At this time, only a few people realized the tremendous changes that internet content would bring. At that moment, Netflix, which had sparked the streaming revolution in the previous life, was still running its DVD rental business and had just launched its own video platform.
Warner's streaming development business had barely started when it was cut off by the new CEO, Kelly Ross.
She even planned to cancel the development of games like The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and The Adventure of Jackie Chan, transferring the development rights to Banana Company's game studio.
Perhaps Kelly Ross's decoupling plan would start with these businesses she considered not particularly important.
Regarding this shortsighted CEO, who even seemed to harbor some hostility toward her own company, Gilbert had nothing to say.
"If I'm trying to help you make money and you're unwilling, then I'll just take it all for myself."
Robert Iger also had relevant streaming business development plans, but Disney's scope was too vast.
Currently, Disney's main focus was on Pixar Studios and acquiring Lucasfilm, so streaming business had to take a back seat.
In November, George Lucas once again publicly stated that he would no longer direct the follow-up Star Wars films.
This was a huge blow to 20th Century Fox; Star Wars was one of Fox's pillars.
If the follow-up plans could not proceed, it would be a major setback for Fox.
There were also rumors that George Lucas intended to transfer ownership of Lucasfilm. Lucasfilm was not just about Star Wars, although that alone was tempting enough.
Lucasfilm also included Industrial Light & Magic, one of the top visual effects studios, Skywalker Sound, LucasArts for game development, as well as publishing and animation departments.
The value of these alone was considerable. If sold as a package, it could easily reach four to five billion dollars.
However, before that, George Lucas announced that the Indiana Jones series would return, planning a fourth installment. He also announced that Steven Spielberg would direct and Harrison Ford would reprise his role as Indiana Jones.
"I've spoken with Steven and Harrison. They're willing to return for the sequel, and I guarantee it will be a fantastic story."
Lucas was still excited when talking about it: "The three of us old friends are all looking forward to this new installment, meeting the audience again after seventeen years. I ask all fans to stay excited."
When discussing the latest Star Wars work, Lucas said: "In fact, I have repeatedly stated that the only person suitable to take over Star Wars is Gilbert.
I've also spoken to him, and he's shown great interest."
A new director for Star Wars? For fans, it seemed hard to accept. However, considering the recent poor performance of the Star Wars series, a director change seemed reasonable.
Moreover, the director taking over was Gilbert, the most creatively talented director in Hollywood. Star Wars fans were very excited.
However, for Gilbert to take over the Star Wars series, there was one problem: 20th Century Fox.
The copyright of Star Wars was jointly held by 20th Century Fox and Lucasfilm. If Gilbert wanted to direct, he would have to cooperate with Fox.
Of course, 20th Century Fox agreed; they were even eager for it!
They were watching to see how the Star Wars series would proceed. Now, with the chance to collaborate with Gilbert, it was delightful.
But in this matter, Gilbert's own opinion was also important.
His agent, Sheena Boone, also discussed this issue with Gilbert. Gilbert replied: "Be patient. We won't let 20th Century Fox get involved."
Since he was considering taking over Lucasfilm, the obstructive 20th Century Fox naturally had to be sidelined.
In the previous life, Disney used shares and current assets to acquire Lucasfilm, enjoying exclusive rights to Star Wars and other famous IPs.
Later, Disney even acquired 20th Century Fox, which proved one thing: 20th Century Fox was in trouble.
Gilbert remembered that the failure of X-Men: Dark Phoenix was the last straw that toppled 20th Century Fox. A single movie determined the fate of a giant.
As the saying goes, when a Hollywood giant falls to the point of needing one movie to save it, that giant is already on the brink of collapse.
The success of a single film cannot save a giant; each project must succeed, just like Gilbert.
MGM's experience was a cautionary tale for 20th Century Fox. But MGM had Prince Abdul and the oil capital behind it. What did 20th Century Fox have backing it?
News Corporation? Although it's unclear why 20th Century Fox did not later receive support from News Corp, Gilbert believes it is related to the phone-hacking scandal.
Last year, News Corp even attempted to acquire Time Warner. Rupert Murdoch personally called Gilbert, hoping for his support.
But the acquisition was halted by Washington, citing antitrust concerns.
Rupert Murdoch was unwilling to give up, but the ever-expanding News Corp had clearly infringed on the interests of many. In the media field, News Corp appeared to be too powerful.
As a result, News Corp would face scrutiny and had no time to pay attention to 20th Century Fox.
In reality, Murdoch's situation was worse. Every move he made targeted his core lifeline. Gilbert, on the other hand, was in a better position; no one attacked decisively, which gave him some opportunities.
After Warner announced its plan to fully decouple from Melon Studio, Gilbert realized that he could not simultaneously control two Hollywood giants through ownership.
So he changed his approach. If that's the case, why not first take control of Disney? The assets under his management were ones Disney coveted. If Disney wanted them, they would have to pay a price.
By gradually nibbling away, eventually the Disney board would have to answer to Landrini, and the Disney family itself would have to step aside.
Of course, this strategy was challenging. There were plenty of board members at Disney who opposed him, and they would certainly try to prevent him from expanding his power.
But it didn't matter. Gilbert had a second option: 20th Century Fox.
Two directions: one, control Disney and then, as in the previous life, complete the acquisition of Fox; the other, if Disney could not be controlled, buy Fox outright.
The execution would require adaptability, but Gilbert was full of confidence.
With Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and a coordinated streaming ecosystem, a grand blueprint was already unfolding, one that could even rename Hollywood itself.
However, Gilbert did not share these plans with anyone, not even Naomi Watts or others. The main reason was foresight; the more people who knew, the higher the uncertainty.
Details could change, but the overall trend remained, and the advantage of being a first mover stayed intact.
...
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