The richest actor in Hollywood.

"Hello, Stephen." In the reception room of Angel Agency, Matthew shook hands with Stephen Sommers. "You've gained some weight."

Stephen Sommers laughed. "Can't help it, it's the age for it."

Helen Herman also shook his hand, then invited everyone to sit and had coffee brought in.

After some small talk, Matthew asked directly, "You were in a hurry to see me. Is there something you need?"

"Yes," Stephen Sommers didn't beat around the bush. He opened his briefcase, took out a script, and handed it over. "This is my new project, Matthew. I'd like to invite you to play the lead role."

"Oh?" Matthew took the script.

Stephen Sommers handed a copy to Helen Herman as well. "Matthew, Helen, take a look."

While the two of them opened the script, Stephen Sommers continued, "This is a sci-fi action film project I'm collaborating on with Paramount Pictures. The production budget is over $150 million, and I'll be the producer as well. We're currently in pre-production, planning to start shooting in early April and release it in the summer of 2009."

Matthew didn't respond immediately but continued reading the script, considering the timeline. Starting in April might conflict with the filming of "Fast & Furious 4."

SkyDance Productions and Walt Disney had coordinated to release "Fast & Furious 4" in July 2009. Initially, Disney wanted to release it in May, but May was crowded with other major releases, and the shooting schedule was tight.

Since he was set to star in "Fast & Furious 4" and also had commitments with the "Twilight" crew, the timing Stephen mentioned didn't seem suitable.

"Stephen," Matthew looked up after reading a few pages. "Is this G.I. Joe?"

"Yes, it's based on the G.I. Joe toy line from Hasbro," Stephen Sommers explained. "Many people have played with G.I. Joe action figures growing up and are familiar with the comic and cartoon series' stories..."

Helen Herman glanced at Matthew, knowing he liked Transformers and might have a similar fondness for another Hasbro series.

Matthew didn't say anything, continuing to read the script.

Stephen Sommers added, "Before G.I. Joe, boys wouldn't play with dolls or small figures like Barbie. But every boy wanted an action hero figure. This series of toys attracted fans worldwide, becoming one of the most successful toy lines of the 1980s. Hasbro then collaborated with Marvel Comics to produce the G.I. Joe comic series, which even had crossovers with Transformers."

He emphasized, "This series is as influential as Transformers."

Helen Herman shook the script lightly. "The writing style doesn't seem like yours?"

"The script isn't my work," Stephen Sommers laughed. "It was written by Stuart Beattie, who you've worked with."

Matthew nodded. "One of the main writers for the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' trilogy."

"Yes," Stephen Sommers was in a good mood.

Back when they shot "The Mummy Returns" and "The Scorpion King," Matthew was just a small actor under his control. Who would have thought he would one day be seeking Matthew's help?

Stephen Sommers had been dormant for four years, with no one interested in him, no longer the confident director he once was.

"Stuart Beattie and I agree that the movie adaptation should satisfy die-hard fans while also attracting new audiences unfamiliar with G.I. Joe," Stephen Sommers said. "We'll faithfully portray the distinctive characters of G.I. Joe and add more story details and background to create a complete narrative."

Matthew skimmed the script quickly. Near the end, he asked, "Stephen, when I voiced Megatron, Michael Bay told me that Paramount Pictures wanted to put Transformers and G.I. Joe in the same cinematic universe. Will these two series interact?"

"Well..." Stephen Sommers smiled. "There are plans for that, but this film won't feature Transformers."

He knew he wasn't on the same level as Matthew now and thought for a moment. "Matthew, you like Transformers. In future crossovers, you could fight alongside Megatron."

That sounded enticing, but Matthew knew that studio plans often stayed on paper for decades without materializing.

Seeing Matthew close the script, Stephen Sommers said, "No one is more suitable for Duke than you, a strong military leader with absolute charisma. When Stuart Beattie and I created this character, we based it on you."

Matthew put down the script and looked at Helen Herman. Seeing no indication from her, he said directly, "Stephen, there are a few things I need to address."

"Please do," Stephen Sommers was prepared.

"Firstly, the schedule," Matthew said calmly. "Starting in April conflicts with 'Fast & Furious 4'."

Stephen Sommers didn't hesitate. "We can adjust the schedule."

The film's actors would be finalized after the New Year. He planned to start shooting in April to give the main actors enough time for necessary military training.

Of course, he hadn't considered Matthew. Insiders knew that Matthew trained in free fighting weekly and occasionally went to a friend's shooting club for target practice.

Matthew didn't mention pay or similar issues, which Helen Herman would handle if an agreement was reached. He remembered watching the first G.I. Joe movie and its sequel multiple times. The first film was a great popcorn movie, despite some mixed reviews for the second.

"Actually, it's the script," Matthew moved to the second critical point. "Stephen, this is essentially an ensemble cast. Duke, as the lead, isn't particularly prominent. Plus, I don't like the comedic sidekick."

Stephen Sommers frowned slightly. The G.I. Joe series was inherently an ensemble of action figures...

Matthew picked up the script, not beating around the bush. "I'm interested in the series, but the lead role needs more focus. It should emphasize the absolute lead, not just one among many main characters."

"This..." Stephen Sommers looked troubled. "Rewriting the script would take time."

Matthew didn't care about other roles. If he starred in the film, he needed to ensure his interests. "The current script doesn't highlight the lead enough."

Helen Herman chimed in, "Matthew's right. You didn't approach him to be an unnoticed character among many, did you?"

She handed the script back to Stephen Sommers. "This script and role aren't suitable for Matthew."

Matthew also returned the script.

An actor's ability to shine depended significantly on their role's design.

Stephen Sommers put away the scripts, saying, "This isn't solely my decision. I'll relay this to Paramount, and we'll discuss it further."

He then excused himself and left Angel Agency.

Matthew didn't say anything further. Only if the script and role met his requirements would he consider the series.

"Rewriting the script is a tough demand," Helen Herman said.

"You read the script too," Matthew spread his hands, looking innocent. "Do you think Duke's role is prominent? He could be mistaken for a supporting character."

Helen Herman nodded lightly. "The lead not being prominent is a big issue, but it's not just Paramount's problem. Hasbro is involved too."

Matthew mimicked her tone. "Then we'll wait for their decision. We're not short of offers."

"I'll keep an eye on Stephen Sommers' progress and update you," Helen Herman said, changing the subject. "This weekend sees the release of 'Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem,' directed by your old acquaintance, Francis Lawrence."

"I'll keep an eye on it," Matthew said casually.

He never believed a film like "Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem" could threaten "I Am Legend," even if it was a new release.

During the weekdays, "I Am Legend" maintained its momentum, grossing $13.1 million, $13.5 million, $10.22 million, and $9.51 million, bringing its North American total to $162.13 million.

Barring any surprises, the film would surpass $200 million domestically by the end of the second weekend.

Additionally, "I Am Legend" was set to open in numerous international markets, including Latin America, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Big commercial hits in North America rarely flopped overseas.

Industry expectations projected "I Am Legend" to gross over $700 million worldwide.

As the weekend before Christmas arrived, "Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem" held a grand premiere.