The Arrangement, a new show from Mad Men producer Jonathan Abrahams acquired by E! earlier this year may have been inspired by an IRL Hollywood story. Today The Hollywood Reporter reports eerily similar ties between the pilot script and the story of actor, famed Scientologist, and completer of impossible missions Tom Cruise and his strange former relationship with Katie Holmes. Read the network's description of the show:
"A Cinderella story for modern times, with a dramatic and complicated Hollywood twist. The drama follows Megan Morrison, a beautiful young actress who auditions for the female lead in a summer blockbuster playing opposite Kyle West, the hottest actor of the moment. After an amazing audition segues into a dream-like first date, Megan’s Cinderella story takes a turn to the bizarre when she is presented with a contract that details an entire relationship with Kyle. Megan must weigh her options and the benefits and consequences to her career and her life overall ... and decide whether or not she will accept 'The Arrangement.'"
An actress who is given a shitload of money to be in a relationship an A-lister? Hmm. What's more, this fictional actor is a member of a spiritual organization called The Institute for the Higher Mind, headed by his best friend, who takes credit for his career. Uhh, this SCREAMS Tom Cruise-Katie Holmes-David Miscavige Scientology rumors. THR adds that the pilot shows Kyle and Megan going off to Italy as their first date, which is where Cruise and Holmes were first seen together. (Oh, my!)
Despite the glaring similarities, an E! rep denies the inspiration: "The character of Kyle West is not at all inspired by anyone in particular. Kyle is a young, rising star who was recently left at the altar by his actress ex-girlfriend."
Okay, sure.
