The richest actor in Hollywood.

Seeing that the overall situation had been decided, Matthew didn't hesitate and followed David Heyman out of the audition room. However, just as he reached the door, he heard Francis Lawrence's voice behind him.

"Matthew Horner!"

Matthew turned around at the sound, seeing Francis Lawrence standing there with his eyes fixed on him, questioning, "What did you do?"

Francis Lawrence's brows were tightly furrowed. Akiva Goldsman's attitude had been very clear yesterday, and today's sudden change made it impossible for him to believe that there wasn't an influence from Matthew Horner.

Matthew shrugged slightly, calmly lying, "It's simple. I told Akiva Goldsman that if he didn't use Alexandra Daddario, I would leave the crew."

"You..." Francis Lawrence was momentarily speechless.

"Don't feel it's unfair," Matthew said calmly. "The reality is that I am more important to the crew than you are!"

This statement clearly stung Francis Lawrence, who replied in a low voice, "Not necessarily!"

Matthew spread his hands and said, "Isn't it? After you left yesterday, I went to Akiva Goldsman and told him to either use Alexandra Daddario or I'd leave the project. He made his choice immediately."

Francis Lawrence took a step forward, his tone becoming aggressive, "You are just an actor!"

"Yes," Matthew replied, hearing from Francis Lawrence's tone the same psychological superiority that most Hollywood directors had over actors. He wasn't surprised since directors occupied a relatively higher position in the industry. He continued, "A director is usually more important to a film project than an actor, but not in the case of you and me."

With that, he ignored Francis Lawrence and walked out of the audition room.

Shaking his head, Matthew strode towards the exit of the hallway. Perhaps his provocation would make Francis Lawrence even less accepting of the current situation and prompt him to confront Akiva Goldsman.

Francis Lawrence had never believed David Heyman and Akiva Goldsman's given reasons and had already intended to discuss it with Akiva Goldsman. After exchanging those few words with Matthew Horner, he could no longer contain himself. He left the audition room immediately and headed to an office door, knocking before pushing it open without waiting for a response.

Akiva Goldsman was alone in the office. Seeing Francis Lawrence, he asked, "What's the matter?"

Although Francis Lawrence was somewhat impulsive, he hadn't lost his mind. He quickly closed the office door and said, "Akiva, I stand by my opinion that Alexandra Daddario is not suitable for the role of Annie!"

Akiva Goldsman shook his head, "I've already made my decision."

Francis Lawrence frowned and added, "Alexandra Daddario doesn't meet my filming requirements. Her acting skills don't meet my standards."

"Then change your standards," Akiva Goldsman said bluntly. "I'll adjust the script and character settings accordingly. Alexandra Daddario can handle the role."

"Sorry," Francis Lawrence insisted, "but I can't shoot the film under these conditions."

Akiva Goldsman looked over and asked, "What do you mean?"

Facing the current situation, Francis Lawrence couldn't account to Paula Patton. He frowned even more deeply.

Akiva Goldsman waved his hand and said, "The decision has been made. There's no need to discuss it further."

Francis Lawrence didn't intend to leave. After a few seconds of silence, he said, "If Alexandra Daddario plays Annie, I can't direct properly. She doesn't meet my requirements. I can't direct this project."

He had been involved in the preparation of the film for nearly two months since joining in March, considering himself one of the core members of the project.

Hearing this, Akiva Goldsman paused. He understood the implication of Francis Lawrence's words.

After thinking for a moment, he asked, "If I insist on using Alexandra Daddario, will you leave the crew?"

Francis Lawrence didn't beat around the bush. "When I signed the contract, there was an exit clause."

Akiva Goldsman remembered that clause. He hadn't been particularly confident in the young director, so he had added a term that allowed the crew to dismiss Francis Lawrence with a $500,000 payment if there were creative differences. Francis Lawrence could also resign, but without any compensation, and all his contributions to the project would belong to the crew.

This clause had been included due to the less-than-successful box office performance of "Constantine." If Francis Lawrence didn't meet the standards, they could fire him anytime.

"Francis!" Akiva Goldsman looked at him and said, "Are you sure about this?"

Francis Lawrence remained firm. "I stand by my principles!"

If Francis Lawrence were indispensable to the crew, Akiva Goldsman might have compromised, but Francis Lawrence showed no sign of backing down.

Akiva Goldsman wasn't a top-tier producer like Jerry Bruckheimer but was still among the best in Hollywood. As an Oscar-winning screenwriter, he held himself in high regard.

Just as he had insisted on Matthew Horner as the lead for "I Am Legend," in his mind, the core of the project was himself as the writer and producer, not anyone else.

"Francis," Akiva Goldsman said, softening his tone, "this decision should not be taken lightly."

"This goes against my principles," Francis Lawrence said, thinking of Paula Patton and the lackluster box office of "Constantine" without a major black role. "I resign as the director of 'I Am Legend.'"

His meaning was clear: as a director with principles, he was quitting, not being fired. There was a significant difference between the two.

Akiva Goldsman frowned. This wasn't the outcome he wanted, but he didn't try to persuade him further. Hollywood had many projects that changed directors midway, even during filming.

To him and the "I Am Legend" project, Francis Lawrence was already in the past.

The crew wouldn't halt due to a director's departure. All the preparatory work was under his control. Even if Matthew Horner and Francis Lawrence both left, the project would continue.

The office door opened again, and David Heyman entered. Akiva Goldsman looked at him and said, "You came at the right time. I was just looking for you. Francis Lawrence is leaving the crew. Let's discuss a new director..."

At the Warner Bros. studio entrance, Francis Lawrence had just gotten into his car when he received a call from Paula Patton.

"Hi, honey," Paula Patton said with a smile. "Has the crew confirmed everything?"

Francis Lawrence, though looking gloomy, remained calm. "Yes, it's confirmed..."

"That's great!" Paula Patton interrupted, "When will the crew start negotiations? My agency is ready."

"Sorry, honey," Francis Lawrence said simply, "the final choice for the role wasn't you. It's Alexandra Daddario."

Paula Patton almost shouted, "What? Alexandra Daddario got the role? How could this happen? Didn't you say..."

Francis Lawrence interrupted her, "Things changed unexpectedly. Matthew Horner did something that made Akiva Goldsman change his mind."

"You didn't fight for me?" Paula Patton questioned.

"I did," Francis Lawrence defended. "I even resigned from the project for you..."

The other end of the line fell silent. He added, "We'll talk more when we meet."

News of Francis Lawrence leaving the crew reached Matthew the next day.

_________________________

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