Chapter Summaries

Jack Wells sought Lloyd Bentsen Jr.’s support for Dawn as it prepared to go public, while Aaron planned the company’s next expansion. The chapter ended with Dawn’s listing approaching and Sophie Marceau waiting for Aaron at home.

• Jack Wells visited Lloyd Bentsen Jr. in Houston and asked him to join Dawn’s board, explaining that the Graham family had obstructed Aaron’s plans for a news channel.
• Lloyd Bentsen Jr. recognized the Graham family’s influence and agreed that Dawn needed its own nationwide news network.
• Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated by Jewish extremists at a peace rally in Tel Aviv.
• Aaron told Jack Wells that Lloyd Bentsen Jr. was interested in chairing Dawn’s public relations committee and discussed expanding Universal Studios in Orlando and building Universal Studios Japan.
• Aaron promised Jack Wells shares in Dawn after its listing, and Sophie Marceau was waiting for Aaron when he returned to his villa.

Dawn Pictures Group went public, making Aaron Anderson wealthier and drawing attention across Hollywood. While Aaron vacationed with Sophie Marceau, MGM executives discussed a costly disaster film and plans to acquire MGM’s library and Carolco assets.

• Sophie Marceau and Aaron agreed to vacation in the Caribbean after Dawn went public.
• Dawn issued shares at 36 dollars each, raised 2.2 billion dollars, and rose to 43 dollars on its first trading day, giving Aaron a 53.2 percent stake.
• Monica Bellucci celebrated Dawn’s success with Aaron and told him BusinessWeek wanted to interview him.
• Aaron and Sophie traveled to Saint Barth to escape reporters and take a vacation.
• Ronald Meyer and Frank Mancuso proposed a 110-million-dollar budget for Dante’s Peak, and Edgar Bronfman Jr. approved preparations after they reached an agreement.
• Edgar Bronfman Jr. discussed buying MGM’s film library and waiting for Carolco Pictures’ assets, including the Terminator 3 rights, to become cheaper.

Aaron returned to Los Angeles, gave Joey Wong a winery, and discussed the reception of her film, “Chinese Laborers.” At Dawn Universal, he approved “Air Force One” with Harrison Ford as the likely president and arranged for Lloyd Bentsen Jr. to join Dawn’s board.

• Aaron reunited with Joey Wong in Malibu, offered her a winery, and heard that “Chinese Laborers” had earned positive reviews but modest box office results.
• Dawn completed major deals involving Universal Studios, themed hotels, expansions, and a new Universal Studios project in Japan.
• Dawn Steel presented Aaron with the “Air Force One” script, which Aaron approved as a film that would receive military support.
• Aaron agreed to pursue Harrison Ford for the lead role and set the film’s release for the year after next.
• Aaron invited Lloyd Bentsen Jr. to join Dawn’s board and lead its public relations committee, with a board meeting planned for early next year.

At the premiere party for "Sense and Sensibility," Aaron discussed Hollywood projects and possible investments with Brad Grey, including James Cameron’s costly "Titanic" and MGM’s film library. He then told Joey Wong he would travel frequently to Japan for Universal Studios Japan while she returned to Hong Kong for film festivals and new productions.

• Aaron asked Brad Grey about the progress of James Cameron’s "Titanic," and Brad described the crew’s preparations and the replica liner built in Mexico.
• Aaron suggested that Universal partner with 20th Century Fox if it sought outside financing for "Titanic," saying he trusted James Cameron despite his tendency to exceed budgets.
• Brad told Aaron that MGM planned to acquire Carolco Pictures and reclaim its film library from Time Warner, and Aaron agreed to try making an offer for the library.
• Aaron told Joey Wong that he expected to travel between the United States and Japan for Dawn’s Universal Studios Japan project, while explaining that China’s economy could not yet support a theme park.
• Joey Wong said she would return to Hong Kong because "Chinese Laborers" had entered several film festivals and she had other films to release and shoot, and Aaron promised to visit her.

Michael Eisner and Roy Disney discussed raising animator salaries to counter talent poaching and worried about Dawn’s growing challenge to Disney’s theme parks. Meanwhile, Marvel sought a deal with Universal, and Aaron and Jennifer Connelly discussed films and her unsuccessful Titanic audition.

• Michael Eisner and Roy Disney agreed that raising Disney animators’ salaries was the quickest way to retain them from DreamWorks SKG.
• Michael Eisner and Roy Disney discussed Pixar’s computer animation and Dawn’s plans to expand Universal Studios, including building a resort in Japan to compete with Tokyo Disneyland.
• Ronald Perelman sought investment and sold Marvel assets to address Marvel Comics’ debt crisis, while Avi Arad approached Universal about creating a Marvel World area at Islands of Adventure.
• Aaron and Jennifer Connelly discussed the positive reception for Dead Man Walking and Jennifer’s unsuccessful audition for Titanic.
• Aaron told Jennifer that Cutthroat Island had earned only 2.4 million US dollars in its opening weekend after costing 98 million US dollars to make.

Aaron moved to acquire Marvel Entertainment before Ronald Perelman could sell off its valuable comic characters, while Carl Icahn proposed waiting for Marvel’s bankruptcy to take control more cheaply. The chapter ended with Aaron and Christiana Yeri discussing O. J. Simpson’s acquittal before leaving the bar together.

• Tom Williams told Aaron that Marvel wanted to license its characters to Universal, and Aaron decided Marvel’s financial troubles made it a potential acquisition target.
• Aaron persuaded Dawn Pictures Group’s board to pursue Marvel and began buying its shares, then met Ronald Perelman, whose asking price was higher than Aaron expected.
• Carl Icahn proposed joining Dawn to acquire Marvel after its bankruptcy, but Aaron rejected the plan because he feared Perelman would sell Marvel’s characters first.
• Leon Cooperman advised Aaron that Icahn was unlikely to gain control of Marvel while Perelman held more than half its voting rights.
• Aaron and Christiana Yeri watched news of O. J. Simpson’s acquittal, discussed the case, and decided to leave the bar.

Aaron discussed Universal Studios' development plans and the challenges of bringing an NFL team to Los Angeles with Jack Wells, then traveled to Australia to vacation with Nicole Kidman and consider Dawn's opportunities there. The chapter ended with Aaron and Nicole planning a Christmas trip to sea.

• Aaron and Jack Wells discussed developing swampland near Universal Studios and the difficulty of competing with Disneyland.
• Jack Wells told Aaron that their Houston real estate investment had profited after the Dawn Center opened.
• Aaron and Jack Wells considered pursuing an NFL expansion team in Los Angeles but noted the city lacked a suitable stadium.
• Aaron flew to Australia at Nicole Kidman's invitation and discussed Dawn Universal filming there and the promise of Australian actors.
• Nicole Kidman asked Aaron to go out to sea with her on Christmas, and Aaron agreed.

Aaron met Lachlan Murdoch in Sydney and advised him to return to the United States to help manage News Corporation. After watching Hamlet, Aaron met actress Cate Blanchett, arranged a date with her, and kissed her goodbye.

• Aaron met Lachlan Murdoch after lunch in Sydney, where reporters questioned Lachlan about his leadership of the Queensland Press Group.
• Aaron told Lachlan that News Corporation would likely move to the United States and advised him to return there to take part in managing the company.
• Aaron attended a performance of Hamlet at the Sydney Opera House and met Cate Blanchett at the post-performance celebration.
• Aaron invited Cate to dinner the next day, drove her home, and kissed her before returning to his hotel.

Aaron spent the evening with Cate Blanchett in Sydney, learning how she entered acting and encouraging her to pursue Hollywood. The night ended with Aaron beating a Skinhead who tried to steal his watch, then leaving the bar with Cate.

• Aaron and Cate Blanchett danced and talked about how Cate discovered acting while traveling in Egypt, then trained at the National Institute of Dramatic Art.
• Cate told Aaron about her stage career and first leading film role, Border Town, and asked how long he planned to stay in Australia.
• Aaron suggested Cate develop her career in Hollywood, and Cate teased him for trying to trick her into going to the United States.
• In the restroom, a bald man tried to steal Aaron's Patek Philippe watch and threatened him by claiming he was with the Skinheads.
• Aaron punched and kicked the man until he admitted the watch belonged to Aaron, then washed the blood from his hands and watch.
• Aaron returned to Cate, took her hand, and left the bar with her.

Aaron spent his Australian vacation with Cate Blanchett before returning to the United States as Dawn completed its acquisition of Marvel Entertainment. He planned to restructure Marvel and keep Marvel adaptations under Marvel Studios and Dawn Universal.

• Aaron persuaded Cate Blanchett to consider building her career in Hollywood and spent several days with her in Sydney.
• Dawn offered Ronald Perelman $380 million for Marvel Comics and agreed to assume its $200 million debt, while Avi Arad opposed the sale and was fired by Perelman.
• Aaron told Cate Blanchett he was returning to the United States and promised to contact her and arrange roles for her.
• Dawn acquired Marvel Entertainment, and Aaron planned to take it private, break it up, and sell businesses including its credit-card and sticker operations.
• Aaron decided Dawn would keep Toy Biz for the time being and rejected 20th Century Fox's request to buy the X-Men film rights, insisting Marvel Studios handle adaptations and Dawn Universal control distribution.

Aaron planned to build Marvel's film business around major properties and reclaim character rights Marvel had sold. At a Hollywood party, he discussed Philip Anschutz's Lakers arena plans and DreamWorks' growing animation ambitions, leaving future partnerships and competition open.

• Aaron rejected bringing Avi Arad back and told Dawn Steel to prioritize Spider-Man, the X-Men, and other promising Marvel film projects.
• Aaron instructed Dawn Steel to reclaim Marvel's character rights when they expired and proposed co-developing Fantastic Four with Constantine Pictures in exchange for German distribution rights.
• At the Chateau Marmont, Philip Anschutz told Aaron that Jerry Buss was willing to sell part of the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for a new arena, and they discussed Earvin Johnson's possible return.
• Philip Anschutz told Aaron he had formed Anschutz Entertainment Group and was preparing to enter filmmaking, and Aaron offered Universal's support for suitable projects.
• Jeffrey Katzenberg told Aaron that DreamWorks SKG was producing Antz after Disney had rejected his earlier Army Ants idea, and Aaron noted that DreamWorks would intensify competition for Disney.

Aaron reunited with Jennifer Aniston, discussed her growing career and the failure of Cutthroat Island, and argued that The Long Kiss Goodnight might fare better when audiences were more receptive to female-led action films. The pair returned to Aaron’s estate, where Jennifer hoped he would make time to take her out.

• Aaron met Jennifer Aniston at Chateau Marmont and congratulated her on her success with Friends.
• Aaron and Jennifer discussed Jim Carrey’s comedy and the disastrous box-office performance of Cutthroat Island.
• Aaron explained that he believed The Long Kiss Goodnight had a strong script but was arriving before the market was ready for a female action lead.
• Aaron and Jennifer returned to his Bel Air estate, shared a bath, and talked about Jennifer wanting him to take her out.

Aaron discussed Hollywood news and projects with Jennifer Aniston and Ang Lee as films connected to Dawn and its partners gained box-office success and recognition at the 1996 Golden Globes. At Dawn’s celebration banquet, Aaron asked Brad Pitt to return for The Chamber, which he was preparing to restart with Ridley Scott directing.

• Jennifer Aniston told Aaron that Jamie Tarses was leaving NBC to become president of production at ABC, and Aaron suspected Disney president Michael Ovitz would not follow the rules in recruiting her.
• Scream passed $100 million at the North American box office, while Sense and Sensibility performed strongly overseas and expanded its North American release; Dead Man Walking and 12 Monkeys also moved into wider release.
• At the Golden Globes, Aaron discussed a possible adaptation of The Ice Storm with Ang Lee and promised Universal’s support for his filmmaking.
• Sense and Sensibility won Best Motion Picture – Drama, and Babe won Best Picture – Musical or Comedy, alongside several acting and directing awards for other films and performers.
• At Dawn’s celebration banquet, Aaron praised Brad Pitt’s performance in 12 Monkeys and invited him to return for The Chamber, which Aaron was restarting with Ridley Scott as director.

Aaron discussed Universal’s film projects and Dawn’s political and public-relations strategy with new board member Lloyd Bentsen Jr. He backed the Orlando Universal Studios expansion despite protests and set his sights on expanding his influence across California.

• Brad Pitt agreed to work with Ridley Scott on The Chamber after Universal brought Scott on to direct it.
• Aaron reviewed Babe’s critical and box-office success as a sign of Universal’s recent strength.
• Lloyd Bentsen Jr. asked why Aaron had not put Lou Wasserman in charge of Dawn’s public relations, and Aaron explained that he considered Wasserman outdated.
• Lloyd Bentsen Jr. told Aaron the White House wanted Hollywood’s support in the presidential election, and Aaron agreed to provide it.
• Aaron and Lloyd discussed environmental protests against Orlando Universal Studios’ expansion and suspected Disney was supporting the opposition.
• Aaron affirmed that the expansion would proceed and turned his attention toward building influence in Northern California.

Aaron met Winona Ryder after Dawn’s Golden Globe celebration, then agreed to meet Archbishop Roger Mahony about funding a new church. He also discussed the Face/Off project with Michael Douglas, whose plan to cast Sylvester Stallone and Schwarzenegger left Aaron doubtful.

• Aaron met Winona Ryder for drinks after leaving Dawn’s Golden Globe celebration banquet.
• Jack Wells called Aaron to explain that Archbishop Roger Mahony wanted to raise funds to build a church, and Aaron agreed to meet him the next day.
• Aaron greeted Michael Douglas, congratulated him on The American President, and heard that he wanted to produce Face/Off.
• Michael Douglas proposed casting Sylvester Stallone and Schwarzenegger in Face/Off, and Aaron doubted the rivals would agree or that the project could afford them.

Aaron met with Archbishop Roger Mahony and agreed to fund the renovation of Cathedral of Saint Vibiana as a church museum, gaining the Los Angeles Archdiocese's support. He planned to pursue real estate projects with the church and prepare for overseas expansion, while also considering purchases of vineyards and ranches.

• Aaron attended a fundraising dinner and discussed the future of Cathedral of Saint Vibiana with Roger Mahony and Jack Wells.
• Aaron agreed to pay several million dollars to renovate the old cathedral and turn it into a church museum in exchange for building goodwill with the Los Angeles Archdiocese.
• Aaron told Jack Wells he planned to work with the church on real estate development and discussed the Rockets, Dennis Rodman, and the upcoming NBA All-Star Game.
• Aaron said he would travel to Japan for the Universal Studios Japan groundbreaking and rejected pursuing MGM's film library.
• Aaron planned to acquire plantations and ranches, including a vineyard for Joey Wong and ranches in Colorado and Montana.

Aaron pursued major investments in ranches, a French winery, and technology companies while Yahoo prepared for its IPO. Meanwhile, James Cameron’s costly Titanic project faced a funding crisis at 20th Century Fox, and Aaron’s team failed to buy Amazon but secured a potential partnership.

• Aaron considered buying Paradise Ranch for 69 million US dollars and asked to purchase a Montana ranch and a small French winery as well.
• James Cameron told Peter Chernin that Titanic had spent its 90 million US dollar budget before filming and would need at least another 100 million US dollars, leaving the decision to Rupert Murdoch.
• Aaron attended Yahoo’s IPO strategy meeting and discussed its prospects with Jennifer Connelly.
• Jennifer Connelly told Aaron that Amazon’s founders refused to sell the company but offered to sell 20% for 12 million US dollars and were open to cooperating with Dawn.
• Aaron proposed that Dawn work with Amazon on an online store for videotapes and DVDs, while anticipating major gains from Yahoo and America Online.

Aaron agreed that Universal would invest $65 million in James Cameron’s Titanic and share production and distribution with 20th Century Fox. Paramount considered joining the project but passed, while 20th Century Fox gained relief from sharing the film’s enormous financial risk.

• Aaron told Dawn Steel that Universal would invest $65 million in Titanic for North American distribution rights, and Dawn agreed to proceed.
• Sherry Lansing learned of Universal’s deal and wondered why Aaron trusted a costly sea-set film after Waterworld’s failure.
• Sherry Lansing asked about Michael Douglas’s Face/Off proposal and learned Universal had rejected it, while she assessed Aaron’s preference for younger stars and effects-driven films.
• Sherry Lansing worried that Paramount’s poor box-office performance could cost her job under Sumner Redstone.
• 20th Century Fox welcomed Universal’s investment because producing and marketing Titanic alone could have cost nearly $300 million.

Aaron oversaw Universal Studios Japan’s early development, then helped establish Yahoo Japan with SoftBank and Yahoo Global. He bought Norika Fujiwara a villa in Tokyo and planned a hot-spring trip with her.

• Aaron discussed Universal Studios Japan’s construction plans and budget with Tom Williams after the groundbreaking ceremony in Osaka.
• Aaron and Norika Fujiwara talked about the success of Sony’s PS console and Capcom’s upcoming Resident Evil game, which Aaron planned to adapt through Twilight Pictures.
• Aaron, SoftBank, and Yahoo Global jointly established Yahoo Japan, with SoftBank holding 51%, Yahoo Global 25%, and Aaron’s Haihua Company 24%.
• Masayoshi Son invited Aaron to dinner in Ginza and discussed SoftBank’s investment in Yahoo and its acquisition of the Las Vegas Computer Exhibition.
• Aaron showed Norika Fujiwara the luxurious villa he had bought for her in Shibuya and planned to take her to Hakone’s hot springs the next day.

Aaron visited Japan and Hong Kong, gave Kristy Yang a luxury apartment, and discussed Hong Kong’s future as its residents considered emigrating. In Hollywood, “Ace Ventura 2: When Nature Calls” opened strongly, and the Oscar committee arranged for Christopher Reeve to attend the ceremony; Aaron stayed in Hong Kong to experience the Lantern Festival.

• Aaron visited Japan for the Universal Studios Japan groundbreaking and Yahoo Japan’s establishment, while Dawn had three films nominated for Best Picture at the 1995 Oscars.
• Aaron arrived in Hong Kong and gave Kristy Yang a 270-square-meter apartment, then reassured her that Hong Kong would remain prosperous after its return to China.
• “Ace Ventura 2: When Nature Calls,” starring Jim Carrey and Jennifer Aniston, opened at number one with $37.8 million, and Universal offered Jim Carrey $20 million to star in “The Cable Guy.”
• The Oscar committee arranged Christopher Reeve’s medically supported flight and transportation so he could attend the 68th Academy Awards ceremony.
• Aaron remained in Hong Kong after the Spring Festival to experience China’s Lantern Festival.