[Shout out to Darui!]

Hollywood What If Chapter 140

"Okay, that's all for today. For those who are interested in attending the Academy Awards, you can leave after cleaning the set."

"Yes, director!"

Kazir Grey stood up and stretched his limbs. He groaned after a good stretch. He spent his day sitting in the chair and watching the scenes unfold.

He knew he was getting lazy. He ordered people around while he just sat in front of the monitors.

'I might have to go to the gym tomorrow, I think my body is getting rusty.'

Benching 405? It depends, if Kazir Grey could do it. He believed he had enough strength to do it because he could bench 6 plates. Maybe he needed to push his limits.

"Director Grey."

Someone called out to him and Kazir turned. He saw Viggo Mortensen wiping his face after a strenuous stunt.

"Viggo, you did a great job today. Keep it up."

"Yeah. Actually, director, I'm here for a favor. Can I have a few minutes of your time?"

"Hm, okay. Let's talk."

Kazir agreed after checking his watch. Today's work ended early, since the Academy Awards were tonight.

"It's still 4:30, I think I have enough time to talk to you."

"Thank you."

The two walked off the set and started talking.

"Director, I know this sounds ridiculous, but can I get your opinion on something? I heard that you helped Reese Witherspoon and Brianna Evans pick their projects."

"Well, I just gave my honest opinion based on the information I could get. I told Reese that There's Something About Mary seems promising. As for The Truman Show, Salvatore was actually the one I talked to. Then Salvatore decided to convince Brianna Evans to audition for the role."

There's Something About Mary and The Truman Show are movies scheduled for summer release. No one knows if they will be successful except Kazir.

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"That's enough." Viggo Mortensen nodded.

"Viggo, before we talk about it, the two movies I recommend to them are still not in theaters. There are no clear results for you to trust me. So I advise you not to believe everything I say."

"I understand. I want to ask your opinion because you are one of the best directors I know."

"Viggo, you know I can't increase your salary no matter how much you praise me."

"How about you give me more screen time?"

"But you're already the lead."

The two men laughed. Mild jokes were good to lighten the atmosphere.

"Go ahead, you can ask me."

"Actually, my agent contacted me and said he received an invitation for me to audition for a project. I'm skeptical about whether this project can help me further my career.

"Can I hear the title of this project?"

"It's nothing new. It's the Lord of the Rings."

"..."

Kazir almost coughed. It seemed that New Line Cinema and Miramax were in negotiations.

Actually, Kazir Grey tried to buy the copyrights, but it was impossible to acquire them. Miramax owned the copyright and they didn't want to sell it to Grey Pictures. Harvey Weinstein still held a grudge and so did Kazir Grey.

The last time he heard, New Line Cinema contacted Miramax about The Lord of the Rings. The two studios decided to work together on the project, but Miramax stepped back because they felt it was impossible to adapt the classic novel.

In the end, Miramax sold the copyright to New Line Cinema and let them take responsibility.

'Harvey Weinstein would probably regret that decision.'

According to Kazir's recollection, The Lord of the Rings had two years of pre-production. The pre-production took two years for obvious reasons. The budget and props take time to prepare.

"I know The Lord Of The Rings is a classic and Star Wars was created because of the inspiration George Lucas got from The Lord Of The Rings. But I'm afraid that my decision will be wrong, so I'm looking for an opinion from a professional, just like you, Director Grey. Frankly, I think adapting The Hobbit is a better choice."

The Lord of the Rings is considered the mother of all fantasy genres. However, The Hobbit was written by J.R.R. Tolkien before The Fellowship Of The Rings.

"Let me guess, the director is Peter Jackson?"

"That's right."

"..."

Peter Jackson, of all the directors in Hollywood, he was the only one who persisted to adapt The Lord Of The Rings. George Lucas had the chance, but he didn't choose to do it. Because everyone knows how hard it is to adapt a classic like The Lord Of The Rings. The backlash from avid fans was one of the reasons. The production cost was astronomical as well since they need a proper VFX(Visual Effects).

But...

"This is just my opinion. I have met Peter Jackson twice and I know he is a hard working man. I think he takes this project seriously."

To be precise, he met Peter Jackson in his previous life and his impression of him was mostly positive. He was an avid Lord of the Rings fan.

Too bad, New Line Cinema fucked Peter Jackson and didn't pay him according to the contract.

"The adaptation of Lord Of The Rings is difficult, but there's always the first in everything. Maybe The Lord Of The Rings will start the epic genre".

"I see... I don't have any upcoming projects and the role they gave me is an important one. Maybe I'll give it a chance."

Viggo smiled and thanked Kazir for his opinion.

"It's still pre-production and it will not distract me from shooting John Wick. Thank you, director."

"Glad I could help."

The two parted. Of course, they would meet again tomorrow.

Maybe next year Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) will go to New Zealand with the Lord of the Rings crew.

'I look forward to seeing that movie again.'