Chapter 154 – Fame Greater Than Strength
Buckinghamshire, England. With Four Weddings and a Funeral about to begin filming, Aaron made a special trip from the United States to oversee things personally. It was, after all, the first project produced by Dawnlight's UK division, and he wasn't about to take it lightly.
Gathered at the estate were producer Graham Broadbent, writer Richard Curtis, director Mike Newell, the leads Hugh Grant and Sophie Marceau—along with the creative team behind The Crying Game: producer Stephen Woolley, director Neil Jordan, and cast members Forest Whitaker, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Rea, and Jaye Davidson. Dawnlight was hosting a reception to welcome everyone.
Sophie Marceau looped her arm through Aaron's.
"I thought you weren't coming to England this time."
Aaron smiled and kissed her cheek.
"How could I skip Dawnlight's very first UK production? I had to be here."
His eyes drifted toward Jaye Davidson, the breakout performer of The Crying Game.
"No wonder they cast him as a cross-dressing character. He fits the role almost too perfectly."
Though of mixed Black heritage, Jaye had remarkably delicate, feminine features.
Sophie nodded.
"I haven't seen the film yet, but it's about a transgender character, right? Sounds… intriguing."
Aaron chuckled.
"It's more a mix of political thriller and twisted love story. Dual crises—political identity and sexual identity. Jordan tackles themes like life and death, love and betrayal, freedom and confinement, masculinity, femininity, and everything in between."
He grinned. "The twist reveal at the midpoint is the highlight… and also the reason it's so controversial."
A moment later, Aaron found himself chatting with producer Stephen Woolley.
"I heard you nearly went bankrupt trying to make this film?" Aaron asked.
Woolley lifted his hands helplessly.
"Channel 4's funding wasn't enough, and the Japanese financiers couldn't cover the gap. My company only runs two small art-house theaters in London. This project almost wiped me out."
He sighed, then smiled with relief.
"But the film turned out well—and at least someone in America believed in it, right?"
Aaron nodded.
"It's bold—politics blended with a transgender romance. Risky, but the artistic intent is unmistakable. Controversial, yes, but exactly the kind of controversy critics and Academy voters adore."
He patted Woolley on the shoulder.
"Once it starts making noise during awards season, every key member of your team will be on Hollywood's radar. Trust me."
After chatting with Woolley, Hugh Grant and his girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley came over to clink glasses with Aaron.
"Thank you, Aaron," Hugh said earnestly.
Hugh Grant genuinely appreciated Aaron's support. After all, it was Aaron who hand-picked him as the male lead—and with Sleepless in Seattle still tearing up the box office, being chosen by Aaron Anderson carried real prestige.
Aaron smiled. "You were always the right choice. Britain doesn't have many rising male leads right now. Your chances are only going to grow."
"Haha, may your words come true," Hugh laughed, then glanced at his girlfriend, Elizabeth Hurley. "Darling, I'm heading to the restroom. Didn't you say you had something to ask Aaron? Well—here's your chance."
"Aaron, we meet again."
Elizabeth Hurley stepped forward and embraced him lightly.
"You're as stunning as ever," Aaron said, exchanging a cheek-to-cheek greeting with her.
Elizabeth subtly hooked her fingers into his palm, giving the faintest squeeze. "Aaron, I didn't see Catherine Zeta-Jones tonight. Are you two still in touch?"
Aaron chuckled. "She's been training nonstop lately. She might have a new role coming up."
Elizabeth blinked, biting her lower lip. "A Hollywood lead role?"
Aaron nodded, casually but deliberately. "If nothing changes—yes."
Her eyes brightened. "Could you… tell me a little more?"
After thinking for a moment, Aaron said, "Ridley Scott is preparing a swashbuckling Western adventure based on the legend of Zorro. Catherine is on the shortlist."
It wasn't a secret—production was already underway.
"Really?" Elizabeth's expression flickered with envy.
"I've just wrapped my first Hollywood film myself," she said. "A Warner Bros. action movie—Passenger 57. Wesley Snipes is the lead. It's a high-altitude hijacking thriller. Sort of like Die Hard, but on a plane."
Aaron understood immediately. "Ah. So that's what you came to ask me about."
"Yes," she admitted. "It's my first Hollywood shoot."
"It's a good start," Aaron reassured her. "Action movies are still strong right now. Dawnlight is shooting Speed as we speak—over $30 million budget."
Elizabeth sighed. "Ours was only $15 million. The budget was so tight the production was constantly cutting corners. And my role is just the female villain—a fake flight attendant helping with the hijacking."
She knew what she was: the stylish, dangerous accessory in a men-driven action film. A beautiful distraction. Decorative more than essential.
Aaron studied her openly. Tall. Striking. Sensual in a way that was both wild and refined—a rare combination.
"Maybe once it releases, audiences will remember the 'seductive flight attendant,'" he said. "A woman like you tends to leave a lasting impression."
It wasn't flattery—it was a statement of fact.
Elizabeth laughed softly, eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Aaron… a woman like me—could I ever attract a man like you?"
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