[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-starting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu":3,"chapter-starting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu-starting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu-chapter-318":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Starting from Stealing the Role in 1995 Huayu",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2321307,4540,"Chapter 318: Thud, Thud, Thud","starting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu-chapter-318",318,"\u003Cp>After a long while, Wu Yuchen leaned against the headboard, his mind calm and still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hollywood’s allure is this plain, unadorned, and dull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kate, leaning against Wu Yuchen, poked him with her finger and pouted, “It’s all your fault—I didn’t even remember how much the opening box office was~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen chuckled and patted her. “Don’t worry, I remembered it for you—$19.52 million.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing the number, Kate’s expression grew slightly grave; for a $160 million budget film like *Van Helsing*, this opening was far from terrible, but barely passed the threshold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next two days would largely determine the film’s fate. A three-day weekend gross over $80 million would be solid, over $70 million acceptable, and the bare minimum was $60 million.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tonight’s $19.52 million opening made Kate fear *Van Helsing* might only reach around $60 million for its opening weekend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She asked anxiously, “Wu, do you think *Van Helsing* will do well?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen stroked the back of this English wild rose and smiled, “Do you want to sleep well tonight?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kate slapped his arm in exasperation. “Oh! Damn it! Now I can’t feel happy at all!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen shrugged. “*Van Helsing*’s North American box office should edge out *Troy* by a bit—its opening weekend should clear $50 million.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What Wu Yuchen didn’t say was that *Van Helsing*’s fate was even worse than *Troy*’s—its overseas gross was less than half of *Troy*’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kate’s mood didn’t improve much. Clearing $50 million still meant falling short of $60 million—wasn’t that still failing? She irritably scratched her hair. “How did you come to that conclusion?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen didn’t hide anything—he told her his impressions of the film, essentially summarizing his past-life assessment of it. The more she listened, the colder her heart grew; the pleasure from their earlier lovemaking vanished entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen rubbed her hair and comforted her: “Don’t worry too much. *Van Helsing* is a big-budget film with great special effects, and you and Hugh Jackman are in it. Even if it loses money at the box office, you’ll recoup it through DVD rights.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This offered little comfort—she wasn’t new to failure. Years ago, *Pearl Harbor* was also a big-budget flop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after *Underworld* did she make a comeback—a $22 million vampire-werewolf film that earned $96 million. That’s what earned her another shot at a big-budget film like *Van Helsing*.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she failed again with *Van Helsing*, she wouldn’t just be demoted—she’d be sidelined for years, effectively cut off from Hollywood blockbusters, since two failures proved she couldn’t carry one, even if it wasn’t entirely her fault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actors like Kate, who had a successful franchise like *Underworld*, were already lucky. She played a cool, beautiful vampire warrior and gained a loyal fanbase—she could live off that series alone. In the past, it had reached its fifth installment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But actors always want to climb higher once they enter Hollywood, especially someone like Kate who’d seen the top. She didn’t want to fall back down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After *Pearl Harbor* flopped, her *Underworld* had a $22 million budget—less than *The Princess Diaries*. Clearly, she’d taken a pay cut; her situation then was far from good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having climbed back up after all that, she was even more determined not to fall again. Wasn’t that why she seduced him tonight?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, Kate wriggled closer into Wu Yuchen’s arms, her voice soft and pleading: “Wu, do you have any new projects coming up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen smiled faintly. “I’m sorry, darling, my next project is a Chinese-language film—nothing in Hollywood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But didn’t you say you were negotiating with Warner Bros. for *Batman*?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen shook his head directly. “Let me be clear—this project has no chance right now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kate’s face fell with disappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen knew why she’d seduced him—beyond his youth and looks, she wanted opportunity. But he spoke the truth: he had no new Hollywood projects planned in the near term.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, looking at Kate, though she’d initiated this, and though there’d been no promises, he could’ve just taken advantage. But he’d enjoyed himself, so he didn’t mind helping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought for a moment. “Spielberg and Tom Cruise are casting the female lead for *War of the Worlds*. I can recommend you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Spielberg claimed he was retiring behind the scenes, once you’re in this industry, how easy is it to leave? *War of the Worlds* had been greenlit last year and began prep this year—he couldn’t quit until he finished it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hollywood knew Wu Yuchen’s ties with DreamWorks. Saying he’d “recommend” her was an understatement—Spielberg would likely honor his request. The film revolved around Tom Cruise; the female lead wasn’t crucial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kate opened her mouth, then sighed and shook her head. “Thanks for the offer, Wu, but I don’t want to play a mother right now…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The female lead in *War of the Worlds* was Tom Cruise’s wife—a woman in her thirties or forties, a devoted homemaker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Kate had just turned thirty, she still had ambition. Accepting a mother role now would brand her as middle-aged in audiences’ eyes—hard to shake off later. So despite *War of the Worlds* being the industry’s top project, she didn’t want it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen smiled and shook his head. He’d offered his help; if she refused, that was her choice. He’d had fun—she wasn’t his girlfriend. Even if he was known for his integrity, he wouldn’t spoon-feed her opportunities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kate leaned in and kissed his cheek, whispering in his ear: “Darling, I’m not rejecting your kindness—this role just isn’t right for me~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She still wanted to keep things cordial with Wu Yuchen for future chances. Otherwise, what was tonight for?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen smiled and squeezed the softness in his hand. “Kate, it’s fine—I understand. I won’t hold it against you. Come to me anytime. I think we still have plenty to discuss.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kate smiled seductively, then lowered her head again…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, when Wu Yuchen woke, the bed was empty. Kate had left early—she had *Van Helsing* promotional duties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen didn’t care. He stretched, refreshed himself, and headed to DreamWorks to continue post-production on *Pirates of the Caribbean 3*.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The post-production of *Pirates of the Caribbean 3* was progressing faster than that of *Pirates 2*, partly because Wu Yuchen was always present, and partly because the team had developed a strong rapport from working on *Pirates 2*.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*Van Helsing* unfolded exactly as he predicted: its opening weekend totaled $51.75 million—barely clearing $50 million, enough to save face, but not enough to stop the market’s skepticism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five days later, Wu Yuchen attended another premiere. He couldn’t avoid it—he wasn’t alone in Hollywood. During filming he could excuse himself, but now he was here—he had to show up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, this premiere was for Cheng Long’s *Around the World in 80 Days*—both were Chinese; he had to support him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon seeing Cheng Long, the man gave him a huge hug. “Wu Dao, thanks for coming!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen laughed. “We’re family—I had to come cheer you on, Brother Long!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Long still thrived in Hollywood. The premiere drew many stars—even Arnold Schwarzenegger, now a governor, showed up, playing a comical Turkish prince in a ridiculous costume.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*Around the World in 80 Days* is one of Jules Verne’s most popular novels, adapted into films many times. It follows British gentleman Phileas Fogg betting he can circle the globe in 80 days, accompanied by his servant Passepartout, enduring countless trials before arriving back at the start just in time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Long played Passepartout—but the film reimagined him not as a servant, but as Fogg’s friend, clearly reflecting Cheng Long’s status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The film followed the buddy-comedy formula of his *Rush Hour* series. Even more telling: the original’s protagonist was British gentleman Fogg—but here, the lead became Cheng Long. The producers had clearly gone all out to honor him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Wu Yuchen thought inwardly: perhaps these very choices sowed the seeds of its failure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how you adapt it, you’re still riding the *Around the World in 80 Days* name—many book fans came expecting fidelity, only to find the film utterly transformed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Cheng Long’s Hollywood momentum had been fading. His recent comedy-action films had seen declining box office. Simply put, his formula had grown stale for American audiences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he were young, it wouldn’t matter—but now he was older, unable to perform the daring stunts of his youth, further diminishing his appeal as an action star.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So this action-comedy-adventure film, bearing the classic name, failed to please book fans, bored audiences with its tired gags, and offered weak action—its failure was inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All Wu Yuchen could do was show up, praise it to reporters—mentioning the beautiful scenery, how viewers could experience the thrill of global travel. He said nothing about the film’s quality. Who didn’t know how to play the game?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen could only come to support Cheng Long by showing up and saying a few kind words to the reporters, such as how the film showcased beautiful scenery along the way, was highly appealing, and allowed audiences to experience the wonders of traveling around the globe through the movie. As for the film’s quality, he said not a word—who doesn’t know how to play tai chi?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budget: $110 million. Opening weekend: $6.8 million—not opening day, but the full three-day total.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen could imagine Cheng Long’s despair—he’d surely decided to return to Chinese cinema for good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Cheng Long wasn’t the only one crushed this week. Also opening was *Catwoman*, a $100 million blockbuster starring Halle Berry, the first Black Best Actress Oscar winner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It did slightly better—$16.72 million opening weekend—but still a massive loss against its $100 million budget.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*Catwoman* made studios reevaluate superhero films and severely questioned Black actresses’ box office power—exposing just how weak female stars were at carrying films.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen smiled. This wasn’t ten years from now—when feminism and Black Lives Matter were stronger, *Catwoman* might have had a different fate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, though the film was terrible, Halle Berry in her catsuit was undeniably sexy—she was truly a stunning Black beauty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, both films had similar total grosses: *Catwoman* earned $82.1 million worldwide, *Around the World in 80 Days* $72.18 million. Halle Berry had an edge—she had her Black community behind her, so she could still thrive in Hollywood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two billion-dollar blockbusters, expected to dominate the week, both flopped spectacularly—leaving *Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story*, a $20 million comedy sports film, to claim the top spot with $30.07 million, stunning all of Hollywood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone marveled at *Dodgeball*’s insane luck—something that happened once in a decade. It was the lowest-grossing summer weekend champion of the year, yet it instantly became famous, seizing the spotlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen had no time to care about Cheng Long now—his *Pirates of the Caribbean 2* would open in two weeks, and its massive promotional campaign had already begun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Yuchen now had no heart to care about what became of Cheng Long; his film The Pirate King 2 would be released in two weeks and had already entered full-scale promotion.\u003C\u002Fp>",1834,"2026-06-20T16:09:30.828Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","0db0491fe3e97ca264c4f41fede7b38453923d6474df1ffffe8e0bcb46e739d2","starting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu-chapter-319","starting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu-chapter-317",335,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarting-from-stealing-the-role-in-1995-huayu-cover.jpg"]