Chapter 269: Securing James Wan

Chapter 269: Chapter 269: Securing James Wan

Two days later in New York, the Facebook office at Rockefeller Center was still buzzing. Irene had just wrapped a video conference with an investment bank when Robert called.

"Irene, they’re here. Waiting for you in the conference room."

Irene adjusted her shirt cuffs and took a breath. She already knew what James Wan would become, but meeting the "Master of Horror" in his early days still gave her a flicker of anticipation.

She pushed open the conference room door. Three people were inside: Robert in the main seat, and beside him two young men — James Wan and Leigh Whannell.

James Wan wore a simple black T-shirt and jeans. He was lean, his eyes bright but guarded. Leigh Whannell wore a plaid shirt and gripped a folder, looking even more nervous than James.

When they saw Irene enter, both stood immediately, their posture deferential — newcomers facing a potential investor.

"Director Wan, Mr. Whannell, welcome," Irene said with a smile, shaking their hands in turn. "I’m Irene Coppola. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you."

"Ms. Coppola, thank you for giving us this chance," James Wan said, his voice a little shy, his English carrying a faint accent. "We sent out so many proposals before this and never heard back. We were about to give up."

"It’s because your script is that good," Irene said, gesturing for them to sit. She got straight to the point, her tone sincere. "When Robert gave me the proposal for Saw, I read every page of the script in one sitting. I have to say, it’s the most tension-filled suspense story I’ve read in years. The escape room setup and the core idea of testing human nature — it’s innovative. It doesn’t read like work from newcomers at all."

James Wan and Leigh Whannell exchanged a look, surprise and relief flickering across their faces.

As newcomers, they were used to skepticism and silence. James Wan, being Asian, had faced even more cold shoulders in recent months than in the past decade combined.

Irene’s direct praise loosened the knot in their shoulders.

"We’re really glad you see it that way," Leigh Whannell said, his excitement breaking through. "James and I developed this story together. We wanted to use extreme scenarios to explore the choices people make when they’re desperate. Sometimes fear is what finally makes you see what you actually want."

"That’s a great angle," Irene said, turning to James Wan. "Director Wan, I’m curious — how did you decide to frame this as a ’game’? Most suspense films focus on catching the killer. You focus on the victims’ struggle. That perspective is unique."

James Wan didn’t expect Irene to catch that detail. His eyes brightened, his reserve fading as he spoke more freely. "It came out of a conversation with Leigh. We realized people ignore what they have in everyday life, and only when they’re about to lose it do they understand its value. So we wanted to design a series of ’tests’ that force characters to choose on the edge of life and death. That kind of struggle feels more real, more visceral."

He paused, then added, "Also, the escape room concept helps with cost. For newcomers with no resources, it’s practical."

"Pragmatic and creative. That’s rare," Irene said with a smile, turning to Robert. "Are the contracts ready?"

"All set," Robert said, sliding two printed contracts across the table. "Full financing at $1.2 million, two-month shoot. We won’t interfere with any creative decisions. We provide funding and promotional support only. Additionally, subsequent IP development rights will be jointly held, and for any sequels or spin-offs, we’ll prioritize working with you two."

James Wan and Leigh Whannell flipped through the contracts, their surprise deepening.

They had expected investors to impose conditions — script changes, replacing key creatives, or worse, cutting them out entirely.

Instead, Irene’s team was offering full financing and complete creative autonomy. It was more than they’d hoped for.

"Thank you so much," Leigh Whannell said, looking up, gratitude in his voice. "We won’t let you down."

"I believe in you," Irene said. She picked up a pen, signed her name on the contract, and passed the pen to them. "I hope we can make something together that stuns everyone."

James Wan and Leigh Whannell signed without hesitation. As the pen left the paper, both exhaled, their faces easing into relieved smiles.

After the contracts were signed, James Wan hesitated, then gathered the courage to ask, "Ms. Coppola, I know you’re not just an investor — you’re an excellent director. I’ve seen Legally Blonde and The Italian Job. They’re amazing. So I have to ask — would you ever consider directing Saw yourself? You have far more experience than us. You could probably make the movie even better."

Irene blinked, then laughed, her tone frank. "I appreciate the vote of confidence, but I really can’t." She spread her hands, a touch of helplessness in her expression. "You might not believe it, but I’m a total coward. I don’t even watch horror movies. When I read your script, I could only get through it in broad daylight, and I still slept with the lights on that night."

The room broke into laughter. Robert and Leigh Whannell both cracked up.

James Wan paused, then understood, and the last trace of worry in his chest dissolved.

He’d been concerned the investor might replace him as director. He hadn’t expected Irene to decline because she was "afraid of horror movies." Her honesty put him completely at ease.

"Besides," Irene said, her tone firm, "this film is your vision. No one understands this story better than you, and no one can replace you as director. I’m investing in your creativity and your ability, not trying to turn it into my project. Shoot it your way. If you hit any problems, we’ll back you fully."

She added, "And don’t worry about distribution. Robert used to head MGM’s Marketing Department. He knows the distribution channels inside out. We have relationships with Fox, Disney, and Warner Bros., plus Facebook’s promotional reach. We’ll get Saw into enough theaters for people to see your talent."

James Wan’s eyes warmed. He and Leigh Whannell had spent over six months pitching this project, facing endless rejection and doubt. Meeting Irene’s team was the first time they’d felt truly respected and trusted.

He nodded firmly. "Please rest assured. We’ll give this everything we have and make a great film."

"I’m looking forward to it," Irene said with a smile, extending her hand. "Happy to be working together."

"Happy to be working together!" James Wan and Leigh Whannell reached out at the same time, shaking Irene’s hand firmly.