By the time Dunn got back to the U.S., it was already late July.
*Titanic* had been out for over two months, and under the eyes of the entire nation, Dunn Walker's prediction was coming true, step by step.
The world's first movie to break a billion dollars at the box office was born! 🎉
North America raked in $490 million, overseas brought in $660 million, and the global total hit a jaw-dropping $1.15 billion. *Titanic* wasn't just a movie—it was a phenomenon! It blew past the shock *Star Wars* and *Jurassic Park* had delivered to the world years ago.
Even some of America's rival countries jumped on board and screened it. Across the strait, they miraculously put down their big censorship scissors and let every frame, every shot of *Titanic* play untouched on the big screen.
A single movie breaking through a country's system? That's the power of *Titanic*! 💪
So Dunn gave his agent, William Mihok, a call. It was time to cash in on those profits.
Dunn was entitled to 10% of the global box office—a cool $180 to $1.0 million, by his estimate.
But here's the catch: high income comes with heavy taxes. It's the norm in every developed country.
Dunn had looked into it. With the Democrats in power, personal income tax was steep. For his earnings, he'd be hit with the top federal rate of 39%, plus a brutal 93% California state tax, not to mention Social Security, Medicare, and pension taxes. All told, he'd owe about 49% of his total income.
No doubt about it—that's an astronomical figure! 😱
There were tax evasion tricks, sure, but for Dunn right now, they were a no-go. He'd have to sink money into cutting-edge tech, donate to charities, or set up offshore companies overseas…
That all sounded like nonsense. Parking that much cash just to dodge taxes? He'd rather toss it into the stock market!
Dunn didn't know much about stocks, but he knew Yahoo's insane rise, the 2000 crash, and the meteoric success of Google, Facebook, and Apple.
1997? Hands down the perfect time to invest in Yahoo stock. 📈
Of course, first, he had to get his cut from Fox Studios. But his agent William's response? Total letdown.
"Dunn, what you're asking for doesn't follow industry norms. It's tricky!" William sounded super stressed.
Dunn wasn't having it. "Paying a debt is basic decency, William. This is your job!" 😤
William sighed. "Dunn, you might not get how Hollywood works. Usually, producers, directors, and actors don't get their box office shares until the movie's out of theaters. *Titanic* has only been running for two months…"
Dunn nearly exploded!
Wait until it's out of theaters? That'd take forever! In his past life, *Titanic* played in cinemas for a whole year!
"No way! I need the money now—I've got urgent plans!" Dunn's tone left no room for debate. The investment window was right there, and every minute wasted could cost him millions.
William tried to reason with him. "Dunn, I just checked with Fox's finance team. *Titanic* has only pulled in $200 million so far. They've got big projects in the works—they can't fork over a huge chunk for your share right now."
Dunn was disappointed in his agent *again*.
If William wasn't from a top agency, he'd fire him on the spot. But for now, Dunn was still small fry—better not poke the giant studios.
Forget William's help. Dunn went straight to Fox Studios' finance department himself. Their answer? Company president Tom Rothman had personally ordered the funds held back—some to pay off debts, some for new projects.
Dunn didn't even listen to the excuses. All he caught was "Tom Rothman."
That guy! He was the one who'd spilled the beans about Dunn and Kate Winslet back in the day.
Without a word, Dunn stormed upstairs to Bill Mechanic's office.
Bill welcomed him with open arms and even poured him a coffee. "Dunn, naming you director of *Titanic* was the smartest move of my life!" 😊
A global box office over $1 billion—what a thrill, what a rush!
Dunn waved it off. "Bill, I'm not here for praise. I'm here to collect what's mine."
Bill froze, then chuckled. "Your share, huh? Short on cash? Look, young man, I'm not judging… but you've gotta pace yourself. Some things you just can't touch!"
Dunn's face turned green. He forced a laugh. "Bill, you've got it wrong. I just want my cut… to start a film company."
Bill clearly didn't buy that flimsy excuse. Start a company? How much could that cost? He grinned. "Sure, need help? We could put your studio under Fox's umbrella—make things easier for you."
For any other filmmaker, that'd be a golden opportunity. But Dunn? He wasn't here to work for Fox.
"No thanks, I've got my own vision." Dunn brushed it off politely. "Truth is, Bill, I need money—*a lot* of money—right now."
Bill hesitated. "You know Fox's situation. The past two years, we poured everything into *Titanic*. Now that we're finally seeing returns, it's already earmarked elsewhere."
Dunn sat up straight, dead serious. "Bill, do me this favor. I need it urgently."
Bill studied him for a long moment. "How much? Too big, and I can't swing it."
"One hundred million."
Based on the current global haul, Dunn's share was $1.2 billion, but he only asked for $100 million.
His total cut would top $180–190 million. After taxes, plus some refunds, $100 million was his net take-home.
Good thing U.S. taxes are filed in mid-April. He could wait until *Titanic* wrapped its run, grab the next payout, and file then—no disruption to his plans.
"That's… not a small amount," Bill sighed, clearly torn.
Dunn pressed on. "Bill, I told you this movie would hit at least $1.8 billion. Fox won't be strapped for cash down the line."
The subtle jab? *I* made *Titanic* a monster hit and took the heat off you!
"Alright. Five days tops. $100 million will be in your account."
Bill owed Dunn that much. Early payment was a reward for his past work.
"Thanks."
Dunn's tense face finally broke into a smile.
---
Three days later, the money hit his account.
Dunn didn't rush to New York to open a stock account. Instead, he wondered if he'd overlooked something big…
Suddenly, William called. "Dunn, there's a project. Interested?"
"Big one?"
Dunn raised an eyebrow. He'd made it clear—small-fry $10–20 million indie films didn't cut it!
"Yep, a big one. New Line Cinema's *Lord of the Rings* trilogy!" William's tone was bold but calm.
Dunn froze. *Lord of the Rings*? No way!
"Isn't that Peter Jackson's gig?"
"Yep, Peter Jackson's directing."
"Hm?" Dunn squinted, annoyed. "Producer? How much?"
"No, no, Dunn, you've got it wrong. Peter Jackson's not offering producer—he doesn't have that pull. It's assistant director."
"Assistant director?!"
Dunn thought he'd misheard. His eyes widened in disbelief.
Peter Jackson had some nerve!
Me, the director of the world's top-grossing film *Titanic*, running errands as your assistant? Are you messing with me or just plain insulting me?
Fury flashed across Dunn's face.
This was outrageous!
Wait… hold up!
Something's off here…