The richest actor in Hollywood.

As one of the most renowned producers in the industry, Charles Roven was well aware of the changing social dynamics. Political correctness concerning African Americans was becoming increasingly important in Hollywood, and the proportion of people of color in theaters was rising. More importantly, films featuring Black protagonists often garnered significant media attention, which could attract a wide audience.

"A Black Green Lantern?" he muttered to himself.

Charles Roven had some reservations about this idea, mainly because Hal Jordan in the comics was unmistakably a white character. However, he also felt there might be some potential in the concept.

This was exactly what Matthew had intended. Seeing Charles Roven deep in thought, he smiled and said, "I was just thinking about Wonder Woman and women's rights, so it just came to mind."

Charles Roven quickly shook his head and said, "Your idea is interesting."

Matthew, feigning modesty, replied, "I just think movies should reflect the development of social trends."

"That makes a lot of sense," Charles Roven agreed, clearly taking the suggestion seriously. "But wouldn't casting a Black lead affect the appeal to white audiences?"

Matthew pretended to ponder for a moment before responding, "That's easy. Just cast a Black actor who is already very popular with white audiences."

Charles Roven nodded. "That could work."

Matthew's gaze flickered across his face as he emphasized, "I was just joking around. Don't take it too seriously."

Charles Roven smiled, "We'll see. The project is still in the early planning stages, and there are a lot of factors to consider. It's a shame you can't take the role."

"I can only say it's unfortunate," Matthew sighed. "I really have no interest in starring in a superhero movie."

At his current stage, he didn't need to rely on superhero films to boost his fame.

After a few more exchanges, Matthew excused himself and left. Charles Roven walked him out of the meeting room, then returned and sank into the sofa, deep in thought.

Of course, he wouldn't make any hasty decisions to alter key elements of a $250 million project based on someone else's offhand comment. However, Matthew's words had planted a seed of an idea that perhaps *Green Lantern* could take a different approach.

In his earlier discussions with Kevin Tsujihara, they both acknowledged that DC Comics films were lagging behind Marvel films. But in reality, if you included the *X-Men* and *Spider-Man* franchises, DC Comics films were more than just a step behind.

Marvel had already launched its *Avengers* initiative. Even though the *Justice League* had appeared earlier in comics and the *Avengers* was modeled after it, Marvel was now leading in the film industry, which had far greater influence than comics. Even if DC launched the *Justice League,* they would inevitably be seen as followers.

To break this pattern, perhaps something unconventional was necessary.

To ensure the film's success, he and Warner Bros. and DC Comics had chosen the safest route for the script, and the lead actor was also supposed to be the safest choice. But with Matthew Horner declining the role outright, not even wanting to discuss it further...

"A Black actor who can be accepted by most audiences..." Charles Roven's thoughts returned to what seemed like a joke from Matthew, and a name popped into his head—Will Smith.

In all of Hollywood, there was really only one Black male actor who had proven himself in the movie market and was widely accepted by white audiences.

His phone rang suddenly, and Charles Roven answered it. It was Kevin Tsujihara calling.

"Charles, I saw Matthew just left," Kevin Tsujihara said on the other end. "How did the conversation go?"

"He turned it down," Charles Roven replied.

Kevin Tsujihara's voice sounded surprised over the phone. "Matthew turned it down? Why?"

"Just like he turned down *Iron Man,* he's not interested in superhero films," Charles Roven explained briefly. Then he said, "Kevin, I've got some new thoughts about the *Green Lantern* project that I'd like to discuss with you. Do you have time now? I can come by."

Charles Roven ended the call, left the meeting room, and took the elevator to Kevin Tsujihara's office floor.

Meanwhile, Matthew exited the Warner Bros. building and headed to the nearby Warner Studios. He had originally planned to visit Akiva Goldsman's office to discuss something, but Akiva Goldsman wasn't there. He then remembered that Charlize Theron's film, *The Burning Plain,* had resumed filming at Warner Studios after completing some on-location shots. So, he decided to walk to the soundstage where they were filming.

Charlize Theron's film had been plagued with problems—funding issues, the writer's strike, and third-party disputes—which had delayed the production so much that they still hadn't finished filming.

When he had spoken to Charlize Theron on the phone recently, she mentioned that the film, originally scheduled for release this holiday season, had its release date pushed back to next year's holiday season due to the series of unforeseen events.

As he walked along the newly renovated roads of the studio, Matthew's thoughts returned to his earlier meeting with Charles Roven. It seemed like Charles Roven was considering his suggestion, even if it was mentioned in jest. Whether Warner Bros. and DC Comics would adopt it remained uncertain.

In a project with a $250 million budget, decisions like casting the lead actor would be made with extreme caution.

Charles Roven was unlikely to hastily turn the Green Lantern into a Black character just based on a few words from him.

As for whether Charles Roven would consider Will Smith for the role, Matthew couldn't be sure.

But then again, how many Black commercial stars were there in Hollywood?

Either way, the trap had been set with minimal effort. Whether it would catch Will Smith depended on luck.

If it didn't work, he wouldn't be too concerned—there would always be other opportunities.

As Matthew approached the soundstage, he called Charlize Theron. To his surprise, she answered the phone herself and came out of the soundstage to meet him.

"What's going on?" Matthew asked when he saw Charlize Theron dressed casually with little makeup on her face. "No filming today?"

Charlize Theron shook her head. "Don't ask." She stood at the soundstage door, not inviting Matthew in, and explained, "The director was just injured when a set wall collapsed during filming. He was taken to the hospital an hour ago, so the shoot has been interrupted again. No idea when we'll resume."

"This movie has been in production for nearly a year, right?" Matthew asked.

"Yes," Charlize Theron admitted, "and I think it'll take another year to finish."

Matthew shook his head and said, "Charlize, after this movie, you should avoid taking on indie films from small companies. They're too unreliable."

Charlize Theron nodded. "One lesson is enough." She gestured absentmindedly. "I must have been crazy to take on this film."

The long, troubled shoot was enough to drive anyone crazy.

Matthew, of course, understood why Charlize Theron had taken the role—she wanted to make another run for the Best Actress Oscar after her success in the commercial film world.

"Let's not talk about me," Charlize Theron changed the subject. "The film you invested in, *Iron Man,* is doing really well at the box office. I've been reading some of the reviews during my downtime."

"Are the media full of praise for me?" Matthew joked.

Charlize Theron shook her head. "Robert Downey Jr. is mentioned a lot. Many reviews say his portrayal of Tony Stark is the film's biggest highlight. Hardly anyone mentions your investment."

Matthew chuckled, unconcerned. "That's normal. Investors are behind the scenes; actors are in the spotlight. And Robert Downey Jr. really did a great job."

"I think Robert Downey Jr. just did his job," Charlize Theron offered a different perspective. "I've worked with him before, and I think the key is that his personality is somewhat similar to Tony Stark's."

"You're right. Tony Stark's character design is the key," Matthew agreed.

After a moment of thought, he added, "Tony Stark embodies almost every man's dream—wealth, status, sports cars, private jets, beauty, high intelligence, courage, and a sense of justice. But most importantly, he has a sense of realism that other superheroes lack."

"It's not just men," Charlize Theron said with a wink. "Women also love a character like that."

She suddenly laughed, "Actually, I think you would have been perfect for the role—you could have just played yourself."

Matthew shrugged. "Unfortunately, Marvel Studios didn't want to pay me enough."

Of course, *Iron Man* wasn't without its critics. Some said it was just a mindless popcorn flick and that the villain had no presence.

Compared to the fun and lovable Iron Man, Iron Monger did indeed come across as dry and unremarkable.

In Matthew's view, that was still better—at least the film devoted some screen time to the villain. In the not-so-distant future, Marvel's superhero movie villains would become more like "talking cannons."

They would excel at boasting but fall short in the final battle.

Even if they weren't weaklings, they would be brainless.

That's the nature of commercial films—if simple, mindless entertainment achieves commercial success, there's no need to resort to more time-consuming, labor-intensive methods.

As Matthew and Charlize Theron chatted at the soundstage door, a girl with long, golden-brown hair emerged from inside.

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