The Film Locomotive

Next, Aaron ran into producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Scott Rudin, as well as directors Ridley Scott and Michael Bay, among others, inside the villa.

It seemed Disney's failures in live-action films over the past few years had made them place increasing importance on Hollywood's top producers and directors.

Jerry Bruckheimer in particular had signed a multi-year film development agreement with Disney. This year's Disney Touchstone Pictures releases, such as Gone in 60 Seconds and Coyote Ugly, had all been spearheaded by Jerry Bruckheimer.

"By the way, Aaron, is Universal interested in developing Bad Boys 2 now?"

Jerry Bruckheimer asked with a smile. Back then, Bad Boys had turned a budget of over 20 million US dollars into 140 million US dollars at the worldwide box office.

It had been Michael Bay's directorial debut and Will Smith's first breakout hit.

"Oh, Bad Boys 2?" Aaron looked at Jerry Bruckheimer. Bad Boys had indeed been developed by him, with Dawn as a partner.

"Would you bring back the original director, Michael Bay, along with the original leads, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence?"

Jerry Bruckheimer nodded. "That would be more appealing to audiences."

Aaron smiled. "Given Michael Bay and Will Smith's current fame, developing Bad Boys 2 won't be easy."

Jerry Bruckheimer sighed as well. It certainly would not be easy. Michael Bay could still be handled, but Will Smith, one of the male leads, was harder to pin down.

Will Smith had already appeared in two sequel films, Rush Hour 2 and Men in Black 2, and had developed a strong aversion to sequels. Convincing him to continue appearing in one would not only require an astronomical salary, but also a long list of additional conditions.

Jerry Bruckheimer also knew that if a Bad Boys sequel did not offer Dawn enough profit,