Tycoon Actor C461

The negotiations between Neil and Disney dragged on.

Neil was determined to squeeze every dollar from the Mouse, but Disney wasn’t about to fold easily. They were already willing to offer upwards of $30 million — a figure that exceeded even the paychecks of Marvel’s biggest stars at the time like Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Scarlett Johansson.

But the real sticking point wasn’t the money — it was creative control.

Disney’s executive team, including Marvel Studios' head Kevin Feige, sat in a private meeting room, documents and proposals scattered across the table.

Bob Iger, Disney’s CEO, leaned forward and addressed the room. “I want us to talk about this openly. I want Lucas for this project, specifically. But Neil’s condition is giving Lucas significant creative control. Thoughts?”

The room was quiet for a moment before one of the producers spoke.

“It’s risky,” the producer said, his voice tense. “Letting an actor, even someone like Lucas, have that kind of say over a Marvel film? We’ve never done that before.”

A director they were considering, Scott Derrickson, sighed. “And it’s Ghost Rider. You know how that plays out. Any movie with ghosts or heavy supernatural elements is banned in China. We’ll lose a massive market.”

Another executive chimed in. “Exactly. Ghost Rider’s a box office risk. We can't count on international markets, especially China.”

Bob Iger tapped his fingers on the table, thoughtful. “But think about Joker. That film made over a billion dollars without China. Lucas was deeply involved in that. He knows how to push boundaries and deliver results.”

Kevin Feige finally spoke up, “It’s true. He’s proven he can handle creative pressure. And frankly, the buzz around him alone could carry the film. If we’re going to take a chance, this might be the one.”

The room went silent again. The idea of giving an actor — even one as influential as Lucas — any kind of creative reins was unheard of in Disney’s tightly controlled machine.

And yet, here they were, seriously considering it.

---

In Malibu’s Solstice Canyon, Lucas and Jennifer hiked together in relaxed, casual clothes. Jennifer, free of makeup, looked effortlessly stunning, while Lucas, wearing a simple hoodie and jeans, walked beside her with easy confidence.

Despite their global fame, they’d managed to carve out pockets of peace in places like this. They’d gotten used to paparazzi trailing them, but here, it was quieter. The occasional fan would recognize them, but it was nothing like the chaos of the city.

As they reached a clearing, a small group of hikers spotted them. “Oh my god, it’s Lucas! Lucas Knight! Can we get a picture?” a woman called out, eyes wide with excitement.

Behind her, a few others echoed, “Please, just one photo!”

Lucas and Jennifer exchanged a smile. Lucas nodded, “Of course, no problem.”

They posed for quick selfies, Jennifer laughing softly as one fan whispered, “You’re even more beautiful without makeup!”

“You two are amazing together,” another added. “Thank you for being so kind!”

“Thanks for the love,” Lucas said warmly, giving a small wave as the group walked off, still buzzing.

“They’re sweet,” Jennifer commented, adjusting her jacket as they continued up the trail.

“Yeah, I don’t mind moments like that,” Lucas replied. “It’s nice when people are genuine.”

As they rounded a bend, they spotted someone familiar approaching from the opposite direction—Miley Cyrus, dressed in hiking gear, sunglasses perched on her head.

“Hey, Miley!” Jennifer called, waving.

Miley paused, pulling her sunglasses down. “Jennifer? Lucas? Wow, what a surprise.”

Lucas grinned, “Didn’t expect to run into you here either.”

Miley walked over with a friendly smile. “I come here a lot when I want to get away from everything. It’s one of my favorite spots.”

“Same here,” Jennifer said. “It’s our first time hiking this trail, though.”

“How are you finding it?” Miley asked.

“Peaceful. Feels like a different world compared to the madness of LA,” Jennifer replied.

Lucas nodded in agreement. “It’s nice to slow down.”

Miley laughed. “Tell me about it. This place keeps me sane. Honestly, it’s my reset button.”

They continued walking together for a bit, the conversation light.

Running into Miley had been an unexpected highlight. Despite what the media often portrayed, she was warm, grounded—refreshingly different from her reputation.

After a light-hearted chat, they parted ways, continuing their hikes in opposite directions.

Later, while resting on a quiet stretch of the trail, Lucas’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen—Neil.

Answering, he leaned back, eyes half-closed.
“What’s up? Any word from Mr. Mickey?”

Neil’s voice came through, slightly amused.
“They’re still not budging on the creative control... but they do want you, Lucas. Badly. I’d say give it time—they’ll cave.”

Lucas smirked faintly. “That’s good.”

He pocketed the phone, but his mind was already elsewhere.

‘A role with superpowers... finally.’

It wasn’t just another acting job—it was a test. A chance to push the boundaries of his Mind Workshop.

It was more than rehearsal. The Workshop let him become the roles. His body, his instincts—they changed. He’d seen it before.

‘I still have Peeta’s painting skills from Hunger Games… and the reflexes from Joker.’

But superpowers? That was uncharted territory.

He’d tried before. A pitch to Netflix, just to see. They’d humored him, but the project never moved. The Workshop didn’t respond—no simulation, no adaptation.

‘It only works when it’s real. Studio-backed, fully greenlit.’

This time, it was real.

‘If Ghost Rider is official... can I really become something beyond human?’

He felt the thought settle in his chest, heavy and thrilling.

Jennifer noticed his silence, glancing over as she unpacked their food. “What’s on your mind?”

Lucas shook off the thought, smiling. “Just wondering what Disney’s decision will be.”

---

Over the next few days, Disney continued dragging their feet. Negotiations stretched, with Neil holding firm.

Finally, they caved.

Lucas was granted creative control, and with it, an offer that shocked even industry insiders—$35 million.

It was a staggering figure—the highest paycheck in Marvel history, surpassing even Robert Downey Jr.’s peak earnings. Not bad for someone stepping into the MCU for the first time.

Back at home, Jennifer was beaming.

“They actually gave in?” she asked, hugging him tight. “You’re unstoppable.”

Lucas grinned, but his thoughts were already racing ahead.

‘Time to see what the Mind Workshop will do with Ghost Rider.’

---

The next morning, Lucas headed to Disney HQ. Calm. Focused.

He met with the CEO, Bob Iger, shook hands, and signed the contract. He didn’t bother reading every line—Neil had already scrutinized it for loopholes.

Then came the real test.

Scott Derrickson, the director, waited for him.

The atmosphere was stiff.

Scott handed over the script, his expression unreadable but his movements tight. “Here,” he muttered. “Read it.”

Lucas took the script, flipping through it. As his eyes scanned the pages, his brow furrowed.

By the time he reached the midpoint, he closed it with a sigh.

“I don’t like it,” he said bluntly.

Bob and Scott stared at him, caught off guard.

“Why?” Scott asked, arms crossing defensively.

Lucas pointed to the title page. “This version of Ghost Rider—Johnny Blaze—it’s not working. It strays too far from the source.”

Scott shook his head. “That’s the point. We wanted something different. Why remake what already exists? If we’re sticking to the same formula, we might as well not make it at all. Blaze has had his movie.”

Lucas’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“I’m not a hardcore comic fan, but I know enough. And honestly? If we’re making it different, then let’s go all the way.”

Scott raised an eyebrow. “Meaning?”

Lucas held his gaze. “Adapt Danny Ketch instead.”

A pause. The room shifted.

Scott frowned. “Danny Ketch?”

Lucas nodded firmly. “Yeah. He’s a different kind of Ghost Rider. One fans haven’t seen on screen yet. His story’s darker—but it’s got heart. And it sticks closer to the spirit of the comics.”

The room was silent.

Bob glanced between them, uncertain.

Lucas didn’t back down. “I agreed to this because I want to respect the fans. I won’t do something that betrays the core of what Ghost Rider is.”

Bob and Scott exchanged uncertain looks. The idea made sense—Danny Ketch wasn’t as well-known, but he brought fresh potential. There was something there.

After a long pause, Scott exhaled and said,
“It’ll take time to rework everything we’ve planned… but alright. We’ll shift to Danny Ketch instead of Johnny Blaze.”

Lucas smiled in relief. “Thank you. I’d like to help with the script, too—I’ve got some experience with writing.”

Scott hesitated, then gave a slow nod. “Alright. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Bob watched them closely, then stood with a thoughtful expression.
“Seems like you two have a direction now. I’ll leave you to it.”

Both Lucas and Scott nodded as Bob exited, leaving them in a charged silence.

Lucas turned to Scott.
“Let’s talk through some ideas.”

They spoke for a while, exchanging thoughts, until Scott led Lucas to a meeting room where the writing team was gathered.

“Listen up,” Scott clapped his hands, drawing their attention. “There’s been a change. We’re shifting from Johnny Blaze to Danny Ketch for Ghost Rider.”

A few groans filled the room. “Seriously?” one writer muttered. “We’ve already built so much around Blaze.”

Then, a voice near the end of the table chimed in—calm, but pointed.

“I’ve been saying that from the start. Ketch made more sense.”

Lucas turned toward the voice, slightly surprised at the quiet confidence. Sitting beside the frustrated writer was an older man, casual but with a spark in his eyes.

Lucas’s eyes widened as recognition hit him.
‘Wait… that’s Stan Lee.’