novellhall Chapter 158 Speed and Passion [4000 words]
Chapter 158 Speed and Passion [4000 words]
Chapter 158 Speed and Passion [4000 words]
The first batch of prizes has begun to be shipped out through the partner logistics company.
Immediately afterwards, fans on Weibo began posting various unboxing videos.
"Received! Brand new and unopened! The quality is amazing!"
"Wow, that's fast! I'm already using it! The photos are so clear!"
"I've come to fulfill my vow! I really received it! It wasn't a dream!"
"Showing off the photos! Thanks, Xun Ge, and thanks, Lionsgate! I will continue to support you!"
These genuine customer reviews and excited sharing sessions created the most powerful secondary dissemination.
Those sarcastic and mocking voices from before have long since disappeared.
The head of Lionsgate's China marketing department later told Rob that the positive exposure and brand favorability gained from this giveaway far exceeded that of a regular hard-sell ad campaign, making it extremely cost-effective.
Seeing the joy shared by his fans, Chen Xun felt quite at ease.
It was worth the money!
At least those who genuinely supported him experienced real happiness.
The Rural Film Search Charity Project is also in full swing.
With the financial support and resource assistance from Lionsgate, the project started much more smoothly than expected.
Chen Xun's team in China recruited a person with extensive experience in public welfare projects and began to formally build the core team.
After the volunteer recruitment channel opened, the number of applicants was even more overwhelming than expected.
Many college students and young white-collar workers, including many of Chen Xun's fans, want to participate during their holidays or weekends.
The team developed a detailed volunteer selection and training plan to ensure safety and professionalism.
The payment has been received.
Chen Xun gave himself a few days off.
When I have free time, I watch some good movies and TV series that I missed while filming.
Occasionally, I also browse domestic video websites to see the latest progress videos of the "Rural Film Search" project.
Seeing the children's happy smiles is much more comforting than looking at box office reports.
At Lionsgate, the script for "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" is being intensively revised and refined by directors Susan and Gary.
Location scouting was also conducted at several potential filming locations around the world.
The design involves more elaborate capital city scenes and more complex outdoor arena designs, which cannot be finalized in a short time.
Chen Xun was happy to have some free time.
He focused his main efforts on monitoring the use of funds for the public welfare program and the monthly project reports to ensure that every penny was spent wisely and that every screening was truly effective.
Just as Chen Xun was enjoying life, Robert arrived.
This time, Rob didn't call; he came directly to Beverly Hills.
He was holding a thick folder in his hand, his expression mysterious, as if he had found some treasure.
"What's going on? Got caught sleeping with someone's wife?"
"How could that be? My wife never cares about me—no, I never sleep with other men's wives!"
Robert slammed down on the sofa, leaving a large dent in the leather.
He placed the documents on the coffee table without opening them immediately, his expression turning serious again: "I have a script here, a good one, it's just a matter of whether you're interested."
"What notebook?"
Seeing Robert's appearance, Chen Xun also became interested.
Recently, Robert sent Chen Xun a lot of notebooks to his email, but Chen Xun wasn't very interested in any of them. Those notebooks looked like they were poorly made, and the authors were just trying to use Chen Xun's popularity to fleece his fans.
"There's a problem with a project at Universal Pictures. Due to script issues, the two lead actors almost came to blows on set!"
Rob carefully chose his words: "The newly signed lead actor just asked the production company to terminate his contract and leave the crew; negotiations are still ongoing."
Chen Xun raised an eyebrow.
It's common for Hollywood film crews to have disagreements, but it's rare for a project to succumb to such a conflict right after it starts, especially when it involves the lead actors.
"The other lead actor also took a very tough stance."
"The production company and investors are now facing a problem: if they don't replace the lead actor, the entire filming process will be full of tension, which will affect the quality of the final product. After weighing the pros and cons, they are inclined to replace the actor, since the investment is huge and they can't afford to gamble."
"Who was replaced?"
"Dwayne Johnson!"
Rob finally opened the folder.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson?
Chen Xun suddenly thought of something.
Could it be—
Sure enough, Robert pulled a script cover out of the folder and pushed it in front of Chen Xun.
The script cover prominently displayed: *Fast & Furious 5*
His heart skipped a beat.
It really is this one!
The previous life was the turning point that truly brought this series back to life and propelled it to the top of the global market!
The duel between Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel.
Muscle clashes, wild racing —
It was revealed that the two had a conflict in their past life, but it turns out that this conflict existed from the very beginning!
"Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel are both very opinionated actors."
Rob shrugged and continued, "The conflict erupted not long after the machine was turned on."
"The Rock feels his role has been weakened, and Vin Diesel feels his opponent is too dominant; the situation is now at a stalemate!"
"Universal and the producers urgently need someone who can step in immediately and has enough weight and box office appeal to fill the key role of Agent Hobbs."
Rob looked at Chen Xun, his eyes becoming serious: "They thought of you first, bro. You have the record of 'The Hunger Games' grossing $1.1 billion worldwide, and you also had action scenes in 'Green Lantern.' Your popularity is at its peak, and your box office performance has just been proven by the market."
"Moreover, you are Chinese, which brings a fresh perspective. Your combination with Vin Diesel can create new chemistry and further boost the Asian market. For them, you are almost the most ideal replacement they can find right now."
Chen Xun picked up the script but didn't open it immediately.
I quickly went through the timeline of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" in my mind.
Lionsgate hasn't finalized the script and location yet, so filming won't officially start for at least another two or three months.
Even after filming begins, as the core lead actor, there is still some room for negotiation regarding his screen time, especially since he now has the leverage to negotiate with Lionsgate.
If the scenes for Fast & Furious 5 were filmed together or the schedules were coordinated—
"Is there a scheduling conflict?"
He asked Robert.
Seeing that Chen Xun did not directly refuse, Rob said in an excited tone: "I have had preliminary communication with Universal. They also know that you made a commitment to 'The Hunger Games 2' before. Their meaning is that as long as you are willing to take the role, they can fully cooperate with your schedule."
"Agent Hobbs's scenes are important, but relatively concentrated, especially in the first half. They can compress your scenes into a certain amount of time or flexibly adjust the shooting order according to your available time."
Chen Xun nodded.
This is the power of discourse that comes with commercial value.
If he were still that unknown extra, he would never have had the chance to be a substitute.
Even when it's your turn, you have to follow the production company's arrangements completely.
Rob's efficiency remained as high as ever.
Less than a week after the initial contact with Universal Pictures, the new script from Universal Pictures was delivered to Chen Xun's home.
It's not the same script we saw for "Fast & Furious 5" before.
The new script has been clearly reformatted, and it reads: "Draft Revision of Chen Xun's Exclusive Role".
Chen Xun raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.
He knew Universal was eager to recruit him, but he didn't expect it to go this far.
Directly modify his character and parts of the plot to suit him?
He made himself a cup of coffee, sat down at his desk, and opened the script.
Following the title page is a simple character design page:
Character: Chen Zhen
Affiliation: Interpol Asia Special Operations Group Background: Former member of the Chinese Wolf Warrior Commando Team, proficient in tactical combat and multiple languages, selected for Interpol due to his outstanding abilities, responsible for transnational organized crime involving Asia.
"Chen Zhen————"
Chen Xun read the name aloud, feeling a bit strange.
The people at Global Times really go to great lengths to gain access to the Chinese market and create a sense of cultural affinity.
They chose this name, which has special meaning, directly from the kung fu movie.
This not only points to his Chinese identity but also hints at the character's fighting prowess.
He continued reading the script.
The basic framework of the chase scene following the train hijacking remains the same, but the reasons and composition of the pursuers have changed.
This is no longer an operation conducted solely by the U.S. Department of Diplomatic Security (DSS).
Instead, Interpol received a tip that Dominic Toledo's gang was suspected of using the robbery to launder money across borders and might be linked to criminal networks in South America and Asia.
Chen Zhen, as the head of the Asian Special Operations Group, was dispatched to Brazil to coordinate a joint operation with local police to apprehend the suspect.
The action scenes, such as breaking down doors, gunfights, and close-quarters combat, are all retained, but the dialogue and background information are completely different.
Next is the reshaping of the character's motivation.
The script devotes some space to clearly explaining the situation through Chen Zhen's calls with headquarters and his review of case files.
Rio de Janeiro drug kingpin Reyes' criminal network is spreading a new type of synthetic drug to Southeast Asia, causing multiple deaths of teenagers and having a terrible impact.
The chip that Dom's team stole from the train is believed to contain key evidence of Reyes's transactions with multiple Asian gangs and the flow of funds.
Chen Zhen's primary objective in pursuing Boss Tang was not to bring him to justice, but to obtain the chip and destroy the entire drug supply chain that was threatening Asia.
"The changes are pretty good!"
Chen Xun silently made his assessment.
If the original script remains unchanged, then he really needs to reconsider.
After all, the original role was too unrelated to him.
This kind of script is more in line with the international image of Chinese police.
Chen Xun thought of Jackie Chan's "Rush Hour" series.
The new script makes the character Chen Zhen's character believable from the start, without feeling abrupt at all.
As the plot progresses to the middle, when Reyes's assassins attack the temporary base of Chen Zhen's joint operations team, resulting in the death of a Chinese-American female agent, the script reaches a crucial turning point.
Looking at his fallen colleague's identification, Chen Zhen realized with anger and helplessness that if he had followed the normal international judicial cooperation procedures and obtained enough evidence to apply for a transnational arrest warrant, Reyes would have been able to destroy the evidence or even escape long ago.
"The legal process is too slow!"
In the script, standing before the tombstone of his fallen colleague, Chen Zhen calmly tells his superior, who has come to inquire about the progress, "But the villains won't wait for us to finish the process!"
After hanging up the phone, he made a decision.
He proactively contacted the Dom's team, who were already in dire straits, and proposed that famous deal: "You help me get evidence of Reyes' crimes and the location of the stolen money, and I will use my authority and Interpol resources to help you clear your names, escape the pursuit, and gain true freedom."
Chen Zhen went from being the pursuer to a temporary collaborator.
Chen Xun closed the thick script, leaned back in his chair, and let out a long sigh.
This time, Universal Pictures has shown great sincerity.
This revision is by no means a perfunctory effort.
It retains the core elements of the original Fast & Furious 5, including explosive car chases, thrilling action scenes, teamwork, and complex, adversarial relationships.
At the same time, the role of Chen Zhen was tailor-made for Chen Xun.
This transformed him from a powerful law enforcer into a complex figure with strong motives, a powerful background, personal growth, and independent action logic.
It also cleverly incorporates Eastern elements without appearing forced.
This change is clearly intended to better cater to the Asian market, especially the Chinese market.
A positive, powerful, and internationally righteous Chinese protagonist would undoubtedly greatly enhance audience identification and box office potential.
This is also a very attractive challenge for Chen Xun himself.
There are many action scenes, including racing scenes.
This was a new field for Chen Xun.
Fortunately, he has the skill balls he absorbed from Jackie Chan and Hank.
This time, he finally had a chance to shine.
"Bro, how's the script?"
Robert called at just the right time.
"The script was revised very carefully, and it suits me perfectly!"
Chen Xun spoke the truth.
"Haha! They know they have to offer something real to impress you."
Rob laughed loudly on the other end of the phone: "This revised version was personally overseen by a senior vice president at Universal, who stayed up several nights to finish it. They're determined to get you."
"Regarding the terms, I'm also working hard to negotiate. The base salary won't be lower than your current market price, and there will be a share of global box office revenue. The scheduling coordination plan has also been initially finalized, and they guarantee to prioritize your schedule."
Rob's tone was full of confidence.
Chen Xun's popularity and box office success have boosted his status in Hollywood.
Recently, the people he's been negotiating contracts with have gradually changed from his burly, hairy, tough-guy assistant to his sexy, beautiful secretary.
Has Lionsgate given any feedback on "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"?
"Director Gary and Susan are a little worried that you're overworking, but overall they understand and support you. Lionsgate executives would love for you to become even more famous!"
"As long as the filming of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' is not substantially affected, they would be happy to see it happen. The two teams are already in contact regarding the adjustment of your scenes."
Excellent conditions, rare opportunity, attractive role, flexible schedule —
There seemed to be no reason to refuse.
"OK!"
Chen Xun made up his mind.
If you don't take this opportunity, you'll definitely regret it later!
Yes!
Rob couldn't help but cheer on the other end of the phone: "I'll get right on it, bro! Get ready, you're about to unleash the Fast and Furious!"
With everything settled, Chen Xun, accompanied by Robert, flew to Atlanta, the filming location for "Fast & Furious 5".
Besides the staff arranged by Universal Pictures, there was another person who came to pick Chen Xun up at the airport, which surprised him a bit.
Director Justin Lin.
Justin Lin is not tall, wears black-rimmed glasses, and is dressed in the casual jacket that directors often carry.
Her smile was very warm.