It's reasonable for me to be a three-time Golden Horse Award-winning director and an all-around

Chapter 224 Blacklist? Are you kidding me? Do you really think I don't have a sugar daddy backing me? (Seeking monthly votes)

"Following Kung Fu Hustle, Stephen Chow's latest sci-fi comedy, CJ7, has been officially announced as a project today."

It is reported that "CJ7" mainly tells the story of Zhou Tie, who comes from a poor family, and gives the alien dog he accidentally found as a gift to his son Zhou Xiaodi.

The alien dog "Seven" possesses the wondrous ability to give new life to things, and Zhou Xiaodi learns and grows through his interactions with his father, Seven, and classmates.

"The new 'Star Girl' has officially debuted: Zhang Yuqi, 19 years old! She graduated from the Shanghai Theatre Academy Affiliated School of Traditional Chinese Opera."

"CJ7 is primarily produced by Bona Film Group, with China Film Group participating in the project investment and co-production..."

……

When the news of the official announcement of the "CJ7" project was released, many people, both inside and outside the industry, were somewhat stunned.

After all, Pacific Rim has only just announced its casting requirements, and its popularity is still very high.

But then, Stephen Chow's new film was suddenly announced, and it was also a science fiction film.

Even more coincidentally, the female leads of both films were born in 87 and just turned 19 this year.

Such a coincidence inevitably makes people think.

Everyone still clearly remembers that when Stephen Chow's "Kung Fu Hustle" and Lui Yui's "The Prestige" were released at the same time, the two sides competed fiercely, both openly and secretly.

Now, Pacific Rim and CJ7 are clashing again, and the powder keg is about to be ignited once more!
The online discussion instantly exploded:

"On one side are alien dogs, and on the other are mechs fighting monsters? Shouldn't they go to war?"

"Goodness, did Director Lui and Stephen Chow make a pact? Why are they both suddenly making science fiction?"

"I bet Director Lu will win this time! Although I also like Stephen Chow, in terms of box office, CJ7 may not be able to beat Pacific Rim."

"Isn't that obvious? One invested $2 million, and the other only invested a tiny amount? They're not even in the same league!"

"Don't jump to conclusions too quickly. I think Stephen Chow might not necessarily lose. Maybe he's learned from the experience of 'Kung Fu Hustle'..."

Lu Rui glanced at the heated discussions online and quickly stopped paying attention.

In his view, it was just a coincidence of timing and similar themes that led netizens to make comparisons.

Otherwise, CJ7 wouldn't even be worthy of being compared to Pacific Rim.

Although Zhou Xingchi did not disclose the investment cost, Han Sanping had already leaked the information to him.

The investment in "CJ7" was only $20 million.

This figure was indeed considered a big production in the domestic film market of 2006.

Compared to the $2 million budget of "Pacific Rim," it's practically a "little brother," not even in the same competitive dimension.

What Lu Rui found even more laughable was that Xinghui's recent performance had been truly lackluster.

Huang Shengyi's contract termination lawsuit has been going on for almost a year without a result, but now she has signed with a new company. It's obvious that she's "going all out" and hasn't given Xinghui any face at all.

He simply couldn't figure out what Stephen Chow was thinking.

If they can't even handle the disputes of their own artists, how can they focus on preparing for a new movie?
If we don't take drastic measures now, aren't we worried that other "Stephen Chow girls" will follow suit?
If you portray yourself as an easy target, then don't blame others for wanting to take advantage of you.

Lu Rui shook his head and turned his attention back to the preparations for "Pacific Rim".

Funding and personnel from various companies have been arriving one after another, and the team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has also arrived. Props and preliminary preparations are proceeding in an orderly manner...

China Film Group also provided a soundstage for prop construction, which saved a lot of trouble.

In a few days, Lü Rui plans to wait until things stabilize a bit here before heading to Hollywood.

The remaining investment share hasn't been settled yet, and there's also the overseas casting process, which he has to personally handle.

This time, he doesn't plan to hold a large-scale talent search after going abroad.

There are too many actors needed and the requirements are too varied. If we were to search for them one by one, wouldn't we be exhausted?

Therefore, he plans to collaborate with the four major Hollywood talent agencies, simply outlining his requirements and letting them handle it.

We'll see which agency offers the best price and finds the most suitable actor for the role, and then we'll work with that agency.

Hollywood has a very well-developed industrial system anyway, might as well use it!
In addition, new system tasks have been issued.

As Lu Rui expected, the requirements were precisely to finalize the investors and find all the actors who were suitable for the roles.

[Ding: Please expedite the financing and casting process for the "Pacific Rim" project.]

[Reward upon completion of the mission: B-level talent "Guillermo del Toro's 'Grand Cinematic Set Construction' and 'Spatial Clarity Narrative in Action Scenes' Directing Techniques"]

……

Although Lü Rui didn't take "CJ7" to heart, Stephen Chow couldn't avoid this forced comparison.

The two projects were announced one after the other, both featuring actresses of the same age, and both directors were former rivals in the box office competition...

This "coincidence" has provided the media with a natural source of fodder for discussion!

Even though the two deliberately avoided each other, they couldn't help but be repeatedly compared.

Stephen Chow actually had a lot of pent-up energy inside.

The fact that "Kung Fu Hustle" lost to "The Prestige" at both domestic and international box office had already left him feeling very frustrated.

So naturally, he didn't want to lose the match again.

He actually wanted to use "CJ7" to regain his footing, but after calming down and thinking about it, he couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive.

Although "CJ7" is marketed as a science fiction film, its core is family warmth and comedy, which is completely different from hardcore mecha battles against monsters like "Pacific Rim".

Not to mention the vast difference in investment costs.

$2000 million versus $2 million is simply not in the same league.

The more he thought about it, the more he felt that he was going to be "abused" by Lü Rui again.

However, while he was frowning over the script and project proposal, Zhang Yuqi was unable to contain her joy in the corridor of Xinghui Company, her steps even light and cheerful.

She actually became the female lead in Stephen Chow's movie!

"Star Girl!"

These three words, like a dream, crashed into her life.

Her parents divorced when she was young, and she grew up with her mother, living a very frugal life.

When I was admitted to the Affiliated Opera School of Shanghai Theatre Academy in 04, my mother had just suffered a business failure and couldn't even afford the tuition.

In the end, it was only through her mother's gritted teeth and pawning all her wedding jewelry that she was able to enroll in school.

From the day she stepped into the school gate, she secretly vowed that she would work hard to make money in the future and never live a poor life again!

She was truly terrified of poverty, terrified of the embarrassment of having to hesitate for ages even to buy a new piece of clothing.

Unexpectedly, my prayers day and night actually came true!

Now, she has been chosen by Stephen Chow and has become a highly anticipated "Star Girl".

As someone in this industry, she knows all too well how powerful Stephen Chow's films are at creating stars.

It's no exaggeration to say that as long as you can play a role in his works, becoming famous is almost inevitable.

Especially the female lead.

Look at Zhang Baizhi, Mo Wenwei, and others before them. Didn't they all become famous overnight as "Stephen Chow's girls" and have endless resources ever since?
Of course, there are also negative examples, such as Huang Shengyi.

The woman is currently arguing with Xinghui about terminating her contract. The lawsuit has been going on for almost a year, and now she has signed with a new company, causing quite a stir.

However, Zhang Yuqi felt that she wouldn't go that far. That would be too undignified.

Moreover, even if she and Xinghui really have a disagreement in the future, she will choose to resolve it amicably, and will never end up like Huang Shengyi, where both sides suffer losses.

Thinking of this, she couldn't help but clench the script in her hand, her smile widening.

Become famous, make a lot of money, reach the pinnacle of life...

These once unattainable dreams seem to be beckoning to her!
……

The word "respectable" is something almost everyone in the entertainment industry desires.

This is especially true for actors and their agencies.

Everyone wants to break up in a dignified way.

For example, Fan Bingbing is hoping to part ways amicably with Huayi Brothers and keep to themselves in the future, but they might still be able to collaborate on suitable projects.

However, Wang Zhonglei insisted on pressing him relentlessly.

Just like now, he directly pushed the script of "The Forbidden Kingdom" in front of Fan Bingbing and demanded that she obey and make concessions.

"I won't lie to you, this project, like Pacific Rim, is a Sino-US co-production blockbuster with an investment of up to 7000 million US dollars, which is more than 5 million RMB!"

Wang Zhonglei kept emphasizing the importance of the project.

Fan Bingbing picked up the script and flipped through it, a look of curiosity gradually appearing in her eyes.

"The film has a dual male lead structure, and Li Lianjie has already been cast. We're planning to invite Jackie Chan for the other lead role..."

Upon hearing these two names, Fan Bingbing's eyes widened instantly!

Kung Fu Emperor Li Lianjie? Kung Fu King Jackie Chan?

If these two were to star together, coupled with the hype of a Sino-US co-production, it would undoubtedly be a top-tier project!

But before she could even smile, Wang Zhonglei's next words poured cold water on her enthusiasm:
"Li Bingbing has been cast as the female lead, playing 'Golden Swallow,' and you'll play the second female lead, 'The White-Haired Witch.' This role offers a lot of room for your performance..."

He kept lecturing, but in reality, he was plotting something.

If this role can retain Fan Bingbing and make her give up the idea of ​​terminating her contract at the end of the year, that would be ideal.

In fact, his initial idea was to have Liu Yifei play the female lead and Li Bingbing play a supporting role, and he even wanted to take the opportunity to poach Liu Yifei's agency contract to Huayi Brothers.

But then Pacific Rim was released, and Lü Rui tried to stop it...

Why would someone turn down a lead role in a $2 million project to take on a $7000 million role?
Therefore, this idea was nipped in the bud by external resistance.

However, what he didn't expect was that Fan Bingbing wasn't stupid either.

If she were the female lead, she might weigh the pros and cons.

But a supporting actress who was supposed to be a foil to Li Bingbing just didn't interest her at all.

There's still a female supporting role available in Pacific Rim, which is part of a $2 million project. Why settle for something like this?

What's more, she's extremely resentful right now!
Playing Liu Yifei as a supporting actress is acceptable, after all, she is Lu Rui's "precious treasure" and has the backing of a powerful director.

But what makes Li Bingbing superior to her?
Was it because the woman was older? Or because the two sisters were good in bed?

However, she didn't directly refuse, nor did she mention opening a studio or auditioning for "Pacific Rim." She simply spoke calmly:
"I want to play the female lead. Give me 'Golden Swallow,' and we can discuss the other conditions later."

She wanted to test Wang Zhonglei's bottom line.

But as soon as he said that, Wang Zhonglei's face darkened instantly: "It's only for supporting actresses. You either act or you don't. You have no choice."

Since Wang Jinghua left, what he now wants is absolute submission and obedience from his subordinates; the boss's authority cannot be challenged.

Seeing this, Fan Bingbing didn't say anything more, silently put down the script, got up and left.

Actions speak for themselves.

"Are you sure you want to refuse?" Wang Zhonglei suddenly stood up, his voice laced with threat. "You still have six months of your agency contract with me. If I don't agree, you will never get a single role in the future."

"I won't play a supporting role to Li Bingbing." Fan Bingbing continued walking.

block?

joke.

She's not afraid at all!
Once she leaves Huayi, will she have no sugar daddy backing her?
She'll go shopping with Liu Yifei later, and make her future "boss's wife" happy first.

In this way, if trouble arises in the future, can Lü Rui just sit idly by and watch someone die?
With a loud bang, the office door was slammed shut.

Wang Zhonglei's face turned pale and then flushed.

Fan Bingbing has quit acting, and he really has no choice now.

He finally saw through her; this woman clearly thought she was all grown up and dared to openly challenge him.

I'll make her pay later!

But now is not the time to hold a grudge.

We need to find a replacement for the second female lead, the "White-Haired Witch," in "The Forbidden Kingdom" as soon as possible.

At the same time, since Fan Bingbing is determined to leave, we need to find a replacement who can hold her own.

He first mentally reviewed the candidates.

There's no need to even think about Liu Yifei. She's the lead actress in the $2 million Pacific Rim project, how could she possibly be interested in a supporting actress in a $7000 million project?

As for Zhang Ziyi, that woman is too ambitious, and Hua Yi simply cannot satisfy her.

Xu Jinglei is out of the question; she has a powerful backer, a big shot in Beijing's elite circles...

Soon, another name popped up.

Zhao Yanzi!
In terms of star power, Zhao Yanzi is also one of the best among the "Four Dan and Two Bing" actresses.

She became a household name across the country with "My Fair Princess" in her early years, and later consolidated her popularity with "Romance in the Rain". In recent years, she has also had many excellent works in the film industry. Her popularity and strength are undeniable.

If we could invite her to play the "White-Haired Witch," or even recruit her into the company, we could not only fill the void left by Fan Bingbing's departure, but also use her popularity to further boost the success of "The Forbidden Kingdom." It would be a win-win situation no matter how you look at it.

Wang Zhonglei thought it was feasible more and more, so he immediately asked his assistant to find Zhao Yanzi's information. At the same time, he also took out the script of "The Forbidden Kingdom" and circled the character introduction of "White-Haired Witch".

He was pondering what to say...

It's important to emphasize both the significance of the project, such as the dual male leads Li Lianjie and Jackie Chan, and the hype surrounding the Sino-US co-production, as well as highlighting the unique qualities of the characters.

For example, although the "White-Haired Witch" is a supporting female character, her stunning appearance and crucial role give the actress a lot of room to perform.

As for how to persuade Zhao Yanzi to take on the role, he had a plan in mind.

It seems that the other party has been seeking a transformation in the past two years, moving from leading roles in idol dramas to more challenging roles.

A character like the "White-Haired Witch," who is both righteous and evil, and has a contrasting personality, might just suit her taste.

Moreover, Huayi has a lot of good resources at its disposal. If this cooperation goes well, we can discuss deeper cooperation in the future.

"Didn't she want to be a director? She even went to study for the Beijing Film Academy's Master of Fine Arts program. At worst, we'll just give her resources and let her act in movies!"

Thinking of this, Wang Zhonglei suppressed his dissatisfaction with Fan Bingbing and picked up his phone to dial Zhao Yanzi's number.

The call was quickly connected.

"Hello? May I ask...?"

"Zhao Yanzi, right? It's me, Wang Zhonglei. I have a project I'd like to discuss with you, about a Sino-foreign co-production..."

(End of this chapter)