Rebirth as an American Tycoon

[Chapter 822: Tom Cruise's Frustration]

White Films had begun production on a new project, but the lead was switched to Ben Affleck. While he fit the mold of an all-American heartthrob, he simply wasn't the legendary Tom Cruise everyone had anticipated.

Height was irrelevant; espionage films didn't typically require any romantic fluff. Even if there was some rolling around in bed, who would care about height?

Tom was feeling put out; he didn't realize that William White was even more conflicted. The best actor for the role was undoubtedly Tom, but unfortunately, managing him was such a hassle.

"Master, they are indeed trying to infiltrate Hollywood. We just discovered that John Travolta is one of their ranks."

"The Pulp Fiction guys?"

"That's right. Apparently, multiple people have dabbled with that approach. I can't say for certain, but it seems like a form of electric therapy."

"Great, we should give them a Tesla coil to play with. Tanner, warn them not to disturb my set. If they do, let them face the consequences."

"Okay, these guys are getting out of hand. I can't wrap my head around it all. Tom looks perfectly normal, and so does John Travolta. What on earth is going on here?"

"Smart-seeming people aren't always what they appear. I could bet anything that the fat guy Harvey wouldn't buy it."

"Yeah, a thug from Queens is definitely not a pushover."

"You keep believing in some higher deity, and I let that slide. Taking some magic pills might just cost your life. Spreading religion in the guise of science? Frankly, I don't know what to make of it.

Also, Tanner, keep an eye on this group. They're illegal in Europe and other places. This place in America is their only territory; they'd go to any lengths to protect it.

FBI's on them too, but it looks more like they're providing free security."

"Master, if they come to cause trouble again, let Hawkeye handle it. He's been awfully bored lately."

"Fine, staying out of each other's business is best. If they persist, I'll give them an unforgettable experience. I'm not the FBI's fool; I'll invoke the law when necessary."

Living in this free land was sometimes incredibly frustrating. This so-called Church seemed like a scam operation. Tolerating their existence was already alarming enough; they were also enjoying tax exemptions.

William White didn't like trouble -- he absolutely loathed it. However, there was a line he wouldn't let anyone cross. They simply could not disrupt his territory.

They aimed to shoot at least eight installments of Mission: Impossible. With these people around, he had no idea where to start.

It wasn't that William White was overreacting; Tom had a bad habit of dragging others into chaos while working.

Religious beliefs were generally sensitive matters that had stood the test of time. Coexisting peacefully was best, as any significant conflict could create a massive headache.

Lo and behold, an IP that originally belonged to Paramount ended up with Tom Cruise somehow.

There were layers to this; he had managed to alienate himself from all the Hollywood bigshots and still managed a grand comeback. The backers behind that resurgence certainly weren't straightforward.

...

"Damn it, I told you to acquire an espionage script early on. Why did CBS's script end up with White Films?"

"Ahem, sir, White Films made contact first. I just checked; their acquisition of various rights has reached an absurd amount. To be frank, we just can't compete financially."

"Sorry, Sherry, I didn't intend for that. I aimed for a big production but kept running into one issue or another. That damned William White; does he plan to monopolize all of Hollywood?"

Dealing with a hot-tempered and stingy old man, Sherry Lansing felt equally annoyed. But having clawed her way through Hollywood over the years, this strong woman wasn't naive.

Moreover, Sumner Redstone was stingy too, but he was generous with his investments. If something piqued his interest, he would go to great lengths to claim it.

Sadly, the old man had run up against a shameless William White.

For minor indie films, White didn't care at all. Blockbusters like Titanic and Mission: Impossible were simply off the table for that old man.

"By the way, Sherry, do you know why the Mission: Impossible team dropped Tom Cruise? I heard they had a decent relationship."

"Sir, there are rumors it might be due to his height. But I doubt that. Something must have happened that the public isn't aware of. I still see considerable potential in Tom Cruise."

"Hmm, if the right script comes along, we could collaborate. But let's be honest, his asking price is inflated."

"Ahem, if the script fits, we can negotiate."

Sumner Redstone would never have thought that William White dropped Tom because of Scientology. If he did, he would certainly dismiss that thought. To him, faith was a highly personal matter, and it was unnecessary to pry.

This belief was quite consistent in America. Jewish Americans felt the same way; limiting others' beliefs was a terrifying proposition. Wasn't that what the Little Mustache had done back in the day?

...

"Is it really as exaggerated as you say?" Nastassja questioned, doubtful. To her, William White seemed overly sensitive.

"Pff, don't believe me? That religion stuff is all claims from them; the official acknowledgment is just a single organization."

"Alright then. Moving on, Shirley Lansing refused. Hey, what's that expression on your face?"

"What expression? Just a professional manager! That damned Barry Diller -- if he didn't have so many ideas, he would've been managing White Films right now.

This Sherry Lansing is the same; she's looking to play her own hand. And me? My presence undeniably limits their development. So, after you have the kid, you still have to help me make money."

These thoughts were beyond Nastassja's comprehension. Wasn't it better to have a solid partner? William White wasn't one to fuss over those trivial dramas.

"Darling, do I look ugly?"

"Don't be silly; you shouldn't question my taste."

Nastassja felt a twinge of irritation. At thirty-something, being called 'silly' seemed ridiculous. But that wasn't her biggest concern.

Love was exclusive. Nastassja felt gloomy because this guy was incredibly unfaithful. Ugh, best to keep things as they were; marrying him would only add more complications.

These two people were being affectionate with each other here, but the bigwigs in Hollywood were not happy at all.

...

William White raised his investment significantly; it was quite evident.

It was puzzling; hadn't William White reached a compromise with Sumner Redstone?

Well, judging by the release schedules, Braveheart had gotten a pass. Damn, next time you make a movie, it's best to find the lover of the richest man.

There was no other way to think except pillow talk. The only thing to be thankful for was that there were many girls who have had scandals with this guy.

Murdoch was equally troubled; his base was rather weak. Now, his finances had reached a dangerously precarious state. If White threw a curveball now, the old man could find himself in deep trouble.

As for Citibank, there was no point expecting them for a while. William White's aggression was no joking matter. Although he wasn't as strong as Citibank overall, he was willing to roll the dice, whereas they weren't.

*****

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