Huayu Entertainment 1995 started with hijacking.

Chapter 354

If the contract were to be signed on a one-film-one-contract basis, and given the success of the first "Taken" film, it would be reasonable for Jackie Chan to demand a share of the profits when negotiating his salary for the second film. However, the first film also carries the risk of financial loss, in which case Jackie Chan would have to bear the consequences of a further decrease in his salary.

The production company has already taken on the risk and given Jackie Chan a steadily increasing salary, so there's no reason for them to give him a share of the profits.

Hearing Wu Yuchen say that, Cheng Long knew it wouldn't work, so he immediately laughed and said, "Hehe, Director Wu, I was just asking. Actually, I really like this plan. Director Wu, if you were to direct it yourself, I would be willing to act even without taking a share of the profits!"

Wu Yuchen smiled but didn't reply; he had already passed the stage of personally directing such low-budget films.

Then Jackie Chan asked, "Director Wu, when will we start filming 'Taken'?"

Wu Yuchen thought for a moment and said, "After you sign the contract, the project will start and enter the preparation stage. It shouldn't affect the release and promotion of your film 'The Myth'."

Jackie Chan laughed and said, "I was planning a new Chinese-language film project about children, but it seems I'll have to postpone it for now. But do you have any recommendations for the female lead, Director Wu?"

Wu Yuchen immediately understood: Jackie Chan was offering him the female lead role in the film, letting him choose freely. This was Jackie Chan's way of showing goodwill after securing the "Taken" project.

As for what movie it is, Wu Yuchen can guess. It's about children, so it's "Rob-B-Hood".

Wu Yuchen joked, "Hehe, Brother Long, I haven't even seen what kind of show this is, how can I recommend it?"

Cheng Long waved his hand dismissively and said loudly, "Director Wu, your eye for talent is absolutely top-notch! No matter what kind of film this is, I'll tailor-make a movie just for the female lead you recommended, and I won't mind changing her scenes!"

"Haha, since Brother Long has said so, then I won't stand on ceremony!" Wu Yuchen naturally accepted it with a smile.

In the past, although Jackie Chan respected Wu Yu-chen because of his status and position, he wouldn't have gone out of his way to offer her a leading lady to curry favor. After all, without any financial dealings, a superficial show of respect was enough. Jackie Chan wasn't someone who depended on others for a living.

But things are different now. After "Taken", the two have projects in common. Jackie Chan feels that he is very satisfied with the treatment offered to him by Wu Yuchen. Perhaps this time he can stand up in Hollywood again. Naturally, he will reciprocate and pay more attention to Wu Yuchen in the future.

After hanging up the phone, Wu Yuchen smiled. With Cheng Long on board, the deal for "Taken" was pretty much finalized.

Wu Yuchen didn't find Jackie Chan's contract particularly outrageous. From a business perspective, Wu Yuchen was only a screenwriter; he wasn't directing. He couldn't expect Jackie Chan to lower his fee significantly for the role. Jackie Chan didn't owe him anything!
Moreover, if we compare Liam Neeson's salary for "Taken" in his previous life, although he only received 500 million for the first film, which was much lower than Jackie Chan's 1200 million, his salary for the second film had already increased to between 1500 million and 2000 million, and he received 3600 million for the third film, which was much higher than the 2500 million given to Jackie Chan.

Jackie Chan's salary is not paid in a lump sum now, but rather for each film every two or three years, with payment made during filming.

By the time the third film is shot, it will be five or six years later, and the 2500 million paid to Jackie Chan at that time will be after inflation.

Jackie Chan is now worth 1200 million, after all, he has accumulated a large fan base worldwide over the years, and these fans are still young and are the mainstay of cinemas. When the film is released, his appeal will definitely be stronger than Liam Neeson's.

The film "Taken" is one of the few projects that has managed to cast a Chinese actor as the male lead, and it is only possible with Jackie Chan, who is already famous all over the world. Anyone else simply couldn't carry the film.

In this situation, since both foreigners and Jackie Chan could act, Wu Yuchen naturally preferred to have his own people do it, which would also improve the image and influence of Chinese people!
"Waaaaah, 'Departures' is so touching! I cried so much!"

"I was laughing at first, but then I started crying!"

"As expected of Director Wu, 'Departures' truly deserves the Palme d'Or!"

"Contemplating 'death' in such a peaceful, warm, and sacred way not only makes people seriously reflect on death but also inspires them to live life. Director Wu truly influences people subtly and silently!"

"When I saw the title 'Departures,' I instinctively had a bad feeling. I was afraid of corpses and death... But the moment the movie started, my mind miraculously calmed down, and then I underwent a spiritual cleansing along with the male protagonist!"

"Director Wu seems to be talking about different kinds of death throughout the film, but in fact, he is reminding the living: only by not fearing death can we live better!"

"It's simply a textbook example of a film. Director Wu's 'Departures' is setting a precedent for Chinese-language films, teaching them exactly how to make domestic films!"

"The respect for death is the same as the sincerity towards life. Director Wu handles this with such ease!"

"What is national is also international. Director Wu has truly promoted our Chinese national culture to the world! He's amazing!"

"The actresses are all great too. Jiang Qinqin is really my type of wife!"

"Yes, yes, Qinqin is really amazing. She's so understanding and reasonable. In the end, she was able to understand her husband and stand firmly by his side to support him!"

"Not only Qinqin, but Zhao Wenxuan also acted wonderfully. It seems he's been Li An's go-to actor since his debut, which is really great! And Jiang Wu and Niu Ben also acted very well!"

Jiang Qinqin was overjoyed to see these comments. She couldn't help but call Wu Yuchen and say, "Honey, it's such a pity you didn't come back! You didn't see it, but everyone's praising you!"

"Haha, I can access the internet in America too, and I've seen it. Lots of people are praising Qinqin's performance! Don't worry, you'll definitely be nominated for the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival this year!"

Hearing Wu Yuchen's words on the other end of the phone, Jiang Qinqin was overjoyed and looked forward to the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Awards at the end of the year.

After "Departures" won the Palme d'Or at Cannes, it was immediately released in China. After all, this is the best form of publicity and can entice many impulsive people to the cinema.

This art-house film has already grossed 1.5 million yuan in just one month, surpassing the box office of many commercial blockbusters. It's worth noting that last year, "House of Flying Daggers" only grossed 1.56 million yuan. Given the current box office trend of "Departures," it's almost certain that "Departures" will surpass "House of Flying Daggers."

Moreover, the film received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with virtually no one on the internet or in the media giving it rave reviews.

Wu Yuchen wasn't particularly excited about any of this. After all, he had already enjoyed all the cheers when he won the Oscar, and the Palme d'Or wouldn't be any better this time.

However, one netizen summarized a new perspective that caught his attention:

"Wu Yuchen's Death Trilogy: Witnessing Director Wu's Different Insights at Different Stages of His Life!"

The so-called death trilogy consists of "We Two", "Love", and "Departures".

"We Two" actually focuses on the relationship between an old lady and a girl, but the old lady does die in the end. The film shows the old lady's state before her death and the girl's emotions after her death, so it can be said that the theme touches on the topic of death.

As for *Amour*, it truly contains death in its theme. The female protagonist, unable to bear the torment of illness, wants to commit suicide, but in the end, the male protagonist gives her what she wants, personally sending her off before following his wife in death. It's a film that discusses illness, death, and love. And as for *Departures*, it goes without saying.

Therefore, the summary of Wu Yuchen's death trilogy proposed by netizens has quickly become a topic, and people have started to interpret it from various aspects.

Even Wu Yuchen himself couldn't help but chuckle when he saw this topic. He really hadn't intentionally thought about it in this direction, but he didn't expect his fans to start doing reading comprehension exercises!

But thinking about it, it's understandable. When a person reaches a certain level, their every move will be analyzed, let alone Wu Yuchen's three movies.

Wu Yuchen let netizens immerse themselves in their reading comprehension lessons without coming forward to deny anything, just letting everyone be happy!

Just as the Chinese film industry was still discussing "Departures" and the Palme d'Or, Hong Kong media broke the news that Jackie Chan had signed a $6000 million contract with Miracle Pictures for the "Taken" trilogy!
Many reporters chased after Jackie Chan for an interview: "Jackie, you landed a $6000 million contract, is that true?!"

"Brother Long, I heard that 'Taken' is a project by Wu Yuchen Miracle Pictures?"

"Jackie, are you making a comeback to Hollywood?"

"Jackie, why did you sign a three-part contract at once?"

Jackie Chan, surrounded by reporters, was all smiles as he walked and talked: "I have indeed reached a cooperation agreement with 'Taken'. As for the salary, I am not at liberty to disclose it. I can only say that I am very satisfied!"

Actually, I have never left Hollywood. It's just that as a Chinese filmmaker, I also want to contribute to Chinese films, which is why I have chosen to make Chinese films continuously in the past two years.

But this time, Wu Yuchen personally invited me, wanting us Chinese filmmakers to join forces to create a Hollywood project.

Wu Yuchen is the Chinese filmmaker I admire most. He is the glory and banner of Chinese cinema. No one can refuse his invitation, and I am no exception!

I'm so happy to be able to work with him this time! When he called me, I agreed to sign the trilogy without even asking any questions. That's how much I trust Wu Yuchen!

How would you rate "Departures"? Do I even need to rate it?

All I want to say is, if Director Wu ever makes another film similar to "Departures," I'd be willing to pay my own way to act in it!

Cheng Long spoke with great enthusiasm, and of course, he kept praising Wu Yuchen, showing him great admiration.

While everyone in China was still basking in the joy of Wu Yuchen winning the Palme d'Or at Cannes, news suddenly broke that Jackie Chan and Wu Yuchen were going to collaborate, stirring up quite a stir.

Wow! Wu Yuchen is going to collaborate with Jackie Chan on a movie? Is it really true?!

"Wu Yuchen and Cheng Long, this is simply a dream combination!"

"A Hollywood blockbuster starring Wu Yuchen and Jackie Chan? I've been looking forward to this day for so long!"

Wow, I never expected Jackie Chan to admire Wu Yuchen so much!

"Haha, look how happy Jackie Chan is! Wu Yuchen is really attractive!"

Netizens online were excited. As two iconic figures in Chinese cinema, Jackie Chan's international influence as an actor is second to none among Chinese people, while Wu Yuchen is now a super director on the international stage, and he is top-notch in the world in terms of both awards and box office success.

In this context, Jackie Chan's announcement of a collaboration with Wu Yuchen naturally sparked a media frenzy in the Chinese-speaking world.

As soon as the news broke, a group of reporters were like ants on a hot plate, rushing to Miracle Films to try and get interviews and information. However, they were going to be disappointed this time. Cai Yinong said that the partner was the American Miracle Films Company, and it was not the responsibility of the domestic company.

Most reporters left disappointed, but some were persistent enough to go to the "Batman" set in Hollywood to stake out and interview Wu Yuchen.

In fact, Wu Yuchen already knew about the news. This was part of their promotional campaign for "Taken," but he didn't expect the domestic reporters to be so proactive.

"Director Wu, are you really going to collaborate with Jackie Chan on a new project?"

"Not bad!"

"Could you talk about your new project, Taken? And since you're currently filming the Batman trilogy, will the new project distract you?"

Wu Yuchen smiled upon hearing this: "It won't have any impact. In the new project 'Taken,' I will serve as the producer and screenwriter, but the director will be someone else."

After Wu Yuchen finished speaking, he walked straight away, leaving the reporter with a stunned expression. He quickly ran after him and asked:
"Director Wu, may I ask who directed 'Taken'?"

Unfortunately, Wu Yuchen stopped responding. Promotion is all about taking it one step at a time and slowly building up the audience's interest.

Wu Yuchen denies directing, producing, and screenwriting credits for "Taken"!

Seeing the interviews from the front lines, many movie fans who had been full of anticipation couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed:

"So it wasn't Director Wu himself who did it!"

"I thought Director Wu was going to direct it himself!"

"Actually, that's normal. Wu Yuchen is currently filming the Batman trilogy, so it's hard for him to have time to take on new projects, especially since Taken is also a trilogy."

"Actually, it's not bad. There's nothing to be disappointed about. Hollywood is producer-centric. Wu Yuchen is the producer, and Jackie Chan is the male lead. It's definitely a collaboration between the two."

"Yes, yes, the situation in Hollywood is very different from that of our domestic directors!"

(End of this chapter)