The richest actor in Hollywood.

During the following period, the Wachowski siblings continued to release information, boasting about how incredible the "Cloud Atlas" project was. Matthew also actively responded, expressing great interest in the male lead role, and backed it up with a series of concrete actions. He met with the Wachowskis multiple times to discuss the script and project plans. Learning that the Wachowskis lacked financial support, he brought in his partner, Skydance Media, and David Ellison.

David Ellison was also interested in the project and personally met with the Wachowskis several times, then formed a team to formally negotiate with them.

In a short time, "Cloud Atlas" became one of the most talked-about projects in Hollywood.

Several film companies, including members of the Big Six, called Matthew to inquire about "Cloud Atlas." Matthew's response was straightforward: he was very interested but had already reached a cooperation agreement with David Ellison's Skydance Media and was not considering partnerships with other companies.

By cooperating with the Wachowskis' hype, Helen Herman started negotiations with them, and David Ellison and Skydance Media prepared to invest in "Cloud Atlas." Within just over half a month, Matthew created an atmosphere of determined interest in the lead role and investment in the project.

The trap was set, but Brad Pitt had yet to make contact with the Wachowskis.

Matthew wasn't in a hurry, as no one would make a rash decision regarding such a major project.

Many companies were evaluating the project, including Brad Pitt's Plan B Entertainment. Matthew received word that Brad Pitt, deviating from his usual procrastination, was hastening Jennifer Aniston's exit from the company, making many compromises on trivial matters.

These actions indicated that Brad Pitt was slowly stepping into the trap.

However, Matthew knew that "Cloud Atlas" was not Hollywood's top production, meaning it wouldn't be a fatal trap. Even if Brad Pitt fell into it, he could still climb out.

Matthew needed a bigger trap, one even larger than "Van Helsing" and "Kingdom of Heaven," one that would leave Brad Pitt severely injured if he fell in.

Such a colossal trap wasn't easy to find.

By April, he still hadn't found a suitable option.

These opportunities weren't something he could just conjure up.

As May approached and Matthew prepared for the Memorial Day weekend promotion tour of "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," some good news finally arrived.

"300: Rise of an Empire" had concluded its screenings in all overseas markets, with a global box office total of $735.4 million.

For a film with a production cost of only $85 million, this was a huge success.

The subsequent DVD release, featuring more content, also saw impressive sales and rentals. In just over ten days, nearly 5 million copies of the $19.9 regular version and the $39.9 deluxe edition were sold, generating over $100 million in sales.

This film became the runner-up in North American DVD sales for 2006, second only to "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest."

From box office to DVDs to merchandise, "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" and "300: Rise of an Empire" were both major hits. Even Armani's Spartan-themed men's underwear, endorsed by Matthew, became a bestseller, generating tens of millions of dollars globally within a few months.

Both film companies and other businesses could clearly see Matthew's commercial appeal.

The president of Hasbro, one of the two largest toy manufacturers in the USA, publicly stated that having Matthew Horner's character license was a huge plus for their movie merchandise deals.

Additionally, a company in the San Fernando Valley capitalized on the trend and launched an adult version of "300: Rise of an Empire," reportedly with an unprecedented investment of $3 million for that industry, featuring the most popular stars in North America's romantic action films.

Matthew even bought a DVD to watch with Alexandra Daddario, leading to a playful reenactment of King Leonidas' spear fight with the busty Xerxes.

In "300: Rise of an Empire," Leonidas' spear wreaked havoc among the Persian army. In this playful scene, the spear danced up and down, left and right, forward and backward, masterfully displayed before being engulfed in turbulent waves.

Perhaps it was the style of "300: Rise of an Empire" that boosted viewers' hormones, or maybe it was Matthew's striking appearance. After Skydance Media refused a licensing request from an adult toy company, many female fans launched a petition on Facebook.

These fans strongly protested Skydance Media's refusal to sell the license, demanding they restart negotiations to produce Matthew-themed dolls to satisfy their needs.

Of course, such authorization was impossible. Hollywood had long-standing industry regulations that any personal character image authorization must be approved by the individual.

However, this highlighted Matthew's popularity.

A star with such immense commercial appeal didn't have to worry about roles and work. The success of "300: Rise of an Empire" brought a series of positive chain reactions. Warner Bros. made concessions in the "Hancock" negotiations and formally signed an actor contract with Matthew.

Previously, the two sides had significant differences over the remuneration. Warner Bros. made some concessions, and Matthew also compromised slightly. The final agreed salary was $33 million, without any backend profit sharing.

"Hancock" had been in pre-production under Akiva Goldsman's direction. Shortly after Matthew signed the actor contract, Charlize Theron also agreed to play the female lead for a salary of $15 million.

Warner Bros. adjusted the project's budget from $150 million to $180 million and sought new investors. As a return for David Ellison's help, Matthew brought him in again.

In some ways, they became a community of interests, making it easier for Matthew to enlist David Ellison for other tasks.

Just as he would help Helen Herman within his capabilities, Helen often provided services that went beyond an agent's duties. Few people are willing to give without expecting anything in return.

Many other film projects came their way, but after reviewing them, Matthew and Helen Herman turned most down.

Meanwhile, Matthew's commercial value further highlighted his eye for roles. Finally, there was movement from Brad Pitt's side. After his manager Corrina contacted the Wachowskis, Brad Pitt met with them three times in one week.

He seemed to have gathered enough information and even flew to New York to meet Natalie Portman. Whatever terms he offered, he managed to convince Natalie Portman to switch her support from Matthew to him.

Matthew, however, didn't sit idle. He continued to stay in close contact with the Wachowskis while deliberately leaking information through Elena Boyar, revealing negotiation differences, such as Matthew's demands for control and pay and Skydance Media's current inability to provide the $100 million the Wachowskis wanted.

Everyone knew Skydance Media had just signed an investment agreement with Warner Bros. for "Hancock" and was preparing for a new "Fast & Furious" installment, so it was understandable they couldn't come up with the funds immediately.

Negotiations between Skydance Media and the Wachowskis reached an impasse. However, the Wachowskis' and their company's publicity had made "Cloud Atlas" a well-known project, attracting a lot of attention.

Soon after, Matthew received news that Brad Pitt had formed a team at Plan B to coordinate and handle negotiations with the Wachowskis and "Cloud Atlas."

These negotiations were confidential, but Matthew could infer from the Wachowskis' increasingly distant attitude towards him and Skydance Media that they were getting along well with Plan B and might even reach an agreement.

As May began, another summer season in North America kicked off. Matthew was swamped with promoting "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" and "Transformers," leaving David Ellison and Helen Herman to keep an eye on Plan B and the Wachowskis.

In mid-May, after returning from two promotional events in New York, Matthew met with Helen Herman and learned that the Wachowskis had just notified Angel Agency and Skydance Media of officially ending their negotiations and starting talks with Plan B and Brad Pitt.

"Brad Pitt is smart," Helen told Matthew. "He first won over Natalie Portman, using her as a breakthrough to capture the Wachowskis. But their negotiations are still ongoing, and we don't know when they'll reach an agreement..."

Matthew nodded, "Then let's give them a little push. I'll arrange to meet with Natalie Portman."

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