738 Chapter 738: Everyone is a genius.

After an engaging conversation, Musk departed the studio with a contented grin, the agreement with Martin regarding Depp's affairs now settled.

"The Lone Ranger" loomed on the horizon, a jewel among the films Martin had wrestled from Annapurna Pictures' grasp, its promotion rampant and ubiquitous.

Diverging from the tactics employed for "Transcendence," recent tribulations surrounding Depp led both the production crew and Warner Bros., the distributor, to pivot their promotional efforts towards highlighting the Jerry Bruckheimer team's involvement, a strategic move given Bruckheimer's sterling reputation.

Bruce quipped, "Expect no premiere invites this time."

Martin remained unfazed. "Aren't they aware I'm a charmed star?"

Bruce delivered a dose of reality. "You're lucky, but they're not."

A girl entered, laden with a bag. Spotting Martin in the lounge, she dashed over. "Teacher!"

Bruce gracefully retreated.

Martin gestured to a seat. "Take a load off and spill."

Saoirse Ronan, backpack discarded, eased into the chair. "Mia and Ms. Mandy Moore were rehearsing a dance routine, but the dancers were off, so Louise called me to fill in."

Martin nodded. "Best to familiarize yourself."

Ronan glanced around, ensuring privacy, and whispered, "I've been learning some special moves in dance class. I wanted to perform for you, teacher. When can we arrange it?"

Martin deliberated. "Let's aim for month's end."

Saoirse acquiesced, noting it aligned with her upcoming eighteenth birthday.

Recalling her recent visit to Davis Manor, where Elizabeth Olsen and Lily Carter were absent, Saoirse added, "I'll practice diligently and aim to impress."

Martin chuckled. "You've got more tricks up your sleeve than a magician."

Saoirse beamed, eyeing the clock. "I have a session with Ms. Mandy Moore soon. I'll take my leave."

Martin gestured towards the studio. "You know the way."

Saoirse dashed off, leaving Bruce with news. "Harris reports Johnny Depp's yacht and Malibu mansion are up for sale. The yacht's going for $16 million, the mansion $35 million, both below market value."

Martin, well-versed in luxury markets, remarked, "Depp's still playing at that price."

Bruce chimed in, "Harris is on the hunt for it, allegedly greasing palms in Depp's circle. Word is, Depp's willing to part with his yacht for $11 million."

Martin nodded. "Let Harris handle it."

The infamous rift within the Harry Potter crew, dubbed the "white-eyed wolf battle," and Depp's yacht's price hike were fresh in Martin's mind. He vaguely recalled news of J.K. Rowling purchasing a pricey antique yacht, nearly $20 million.

If indeed Depp's yacht was the same one Rowling acquired, the middleman stood to rake in a hefty sum.

With funds secured, operational specifics held little sway over Martin.

Depp's asset liquidation signaled mounting IRS pressure, a force few in the U.S. could resist.

Martin's phone buzzed, Nolan on the line, eager to discuss a new venture.

Exiting the studio, Martin was intercepted by a red-maned beauty from the adjacent "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." set.

"Elena," she greeted, waving enthusiastically. "Fancy meeting you here."

Martin recalled her name, courtesy of her striking appearance. "Hello, Elena."

Spotting Bruce and the electric car, Elena inquired, "Leaving already?"

Martin offered, "Need a lift?"

"Thank you," Elena accepted, hopping into the car.

Bruce set the vehicle in motion, steering towards the studio exit.

Elena stole glances at Martin. "Heard your next project's a musical?"

Martin shrugged. "Pre-production's lengthy. Filming's a ways off."

Elena persisted, "Isn't it your next?"

"No," Martin clarified. "It's a heist flick."

As they reached the studio gate, Bruce halted, allowing Martin to disembark and head to the parking lot, exiting with Bruce.

Watching Martin's Escalade fade into the distance, Elena adjusted her visor, inspecting her flawless makeup in the mirror, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Patience is key," she reminded herself. "Learn from the failures, keep it natural."

Starting her car, Elena departed Disney Studio, her mind already concocting schemes of her own.

In the heart of Century City, at WMA's headquarters, Martin rendezvoused with Christopher Nolan in a plush reception room.

Nolan wore exhaustion like a cloak, a testament to his recent tussle with Warner Pictures, captured in incriminating photos splashed across TMZ.

Cutting to the chase, Martin inquired, "Is the project in jeopardy?"

"I've delivered the director's cut of 'The Dark Knight Rises,'" Nolan sighed wearily, "What unfolds now is out of my hands. The issues stem from 'The Dark Knight Rises' and 'Interstellar.'"

Martin honed in, "Warner Pictures?"

Nolan nodded grimly, "Despite Dream Works, Legendary Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and Warner Pictures co-financing, Warner's been throwing hurdles. DreamWorks and Paramount gave the green light, but Warner's the holdout."

"Because of our lawsuit against Warner Pictures?" Martin probed.

Nolan shrugged, frustration evident, "Yes, after my clash with Jon Berg, he used the project as leverage. Settlement or delay for 'Interstellar.'"

Curiosity piqued, Martin asked, "What are their settlement terms?"

"Void liquidated damages and late fees, settle for standard bank interest," Nolan recounted, suspecting Jon Berg's machinations, yet backed by group company director Kevin Tsujihara.

"Genius executives, indeed," Martin mused, "Berg had the gall to suggest the same terms."

Nolan added, "Berg also urged me to take the high road, prioritize long-term gains over immediate profits."

Martin scoffed, "Easy to preach generosity when it's not your paycheck on the line."

Aligned in their motives, Martin affirmed, "No compromise. Let Dream Works and Paramount apply the pressure. First concession leads to more."

Nolan nodded, cautioning, "Berg's eyes are on you. He may object to your leading role, but Paramount and Dream Works back you. Warner's review committee delay complicates casting."

With a nod of understanding, Martin absorbed the complexity of the situation, prepared for the long game ahead.

As the summer season loomed, Martin contemplated the impending release of "Jack the Giant Catcher" next month. "The landscape may shift come summer. Warner Pictures... I'm at a loss for words."

Nolan assured, "I'll liaise with Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks to expedite matters."

The day following Martin's meeting with Nolan, news broke anew. A lawsuit surfaced, dragging Martin's former agency, CAA, and his current agency, WMA, into the legal fray at the Los Angeles Supreme Court.

The bone of contention? Nolan's commission.

Having departed CAA for WMA during the production of "The Dark Knight Rises," CAA contended that Nolan inked a directorial deal for the film under their banner. Consequently, all remuneration and brokerage fees accrued during the project should rightfully belong to CAA.

WMA contested this, arguing that even post-transition, Nolan remained deeply involved in "The Dark Knight Rises" production. Forgo, any earnings or commissions during this tenure rightfully fell under WMA's purview.

With stalemate looming, the Nolans opted for legal recourse, dragging both agencies to court to settle the dispute.

For industry heavyweights like Martin and Nolan, both CAA and WMA were unequivocally service providers. Yet, Nolan's legal tussle failed to overshadow the relentless spotlight on Depp.

April unfolded with Hollywood abuzz over Johnny Depp's financial woes and the buzz surrounding "The Lone Ranger," his latest vehicle.

Backed by Annapurna Pictures with a staggering $250 million investment, the film boasted the imprimatur of Hollywood titan Jerry Bruckheimer and Warner Bros. distribution. Scheduled for a wide North American release on April 20, "The Lone Ranger" strategically dodged summer juggernauts like Marvel Studios' "The Avengers," slated for a release just one weekend prior.

In the cutthroat world of cinema, a film's fate could hinge on a single weekend, let alone two. Despite the stakes, neither Annapurna Pictures nor Warner Bros. extended an invitation to Martin for "The Lone Ranger's" premiere.