The mansion wasn't the over-the-top extravaganza Dunn had pictured. Instead, its decor leaned into a medieval, almost artsy vibe—rustic and refined.
When Dunn strolled in hand-in-hand with Natalie, all eyes snapped to them. The party had maybe two dozen people, and a bunch of faces rang a bell for Dunn.
Mel Gibson, the host and unofficial "big brother" of the Aussie crew, stepped up with a warm grin. "This guy needs no intro, right? Director of *Titanic* and *Star Wars: Episode I*—Dunn Walker!"
Dunn had figured this would be a chill hangout, but nope—everyone was dressed to the nines. Guys in sharp suits, women in dazzling gowns, like a runway showdown. It was early summer in Australia this November, and even Natalie rocked a rose-red, cinched-waist dress. The vibe was way fancier than Dunn expected, and sure enough, Mel's intro sparked a round of applause.
Dunn waved, smiling awkwardly, unsure what to say. A speech? Too stiff—it'd just widen the gap between him and the crowd. Might as well not have shown up.
Mel laughed it off, unbothered, and tugged Dunn along to meet everyone. Natalie, sharp as ever, peeled off toward Nicole Kidman, giving him space.
"Dunn, this is Hugh Jackman—a damn fine actor!" Mel said.
No kidding—Dunn knew "Wolverine" on sight. He stuck out his hand, grinning. "Hugh, I've heard of you. Word is you're up for Wolverine in *X-Men*, right?"
Hugh blinked, caught off guard. *X-Men* hadn't started shooting yet, and Wolverine wasn't locked in…
Dunn winced internally—he'd slipped. With cash tied up in *Spider-Man*, 20th Century Fox had pushed *X-Men*'s start to December. Director Bryan Singer, a newbie to effects-heavy flicks, had been shadowing Dunn on the *Spider-Man* set, soaking up tricks. Quick save: "You know I did *Spider-Man*, right? And Marvel's mine now—I had a hand in the *X-Men* script."
Total bluff, but Hugh, still a small fry, bought it, impressed by Dunn's apparent juice. Mel, reading the room, caught the vibe. "Hugh, your role… it's not set yet?"
"My agent hasn't said anything," Hugh admitted, sheepish.
Dunn's brow ticked up as Mel's piercing gaze landed on him. He straightened. "Hugh, we're at this party together—it's fate. I'm telling you, Wolverine's yours."
Hugh looked skeptical, but Mel knew Dunn's pull with Fox. If Dunn said it, it was as good as done. "Hugh, shouldn't you say thanks?" Mel shot him a look like he was dense.
"Oh! I…" Hugh's face flushed with excitement as he grabbed Dunn's hands. "I don't even know what to say—thank you so much for this!"
Dunn smiled. "No biggie. Like I said, it's fate. I dig Aussie actors—open, bold, scrappy. Not prim like the Brits or slack like us Americans."
Mel's eyes lit up like he'd found a soulmate. "Dunn, you nailed it! Aussie actors are the real deal!"
Dunn smirked inwardly. Mel was either too high up or too cocky—his mouth ran loose. Not like Tom Cruise's EQ fumbles; Mel just had a big yap.
"This is Simon Baker," Mel went on. "He and his wife Rebecca are Nicole's best pals."
The "Nicole" came out heavy. Dunn didn't know Simon much—just a quick hello. Two years back, Russell Crowe had vouched for him on *L.A. Confidential*, but he'd mostly been a TV guy before that.
Next up, a stunner. "This is Megan—Megan Gale. Still in college, did an indie flick, *Vacanze di Natale*. Now… Megan, you're modeling, right?"
Megan flashed a smile. "Not print—fashion. I shot a bunch of ads in Italy this year."
Dunn's eyes narrowed. As a movie nut, he loved Nolan's *The Dark Knight*. After its monster success, Warner and DC had eyed a *Justice League* follow-up. Megan Gale had been their Wonder Woman pick in the test shots—until the 2009 Writers' Strike killed it. When *Wonder Woman* finally happened, she'd aged out, replaced by younger model-actress Gal Gadot. Plus, as a Victoria's Secret star, Megan had been Australia's poster girl until Miranda Kerr took over post-retirement.
"Miss Gale, you leaning toward fashion or acting?" Dunn's tone carried weight.
Megan giggled, her eyes dancing as she whispered, "Director, your rep's not exactly spotless. Word's gotten around, even in Italy."
Mel frowned, irked. Dunn shrugged it off. "So, Hollywood's on your radar?"
She shook her head. "I'm still studying, and my side gig covers my bills."
Dunn shrugged again and moved on. Mel sighed. "Dunn, I can't push her on that."
"No worries, Mel, I get it."
Mel shook his head. "Young folks—drive's great, but sometimes it's just cluelessness. She's off the invite list next time."
Dunn waved it off, unfazed. Not every beauty was going to orbit him, and Megan hadn't tasted Hollywood's reality yet—her caution made sense.
"Dunn, this is—"
"Haha, no intro needed! Cate, long time no see!" Dunn threw his arms wide, and Cate Blanchett smiled, giving him a light hug. "Congrats on your movies killing it."
Dunn winked. "Which one?"
Cate played along. "The one you're shooting now."
He cracked up. Smart, classy, quick—Cate had it all, even if her looks weren't Dunn's type. With his tie to her agent, Hilda Quealy, he'd have tapped her as a go-between otherwise.
Then Naomi Watts sidled up with a drink, her gaze on Dunn dripping with resentment, no care for Mel or Cate watching. "Dunn, are we still going out sometime?"
Dunn's head throbbed. "Sorry, Naomi, I've got to think about Nat."
Naomi's eyes pleaded, unwilling to let go. Mel jumped in, yanking Dunn away. "Oh, Russell's over there—you two haven't met."
Russell Crowe—second only to Mel among Aussie actors today. "Russell, full disclosure: I'd planned a film this year, *A Beautiful Mind*, with you as the lead and Nicole opposite. Budget got tight, so I funded something else instead," Dunn said, shaking his hand. The guy's calloused grip threw him off.
Russell waved it off, laughing. "Even if you'd asked, I'd be wiped. I shot *Gladiator* with Ridley Scott earlier this year—exhausted!"
*Gladiator*—the flick that'd snag Russell an Oscar. Dunn's mental gears spun. *A Beautiful Mind* had to launch next year, or post-Oscar, Russell's fee would jump to $15 million. Now? $8 million for blockbusters, $5-6 million for dramas.
"I'd still love to work together," Dunn said. "Chat with Nicole about *A Beautiful Mind* later—I think you'll dig it."
"Why not?" Russell grinned. Dunn's films were box office gold, and ticket sales were an actor's currency, no matter the genre.
Mel stayed cool, but inside, he was buzzing. Inviting Dunn was a masterstroke! In minutes, he'd hooked Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe up with gigs—not counting Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts, who'd already cashed in.
Then Dunn spotted a bearded young guy and made a beeline. "Mr. Pearce, small world!"
Guy Pearce—the lead in *Memento*.
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