Huayu Entertainment 1995 started with hijacking.

Chapter 388 Bingbing Arrives
After emphasizing his point, Wu Yuchen sighed inwardly. Working with big companies always brings these kinds of frustrating situations.

Previously, when collaborating with DreamWorks on "The Pirate King," Spielberg, being the head of the company and also a director, wouldn't interfere recklessly or make mistakes like an amateur directing an expert.

But these big companies are different. Some of their executives don't actually understand film production and shooting at all. They might be senior managers who jumped ship from companies like Coca-Cola or Nike, or retired high-ranking officials from the U.S. government. They come up with an idea, think it's a good one, and then start giving orders.

Essentially, this is the same idea as when internet capital or real estate tycoons enter the film and television industry and use traffic to cobble together a film or television series, they just want to use Leonardo DiCaprio, the king of traffic, to boost the box office!

Casting Leonardo DiCaprio as Two-Face isn't a bad idea, but adding scenes for him and ruining the plot is a huge mistake. However, this kind of thing happens all the time in Hollywood. It's only because Wu Yuchen completely controlled the project that he could stand up so strongly; otherwise, someone else might have had to comply.

The character of Two-Face is actually the third male lead, completely subordinate to Batman and the Joker. Wu Yuchen estimates that given Leonardo DiCaprio's current mindset and status, he would basically not be willing to play this third male lead.

Whether Leonardo DiCaprio plays Two-Face or not, Wu Yuchen doesn't care at all. His priority now is to master the Joker role. This time, he's skipping the open auditions and directly extending an invitation—to Heath Ledger, the Joker actor from his previous life!
"Director Wu, are you sure you want me to play the Joker?"

"What? Is there a problem?" Wu Yuchen asked with a smile, looking at Heath Ledger in front of him.

"Well, actually, I've always wanted to play Batman. When the Batman project was first announced a couple of years ago, I wanted to volunteer myself, but unfortunately you didn't give the outside world that opportunity, as the male lead had already been cast."

Wu Yuchen was somewhat taken aback by Heath Ledger's words, then burst into laughter: "Looks like you have a real connection with Batman. So, would you be willing to play the Joker?"

Heath Ledger smiled and said, "Of course, it's my honor! Since I can't play Batman, I'll play a villain who suppresses Batman!"

"The Joker I wanted was not a villain in the traditional sense. You can't simply categorize him as good or bad. Instead, I wanted to show the character's depth and multifaceted nature as much as possible."

This is an anti-hero figure, a complex, chilling, and compelling character who brings an unprecedented psychological horror and chaos, challenging audiences' traditional views of heroes and villains and prompting them to reflect on morality, social order, and humanity…

As Heath Ledger listened to Wu Yuchen's narration, he also began to construct an initial image of the Joker in his mind: madness, chaos, darkness, anarchy...

He recalled some classic villains, such as Alex from *A Clockwork Orange* and the Man Who Laughs, which he would watch again carefully when he got back. He also thought of some punk rock singers, such as Sid Weathers of the Sex Pistols, anarchism, extreme violence, questioning everything, hatred of society, drug use and sex, dangerous romance, and self-destructive art... They undoubtedly possessed some of the Joker's qualities.

Wu Yuchen had no doubt about whether Heath Ledger could play the Joker well. His Joker is remembered by movie fans all over the world, and there is even a saying that "there is no Joker after Heath Ledger".

In his past life, after the movie's release, Heath Ledger died unexpectedly from a drug overdose. Some said he suffered from depression due to playing the Joker, adding a touch of legend to the film. However, his family later refuted this, saying that Heath Ledger's tragedy was caused by taking a combination of several prescription drugs.

Wu Yuchen doesn't want to use Heath Ledger's death to add any special appeal to the film; it's completely unnecessary. He can remind the guy about it later.

Not only did Wu Yuchen work with Heath Ledger, but he also brought in makeup artist and costume designer Lindy Heming to specifically explain the Joker's characteristics.

"We can draw some inspiration from the styles of anti-traditional pop masters like Pete Doherty and Iggy Pop, the 'father of punk,' and try to avoid making the 'Joker's' costume look like that of a vagrant, but it has to be worn out and slovenly. Only in this way can we show the sharp and neurotic side of the character."

After Wu Yuchen stopped, Bale said to him, "Director Wu, I now feel that the Joker is more like the male lead of this movie than I am. You keep talking about how the Joker should be, and it seems like you've completely ignored me, the Batman."

Wu Yuchen laughed and said, "Sorry, Bell, you actually saw through me! You'd better be prepared, otherwise don't blame me if you really get overwhelmed by the Joker!"

Because he had already filmed the first Batman movie, and because Bale is an extremely disciplined actor who is very strict with himself, Wu Yuchen trusted him and naturally focused more on the Joker.

Just as Wu Yuchen was planning and arranging various tasks for "Batman", he received a call from Fan Bingbing: "Brother-in-law, I've taken care of all the tasks you gave me!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Yuchen was overjoyed: "Really?"

"Of course! I've been whispering sweet nothings in Qinqin's ear every day, so how do you think you're going to reward me?"

Wu Yuchen laughed heartily: "A reward? I'll reward you handsomely when the time comes!"

Before he left, he specifically sent Fan Bingbing to keep Jiang Qinqin company, to act as his undercover agent. Unexpectedly, it actually worked; it really solved a difficult problem for him!

The next moment, Fan Bingbing said, "No need to wait, I'll fly to Los Angeles tomorrow!"

Wu Yuchen immediately understood and said with a smile, "I almost forgot, your movie 'Fast & Furious 3' is about to be released!"

Last year, Wu Yuchen secured two supporting roles for Huang Xiaoming and Fan Bingbing in "Fast & Furious 3". Now that the movie is premiering, the two naturally came to attend the premiere.

To be honest, the production team doesn't really care whether Fan Bingbing appears in the film or not, given her limited screen time. But it's a different story for Fan Bingbing herself; she'll be bringing her whole team for photoshoots! This news of her participation in a big Hollywood production definitely needs to be marketed well!
Two days later, Fan Bingbing, who had been rewarded, lay in Wu Yuchen's arms and said, "Brother-in-law, you're so naughty. Is this the reward I wanted?"

Wu Yuchen gently bit Fan Bingbing's ear and said with a smile, "So what do you want?"

Fan Bingbing adjusted her posture and sat up slightly: "I want to make a movie and be your leading lady, is that okay?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Yuchen thought to himself, "Just as I expected. Fan Bingbing has always been very career-oriented. Although she's already made it in Hollywood, she wants to go further in China and achieve success in both fields." Fan Bingbing has a clear understanding of her current situation. There are only a handful of top actresses in China who are ahead of her. Once Li Xiaoran gets pregnant and Jiang Qinqin's career falters, the next few years will be a golden opportunity for Fan Bingbing to rise to prominence!

If she can seize this opportunity to land a leading role in a big-budget production, she can surpass competitors like Zhou Xun!
However, Wu Yuchen shook his head: "Bingbing, you should know that for the next two years or so, I won't have any time at all, I can't even squeeze it out."

Wu Yuchen's schedule is really packed. After returning to China this year, he will first film "Reign of Assassins". Next year, he will also film "The Dark Knight". At the same time, he also has to take care of Olympic-related matters. He can't do another project. He has reached his limit.

Fan Bingbing was disappointed upon hearing this. Just a few months ago, Zhou Xun won the Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actress for her role in "Perhaps Love," which made her the center of attention and naturally gave Fan Bingbing a sense of urgency.

She's actually quite popular right now, and Miracle Films has had no shortage of good dramas in recent years; she's quite popular on the small screen. However, she's lacking in film. Although she won an award for her performance in "Cellphone," it ultimately only qualifies her as a supporting actress, and that's not convincing enough.

Despite breaking into Hollywood, she has only played minor supporting roles, which is still a bit lacking. Fan Bingbing feels that what she is missing now is a movie that is her own representative work!
Hearing Wu Yuchen's words naturally disappointed Fan Bingbing, but she also knew that what Wu Yuchen said was true. The Olympics were taking up most of Wu Yuchen's time and energy.

Seeing Fan Bingbing's expression, Wu Yuchen pondered for a moment. He had personally cast Jiang Qinqin, Li Xiaoran, and Zeng Li as the leading actresses in his films, but Gao Yuanyuan and Fan Bingbing were indeed slightly lacking in film acting skills. This young lady had helped him resolve a long-standing concern, so he should reward her.

Wu Yuchen smiled and embraced the beauty in his arms: "Bingbing, I don't have time myself, but I'll contact a big director and make a movie just for you, how about that?"

"Huh? Which big director?" Fan Bingbing asked immediately.

"Hehe, a director who's particularly good at filming women. As long as you act well, I guarantee you'll shine!" Wu Yuchen said with a smile.

"Who is it?"

As she asked, Fan Bingbing grabbed Wu Yuchen's hand and placed it on her chest: "Brother-in-law, stop keeping me in suspense, you're making me so curious!"

Sensing Fan Bingbing's feelings, Wu Yuchen stopped teasing her: "Old Monster Tsui, how about it? A big director, huh!"

Fan Bingbing was secretly delighted when he heard about Xu Laoguai.

Tsui Hark is indeed considered one of the directors best at portraying women. From Nie Xiaoqian in *A Chinese Ghost Story*, to Dongfang Bubai in *Swordsman*, to the White Snake and Green Snake in *Green Snake*, and Aunt Thirteen in *Once Upon a Time in China*, he has made each female lead exceptionally memorable. Even Zhang Baizhi in the box office flop *The Legend of Zu* was portrayed with a captivating ethereal beauty.

However, Fan Bingbing then seemed to realize something and asked hesitantly, "Brother-in-law, will we fail again this time when we go to see Old Monster Xu?"

Although Tsui Hark is a veteran director in Hong Kong, his films have been flops in recent years. Leaving aside his lesser-known works, let's just mention "The Legend of Zu" and "Seven Swords":
The Legend of Zu Mountain had an investment of 8000 million, but only grossed 1170 million in Hong Kong and 2000 million in mainland China. It's no exaggeration to say that it was a huge loss.

A few years later, "Seven Swords" had an investment of 140 million yuan, but the box office did not even reach 100 million yuan, only 83 million yuan, and the producers lost hundreds of millions of yuan!
Two big-budget films losing money like this in a row naturally made some investors have doubts about Tsui Hark. Fan Bingbing also thought of this. If the film blew up, even if Tsui Hark made her look extremely beautiful, it would be hard to hide the fact that she couldn't carry the box office, which was not what Fan Bingbing wanted.

Wu Yuchen smiled upon hearing this, patted Fan Bingbing on the shoulder, and said, "Don't worry, although I won't be the director, I'll write the script myself and act as the producer. I guarantee you'll have a reliable story that won't lose money!"

Fan Bingbing smiled broadly and kissed Wu Yuchen on the cheek: "Brother-in-law, I knew you loved me~"

With Wu Yuchen's script, the story is guaranteed. Tsui Hark's directing skills are undeniable, but his previous works, "The Legend of Zu" and "Seven Swords," had significant script issues. With Wu Yuchen's script this time, and two renowned directors working together, Fan Bingbing feels confident this time!

Then she asked happily, "Brother-in-law, what role do I play this time?"

Wu Yuchen chuckled and said, "This time I'll tailor-make a role just for you, a role you can play naturally, I guarantee you'll shine!"

"What?" Fan Bingbing blinked her big eyes and looked at Wu Yuchen expectantly, wanting to get an answer from him.

"Vixen!"

"Vixen?"

Fan Bingbing was stunned at first, but after realizing what was happening, she immediately punched Wu Yuchen with her little fists: "Brother-in-law, are you insulting me! I'm not a vixen!"

Wu Yuchen patted her shapely buttocks and laughed, "Hehe, you know perfectly well whether you're a vixen or not~"

"Brother-in-law, you're so annoying!" Fan Bingbing rolled her beautiful eyes, her gaze unconsciously revealing a hint of allure, making Wu Yuchen think to himself, "So you say you're not a vixen."

Although Wu Yuchen doesn't plan to film this time, he does intend to prepare a project that will greatly promote Fan Bingbing: "Painted Skin"!
To be honest, Fan Bingbing's acting skills are indeed not as good as Zhou Xun's, but the female lead in "Painted Skin" is a fox spirit!
Fan Bingbing's appearance is inherently alluring, and when Qiong Yao called her a vixen, it wasn't just empty talk. Not only Qiong Yao, but in my past life, many people who disliked Fan Bingbing also criticized her for being too flirtatious and seductive, with a vixen-like face.

Now that Wu Yuchen has cast her as a fox spirit, it's a perfect fit, allowing her to fully utilize her looks and charisma. You might say she couldn't play other roles well, but everyone thinks she's the perfect choice for the fox spirit!
Although Zhou Xun's acting was quite good in her previous life, Wu Yuchen didn't have any close relationship with her, so he would definitely promote his own people first when given this opportunity!

(End of this chapter)