Dunn's words made two things clear: first, copyright issues were non-negotiable; second, he was ready to flip the table if needed.
This obviously didn't align with Hollywood's usual playbook. Here, even if two companies were at each other's throats, they'd still work together if there was profit to be made.
But young Dunn Walker? He seemed more into actions that hurt others without benefiting himself.
He wasn't like most people in Hollywood. For Dunn, making movies was about status, power, and influence—and, deep down, a genuine passion.
Making money? That was the lowest priority.
To Dunn, his knack for making money could easily make him the world's richest person in a decade or so. The movie market? It's just a small pond in comparison.
His words left the conference room feeling heavy.
George Paxton seized the moment, his voice low and serious. "Last year, while promoting *Titanic* in London, we stumbled upon the newly released *Harry Potter*. We bought the film rights, helping Ms. Rowling out of a tight spot. But just a year later, we're facing this kind of pressure—it's really disappointing!"
Alan Horn quickly stepped in. "It's all a misunderstanding. On behalf of Warner Bros., I want to apologize again for any trouble this has caused Dunn Studios and everyone here."
Dunn was polite to the big shot. "Mr. Horn, you're too kind. The fact that you came here in person already means a lot to us."
Alan Horn smiled. "I'm mainly here to work toward a partnership."
"Of course, that's what I'm hoping for too," Dunn said, flashing a smile that finally eased the tension in the room.
David Heyman jumped in. "Mr. Walker, I think *Harry Potter* has huge potential for adaptation. I'm sure you feel the same. Why not work together on it?"
"Yeah, with Warner Bros.' resources, we could make the book a hit across the U.S. within a year using our powerful marketing machine. Adapting it into a movie would be a natural next step," Lionel Wigram added quickly.
Dunn sat there, smiling. "Gentlemen, are you questioning Dunn Studios' capabilities?"
David Heyman straightened up. "Dunn Studios has you as a director, so it's definitely getting stronger. But developing a massive series like *Harry Potter* in a short time? That's probably tough."
Alan Horn waved a hand, his cloudy eyes fixed on Dunn. "Since it's a partnership, it has to benefit both sides. Dunn, you direct, you handle the publishing rights and part of the funding, and Warner Bros. provides most of the investment and distribution channels. That's a true win-win."
Dunn clapped lightly. "Mr. Horn, you're absolutely right!"
The Warner team smiled, thinking Dunn was backing down.
But then Dunn's tone shifted. "It's just that I have a good relationship with Bill Mechanic, and I've always had a great partnership with 20th Century Fox. So, Mr. Horn, I have to ask—why should I partner with Warner Bros. instead of Fox?"
Alan Horn's face stiffened slightly. "Because Warner can offer better terms!"
Dunn shook his head, still smiling. "You all know I built my career so young because 20th Century Fox took a huge risk on me, choosing me to direct *Titanic*. That's a favor I won't forget—and can't forget."
"Heh, in the capital market, profit comes first," David Heyman chimed in, trying to sound casual.
Reese Witherspoon, though, gave a sweet smile that warmed up the room. "Sorry, Mr. Heyman, but Dunn Studios' core values are 'trust first, profit second.' I'm afraid we don't agree with your perspective."
David Heyman froze, embarrassed and speechless.
Alan Horn glanced at Dunn, feeling more and more that this young man was no ordinary player.
Once upon a time, didn't Hollywood follow the idea of "art first, capital second"? Legends like Chaplin, obsessed with film art, nearly bankrupted United Artists multiple times. Warner and Fox weren't much different back then, were they?
Alan Horn shook his head, feeling like he was overthinking. But looking at Dunn's smiling face, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off—something he couldn't quite figure out.
"Dunn, so in your opinion... there's no chance for us to work together?" Alan Horn frowned slightly.
"Of course not. Working with Warner Bros. would be an honor for Dunn Studios," Dunn said, waving a hand. "But you need to give me a reason that 20th Century Fox can't fault me for."
Alan Horn chuckled. "What kind of reason do you need?"
"Simple. Copyright shares, investment shares, profit splits—all that's easy and can be discussed slowly. But there's something else I want to talk about now."
"Oh? What's that?"
Dunn's gaze shifted to David Heyman. "This is where Mr. Heyman can help."
David Heyman's production company was basically a shell, the kind that flips copyrights. To get involved in making *Harry Potter*, he'd need to rely on Warner Bros. and Dunn Studios.
Hearing Dunn say this, David Heyman's eyes lit up. He knew that if he helped, he'd secure a producer role in the *Harry Potter* series.
"I'm all ears!"
Dunn spoke slowly. "Back then, because of J.K. Rowling's book agent's insistence, I only got the film rights for the first three *Harry Potter* books. But as far as I know, she plans to write seven or eight."
David Heyman raised an eyebrow. "You mean... you want the rights to the whole series?"
"Exactly!"
"That's tough!" David Heyman shook his head, his tone heavy. "Mr. Walker, is it necessary?"
Everyone was optimistic about *Harry Potter*, but who could guarantee the movies would succeed?
To David Heyman and the others, buying the rights to the first three books was enough. If the movies worked, they could negotiate for more later. If they flopped, they'd just drop the project.
With the movies' future unclear, buying the rights to the entire series now? That'd cost a fortune—not just money, but time, energy, and favors.
"No, I need those rights. Otherwise, I'll never start this series!"
Dunn's stance was firm.
Alan Horn didn't get it. "Dunn... are you worried that if the movies succeed, the author will demand a fortune?"
Dunn gave a noncommittal smile.
Alan Horn shook his head. "There's no need. She's just a popular writer. No matter how big her appetite, she wouldn't dare challenge Warner."
Dunn almost laughed.
Alan Horn, you're confident, huh?
Do you have any idea how huge *Harry Potter* will be once the movies come out?
*Star Wars* is America's biggest IP, but *Harry Potter* is the world's biggest IP!
As for J.K. Rowling, the creator of this fantasy empire? Forget Warner Bros.' pressure—even all of Hollywood wouldn't make her back down.
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