The richest actor in Hollywood.

Questions like these, though seemingly easy to answer, can actually be quite challenging. However, since this question was pre-arranged, Helen Herman had prepared a response for him. The answer was definitely not something as mundane as "catering to market tastes," even though that might be the reality.

"I've discussed this with many people. You see, if you think the risk is high, it's because you don't understand the 'rules of the game.'"

Matthew's response took a circuitous route. "I believe many people misunderstand because they confuse the concept of a movie with the success of a movie. You need to understand that the success of a movie and the movie itself are not closely related."

He then gave an example. "For instance, in the 1960s and 70s in America, someone sold pet rocks as a product. They made money selling rocks, and people would actually spend money to order a rock by mail as a pet. So, success doesn't have much to do with the product itself. Of course, if your product is great, it makes success easier, but having a great product doesn't necessarily mean it will sell well, and vice versa. These are two separate and independent things."

He paused briefly, as if to collect his thoughts, then delivered the prepared conclusion, "So I think that when you separate 'sales' from 'products,' you might see things more clearly and treat them as distinct aspects of the art."

After answering this question, Julie Worster moved on to several routine questions on other topics before it was time to answer questions from the online audience.

"This is a live online interview, and over a million viewers are currently watching," Julie Worster said, feigning disbelief. "A million viewers—it's unbelievable!"

Matthew chimed in at the right moment, "Thank you to the viewers and fans for sitting in front of their computers to listen to us chat."

Julie Worster quickly agreed, "Yes, thank you to the viewers!" She continued, "Now we'll take some questions from the audience. Matthew, are you ready?"

Matthew smiled, "I hope they aren't too difficult."

"Alright, our first question comes from a lucky viewer," Julie Worster said without wasting time. "The question is: Matthew, when your fans encounter difficulties, will you help them like you helped Phyllis Beretta?"

"I would provide appropriate help," Matthew emphasized the word 'appropriate' and then explained, "Everyone faces difficulties at some point. In dealing with them, external help is important, but so is one's own effort. Phyllis, for example, is someone I offered a place to stay. Now, she's working hard to support herself and getting her life back on track."

He paused briefly before adding, "For general difficulties, I usually don't get involved because challenges are a part of life's journey. But in situations like what Phyllis went through, where it's more than just a difficulty, that's when help is most needed."

Helping in emergencies but not in long-term difficulties was his principle.

Julie Worster glanced at the computer screen and said, "Let's move on to the next question. This viewer seems to be a big fan of yours. They said: Matthew, it's not an exaggeration to say you're blessed by the gods. Your career has been smooth, with hardly any major ups and downs. What has been the most important factor in your journey?"

"Hard work and luck," Matthew replied sincerely. "During my years in Hollywood, I've encountered countless challenges, but those challenges didn't defeat me. I worked hard to overcome each one and was fortunate enough to make it this far."

In reality, many of the extras who started out with him were even more hardworking, but none of them managed to break through. The reasons for that are self-evident.

Just as talent can go unrecognized, hard work alone isn't the key to making it in Hollywood—it's just a basic requirement.

The interview naturally shifted to more personal topics. Matthew remained calm and composed, skillfully handling all the questions from the audience.

After forty minutes, the online interview concluded. Matthew shook hands with Julie Worster and then left the interview room.

As soon as he returned to the nearby lounge, Elena Boyar came over.

"Any major inside news recently?" she asked.

Matthew began gathering his things while replying, "Does a November blockbuster count?"

"Your *Twilight* movie?" Elena Boyar shook her head. "That genre is outdated. I hope you at least break even on your investment."

Matthew glanced at his watch. "Alright, we'll talk later. I need to head home."

Elena Boyar asked curiously, "In such a hurry?"

"I've got a call scheduled soon," Matthew said as he checked his phone and waved to Elena Boyar. "See you later, Elena."

Outside TMZ's office, Brown Williams had the car waiting at the door. Once inside, Matthew told him, "Take me home."

On the way back to Beverly Hills, Matthew received a call from Emma Watson.

Yesterday, Emma had texted him to arrange a call around this time.

"Perfect timing," Matthew said to Emma Watson, who was in London. "I just finished an event."

Emma Watson's voice came through the phone, "I'll be in Los Angeles next week. Have you figured out how to entertain me?"

Matthew teased, "I'm planning to notify all the entertainment media here, tell them that Emma Watson is arriving in the City of Angels, and organize a grand welcome ceremony for you."

"You..." Emma Watson gritted her teeth on the other end, "If you do that, you're dead."

"Since you don't like the fuss," Matthew said, no longer joking, "I'll just pick you up myself."

"Sounds good," Emma Watson agreed.

Matthew asked curiously, "What made you decide to come to Los Angeles suddenly?"

"Warner Bros. is hosting a grand premiere for *The Dark Knight* next week," Emma Watson explained. "They invited me to attend, and since I'm on summer break, I agreed. Plus, it's a chance to ride the Batman wave."

"I see," Matthew replied, deliberately in a disappointed tone. "I thought you were coming just to see me."

Emma Watson laughed, "I'm coming specifically to see you, and I'll attend the premiere as a side activity. Does that work for you?"

They then discussed her arrival time and flight, and Matthew promised to pick her up before ending the call.

Warner Bros. clearly placed great importance on *The Dark Knight*. Ever since Heath Ledger's passing, they had capitalized on it heavily, turning the Joker into a myth even before the movie's release.

Matthew had also received an invitation from Warner Bros., and with his upcoming collaboration with Christopher Nolan on *Inception*, he planned to attend the *The Dark Knight* premiere as well.

He then called Bella Anderson, instructing her to notify Armani to prepare an all-black suit for the occasion.

No matter the circumstances, showing appropriate respect for the deceased is always a good idea.

Both audiences and the media tend to be extremely forgiving and sympathetic towards those who have passed.

During this busy week, *Hancock* entered its second weekend of release in North America. Thanks to its strong first-week performance, the film's theater count exceeded 4,400, with a solid lead in average screen share.

The only real competition for *Hancock* this weekend was *Mamma Mia!*, starring Amanda Seyfried and Meryl Streep.

*Mamma Mia!*, adapted from the 1999 London stage musical, was a typical musical film produced by Tom Hanks' Playtone Productions. With a reported budget of $52 million, it was released in less than 3,000 theaters.

Given its budget, cast, and genre, this film posed little threat to *Hancock*.

Although both Matthew and Meryl Streep were top-tier Hollywood stars, they were in completely different categories. Matthew might not be able to compete with Meryl Streep in terms of acting, but when it came to box office draw, not even three Meryl Streeps combined could match him.

As the weekend came to a close, *Hancock* remained firmly at the top of the box office.

Compared to the previous weekend, *Hancock* saw a 51% drop in box office revenue, pulling in $41.1 million, comfortably outpacing *Mamma Mia!*'s $27.75 million and securing its second consecutive box office victory.

*Mamma Mia!* ranked second, while *WALL-E* took in $18.7 million, placing third.

By this point, *Hancock* had grossed $162.6 million in North America after two weeks, surpassing *WALL-E*'s $161.15 million, which had been released three weeks earlier.

Additionally, the film had expanded into more international markets, including those across the Pacific, bringing the total number of countries and regions showing the film to nearly eighty. The international box office had reached $146.2 million.

*Hancock* easily surpassed the $300 million mark worldwide and continued to push for even higher numbers.

Of course, behind the high box office numbers was the film's relatively average reception.

Even Matthew knew that the film's trajectory wouldn't be as strong as *I Am Legend*'s.

But achieving massive profits was not in doubt.

Meanwhile, *Iron Man*, which Matthew had invested in, had surpassed $300 million at the North American box office and over $500 million worldwide after two months in theaters.

Marvel Comics' first independently produced film had undeniably been a huge success.

Amidst this backdrop, Matthew received a phone call from Robert Iger, the CEO of Walt Disney.

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