovered these two young directors and pushed them to superstardom as commercial giants. Yet, Nolan and Snyder stuck with Warner, turning down hefty offers from other studios.
That kind of character and integrity really wins Dunn over.
Deborah Johnson later produced a slew of blockbusters, like Watchmen, Man of Steel, Wonder Woman, and Justice League, to name a few.
With her current skills, taking on the role of lead producer for a film—handling everything from crew management to post-production like she did with commercials—wouldn't be realistic.
But as an executive producer, managing the crew's day-to-day during filming and assisting the director? She's more than up for that.
Dunn's tying the Snyder couple to Dunn Films like a package deal, locking them onto his studio's chariot. That's his market assurance for future commercial hits!
Zack Snyder, though, doesn't quite get Dunn's bigger picture. His voice trembles a bit as he says, "Walker, I… I really don't know how to thank you!"
He thinks Dunn's only hiring Deborah to do him a favor.
Dunn doesn't bother explaining. He gets serious and says, "Saw was a huge success, Zack, but don't get cocky or start thinking about kicking back. You still need more great projects to sharpen your skills and build experience."
"I know. I talked with Mr. Schamus, and we're kicking off Resident Evil right after Christmas," Zack replies.
The "Mr. Schamus" he's talking about is James Schamus, the founder and current president of Focus Features.
Dunn and Bill Mechanic hashed it out and decided to hand Resident Evil over to Focus Features. Movies like that work better with an independent release, no need to go through Universal.
"Glad you've got that drive," Dunn says. "And Deborah, if you're up for it, why not join the Resident Evil crew as executive producer? You and Zack are old partners—and engaged, too. I'm sure you two working together will make the film even better."
Dunn's words hit Zack Snyder with a wave of gratitude. Deborah Johnson's in a daze, hardly believing this is real.
Back in the day, she was just a nobody producer in the ad world.
Then she attended a Dunn Films celebration party, and her life flipped upside down? Now she's the executive producer for Resident Evil?
She'd heard from Zack that this project isn't some low-budget gig like Saw. The budget's set to top $30 million!
And it's not just a few people in a closed-off space—this one's got big action scenes!
It's a massive test of a director's and executive producer's ability to coordinate and lead.
Dunn's trust moves her deeply.
Words can't express it.
The best way to repay this kind of favor? Throw everything into it—energy, passion, making a great film, and living up to Dunn's faith in them!
Just then, a loud, clear shout rings out from the door: "Chairman of AG Agency, Chairman and CEO of Legendary Pictures, Mr. Michael Ovitz, and Chief Operating Officer of Legendary Pictures, Ms. Sandra Ocampo… have arrived!"
Dunn catches Zack Snyder and Deborah Johnson's eyes widening in shock, just as stunned as they were at his earlier announcement.
But it doesn't stop there. Another usher belts out, "Chairman of 20th Century Fox, Mr. Tom Rothman, and Vice President of Business Affairs, Mr. Brad Anderson… have arrived!"
Now it's Dunn's turn to be surprised. What are these two groups doing showing up together?
Is Michael Ovitz leaning toward making 20th Century Fox Legendary Pictures' second partner?
Dunn excuses himself, brushes off his suspicions, and hurries over with a big smile.
Michael Ovitz struts in, belly out, steps square, oozing confidence—like he's back in his glory days running CAA, ruling Hollywood with an iron fist.
No surprise there. Legendary Pictures is the hottest thing in Hollywood right now!
"Dunn, this your doing?" Ovitz says, half-laughing, half-exasperated as he spots him.
Only a wild card like Dunn, always breaking the mold, could pull off something this crazy.
Dunn doesn't dodge it. "What, it's not working out?"
Tom Rothman, walking beside them, chuckles. "Oh, it's working alright!"
They're all sharp enough to see what Dunn's up to.
You've got to hand it to the kid—he knows how to stir things up!
Throwing a celebration party and turning it into a power play, pulling strings and making waves—it's ridiculous, but it works.
Dunn Films' name is ringing louder than ever in the industry now!
Tom Rothman doesn't mind, though.
Ever since he saw the writing on the wall, pulled back, and made nice with Dunn, life at 20th Century Fox has been smoother. Especially after X-Men hit theaters and got the board's unanimous thumbs-up.
So far, X-Men has raked in over $70 million in North America and $60 million overseas. That's a clear win!
And the budget? Just $75 million.
This is the path 20th Century Fox should be on—leaning on Marvel, riding Dunn's coattails, and making bank. That's what matters!
What's the point of some loyalty pissing match with Dunn, like Michael Eisner tried?
Tom Rothman's proud of his smart move back then. Now, with a shot at teaming up with Legendary Pictures, he's even keener to stay on Dunn's good side. "I hear Spider-Man is getting a sequel?"
Dunn grins. "Not just that. Early next year, Dunn Films might kick off three or four big commercial projects at once."
Talk about guts!
Tom Rothman gives him a long look, his expression shifting slightly before he smiles. "If you need anything, just say the word. Fox's studios are yours first."
Dunn and Michael Ovitz exchange a knowing glance. "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind," Dunn says.
Then the usher's voice booms again: "Renowned actor and Oscar winner, Mr. Geoffrey Rush, has arrived!"
"Renowned actress, Ms. Nicole Kidman, has arrived!"
"Renowned actor, Mr. Russell Crowe, has arrived!"
"Renowned actress, Ms. Cate Blanchett, has arrived!"
"Renowned actress, Ms. Naomi Watts, has arrived!"
"Renowned actor, Mr. Hugo Weaving, has arrived!"
"Renowned actor… uh, Mr. Hugh Jackman, has arrived!"
…
In Western countries, Christmas is the big holiday. Hollywood's got a tradition: crews usually take a break around then, letting actors head home for the season.
Unless you're James Cameron shooting something like Titanic with a tight schedule and overtime crunch.
Hearing this string of names, a satisfied smile curls Dunn's lips.
Sure enough, the "Aussie gang" is still his biggest cheer squad!
Even with Mel Gibson tied up filming and unable to make it, the turnout of heavy-hitting actors adds serious shine to this party.
Tom Rothman clearly picks up on the web of connections behind these names. With a sly smile, he says, "Dunn and Hugh Jackman are tight?"
"We're friends," Dunn replies casually.
The Aussie crew always has his back, and he's happy to return the favor.
Tom Rothman nods, his tone loaded. "He was great as Wolverine in X-Men."
Dunn shrugs, gestures for them to make themselves at home, and heads off to greet the new arrivals.
"Nicole, you all show up and don't even say hi?" After some quick small talk, Dunn pulls Nicole Kidman aside for a quiet chat.
She flashes a warm smile. "What, not happy to see us?"
"No way!" Dunn waves it off, then sidles up to Hugh Jackman. "Wolverine's a classic role!"
Hugh's face lights up with gratitude. "All thanks to you. Without your nudge, I might've never landed it."
Dunn chuckles, lowering his voice. "Tom Rothman's here too. Find a moment to go say hi, get on his radar. In this business, connections are everything."
Hugh's so touched he almost tears up. "Mr. Walker…"
Dunn claps his shoulder with a grin. "Don't forget, we're friends. Plus, I've got a soft spot for Aussie actors—straightforward, down-to-earth, real."