Hollywood What If-Chapter 437

"First of all, this," Stella put down the script for Taken 3 and flipped to the first page.

She pointed at the second page, directly at the third paragraph.

"This, what the hell is this?"

"What do you think of it?"

"Kazir, sigh," Stella rubbed her forehead. She had read the first version of the script, and the latest version of the first scene was different from what she remembered.

"You do understand that our country just suffered a terrorist attack three years ago, right?"

"I know. For the record, I didn't write this scene to remind people of the tragedy of 9/11. What I want is to make people alert about their surroundings and understand that peace is such a fragile thing."

"Still, this might make our movie Rated-R."

"So what? If you're talking about the highest-grossing R-rated movie, The Hangover is currently taking the fourth spot. And I'm the one who wrote and directed that movie. And if you're talking about box office performance, The Matrix: Reloaded grossed more than $741 million. I think Taken 3 can beat The Matrix: Reloaded and take the number one spot."

"It's not about that. Taken is a pivotal franchise. It's the movie that opened people's eyes about kidnapping and sex trafficking. And now, the third movie is about a nuclear tragedy? A terrorist act? It doesn't match the vibe at all."

Stella had a point. In fact, one of the reasons she worked for Grey Pictures was because of how the studio helped the public understand the seriousness of human trafficking.

Heck, when she went to France to meet Kazir for the first time, she had been alert to her surroundings because she had watched Taken.

In her opinion, the Taken franchise was all about kidnapping... At least, the first and second movies were centered around that theme.

"Oh, Stella, you just don't know." Kazir shook his head.

"Don't know what?"

The first and second movies were indeed about kidnapping, but the third movie was different. Taken 3 was about revenge.

In the first part of the movie, Lenore, Bryan's ex-wife, dies at the hands of some Russian mafia because Lenore's current husband has a debt. Yes, the plot didn't have much depth at all.

But Lenore's death caused Bryan to scorch the earth.

Now, Kazir was just upping the ante. Instead of some Russian mob, why not make it a new terrorist group that only wanted to spread destruction all over the world?

Overall, Kazir's version of Taken 3 was different from the original. In a way, he was trying to overcome his fear of making his own script, and Taken 3 was one of the first steps.

Kazir understood it. Copying movies might have brought him success, but he knew that his achievements were all built on lies. At least for once, he wanted to prove himself.

Taken 3 was the start of his development. Perhaps one day, he would create an original film, something he could be truly proud of.

"Never mind. You wouldn't understand it," Kazir said, not bothering to explain further. Stella wouldn't believe it anyway.

He couldn't just say that the original version of Taken 3 was more of a revenge movie than a kidnapping story.

"Tch, I changed my mind. You are indeed a walking red flag."

"I have no idea why you're telling me that."

The first scene of Taken 3 involved a massive explosion in San Francisco, during which Lenore died in the tragedy.

Being a retired agent, Bryan Mills couldn't help but take matters into his own hands. He started contacting people he knew. He even spoke with Luke Hobbs (The Rock) and John Smith (Brad Pitt). These two characters were investigating the case of missing technology and believed the explosion was related to it.

Luke Hobbs was a character from Fast & Furious, while John Smith was from Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

Just to uncover the truth and exact his revenge, Bryan Mills was ready to do everything. Even his daughter couldn't stop him from pursuing vengeance.

Taken 3 was the movie where The Syndicate was introduced.

'The Syndicate is actually one of the antagonists in the Mission: Impossible franchise, but they were first introduced in 2011. Sorry, Tom, but I have to steal the idea.'

Kazir had to.

Besides, the Syndicate also tried to start a nuclear war in Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.

This time, the purpose of the Syndicate was nothing but pure destruction. The organization consisted of AWOL agents, ninjas, most-wanted criminals, hitmen, unknown billionaires, and the remaining members of The Fraternity.

The Fraternity had broken their vow and secretly allied themselves with the Syndicate. This was the reason why the High Table gave the mission to destroy the Fraternity.

While searching for more clues, Bryan Mills discovered that the stocks of weapons companies had skyrocketed after the nuclear attack. He realized this incident might not be so simple.

"Okay, the plot is interesting, I admit that. You're the one who wrote it, and I'm confident in you." Stella Willow continued the conversation.

"Thank you."

"But we have a problem. I'm not confident in the director you want this time. You should wait for Fremont instead."

"Stella, you have to listen to me. Fremont is busy with La La Land. Even if he is a fast director, he usually makes a movie every two years. The pressure of making a movie per year isn't that simple."

"I know, that's why I'm impressed with your mental strength. But it doesn't matter. Christopher Nolan doesn't fit the vibe of Taken 3."

Yes, the number one candidate for the director's position of Taken 3 was Christopher Nolan.

Kazir had recommended the director.

"With how serious Taken 3 is, I think he fits perfectly."

"First, it was Justin Lin. Then you recommended more directors. And now you want Christopher Nolan, a noir film director, to direct an action-packed movie? Kazir, what are you thinking?"

[Fourth chapter of the day.]