Hollywood: The Greatest Showman

Chapter 44: Public Debut

The concept of premiere has existed for a long time, but it wasn't until the global simultaneous premiere of "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" that it was endowed with special significance.

Before that, premieres were simply public occasions to announce "the official release of a new film" to all viewers, straightforward and clear; now, premieres have become highly commercialized ceremonies. Wealthy production crews spare no expense, sometimes spending tens of millions of dollars to create a premiere, inviting journalists, celebrity guests, and passionate fans. They truly turn the premiere into a show, an important part of the public relations and promotional process, laying the groundwork for the commercial success of the work.

Considering the vast difference in levels between television dramas and films, only HBO and its works "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific" have held premieres specifically for television dramas globally. Furthermore, these ceremonies have been held at the most prestigious premiere venue in Hollywood, the Chinese Theatre. The industry clout of Tom and Steven is evident.

However, these are just on paper. It wasn't until the scene outside the Chinese Theatre that Renly truly understood the significance of this premiere.

Sitting in the black stretch limousine dispatched by HBO, Renly looked out the window to see a vast crowd standing on both sides of Hollywood Boulevard. The spacious four-lane road had been divided into two lanes by iron railings, and the dense crowd made it look like there were at least seven or eight hundred people.

The crowd held up pictures and posters of "Band of Brothers," filling the sight, making it clear that even nine years later, this series was still very popular. Occasionally, posters of "The Pacific" could be seen, but there were fewer character posters, almost drowned out by the familiar faces of "Band of Brothers."

After passing by the Kodak Theatre and the El Capitan Theatre, the iconic roof of the Chinese Theatre appeared in sight. Between the two stone lions at the entrance, a red carpet measuring less than fifty yards was laid out, extending from the theater's entrance across the road. As Hollywood's most iconic landmark building, the Chinese Theatre not only embodies Western understanding of Chinese culture but has also become the top venue for major premieres. The concrete ground at the entrance is covered with handprints, footprints, and signatures of outstanding filmmakers, juxtaposed with the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

On both sides of the red carpet, numerous journalists stood neatly in rows, with rows of neatly arranged camera lenses aimed at the central stage. A lineup of more than sixty journalists made the scene extremely crowded, and the large and hollow lenses seemed like the mouths of giants, ready to devour everything in front of them.

The hot air filled the air, and the surging crowd resembled a mighty army. The grandeur and magnificence of Hollywood unfolded like a scroll before the eyes.

And this was just a television drama premiere.

Taking a deep breath, Renly opened the car door, stepped onto the soft red carpet, and felt the ground beneath his feet. He straightened his suit, stood tall, and then began to walk, embarking on his first journey down the red carpet.

At this point, the red carpet was already bustling. In the distance, he could see the figures of David Schwimmer and Jon Seda just stepping onto the sidewalk stairs. Journalists on the left stopped them for a brief interview; clearly, they had arrived before Renly.

On the right side of the red carpet, there was a fervent crowd. Actors like Ron Livingston, Donnie Wahlberg, and Kirk Acevedo were gathered together, all from "Band of Brothers." Unexpectedly, they had specially attended the premiere today.

In the midst of the crowd, Renly caught a glimpse of Alexander Skarsg?rd. He thought he might be seeing things, but then he saw Anna Paquin's petite figure, flashing a bright smile amidst the heavy press coverage.

Renly realized then that the entire cast of HBO's other popular series "True Blood" had come to support as well.

As unfamiliar yet familiar faces swirled before his eyes, Renly walked steadily forward, gradually adapting to the atmosphere and rhythm of the red carpet. Standing under the spotlight didn't feel bad at all.

Bradley Adams had just finished interviewing David Schwimmer, and several reporters quickly approached.

After "Friends," David had somewhat faded from the limelight. "Band of Brothers" was his only well-known work. Most of the time, he moved behind the scenes. His presence at the premiere today naturally attracted attention and curiosity.

Bradley Adams lowered his head to check the photos in his camera, casually flipped through them, then raised his lens again, aiming at the beginning of the red carpet, waiting for the next interview-worthy subject to appear. As a senior reporter for the entertainment section of The New York Times, his focus naturally differed from that of tabloids like Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, and TMZ.

His lens captured the figure of a tall man in a military green suit at the beginning of the red carpet amidst the somber black and gray tones. The man's ensemble matched the theme of "The Pacific," and his black shirt perfectly complemented the suit. The first button of his suit was fastened, accentuating his broad shoulders and slim waist. His long legs effortlessly caught everyone's attention. With his light brown hair styled in a retro side part, his face appeared refreshing and clear. His every move exuded a special charm that couldn't be accurately described in words.

If you want to say that this man is earth-shatteringly handsome, it is estimated that many reporters present will roll their eyes directly, Alexander Skarsg?rd, who also appeared on the red carpet, was the winner of the second hottest man in the world last year, and everyone's aesthetics are completely different, which is also destined to be appreciated from different angles.

But Bradley couldn't help but press the shutter in his hand, trying to record the moment when time stood still with film, as if ... Just like the moment when fireworks bloom, everyone likes the splendor of fireworks, but they understand that fireworks are fleeting, and the ultimate beauty makes people happy, but it makes people sigh.

Who is this?

Questions filled Bradley's mind as he continued to snap pictures. When he realized the man had already walked past him, he instinctively shouted, "Wait." Without addressing him by name, without a specific target, naturally, the man wouldn't stop. The surrounding noise instantly swallowed Bradley's voice.

"You're here!" Rami, who had been standing at the theater's entrance, rushed over excitedly and gave Renly a big hug. "I was just thinking when you'd arrive."

Today, Rami wore a three-piece suit, looking very formal. A black suit, black vest, black tie, matched with a white shirt, a typical formal attire for such occasions. However, he had put some thought into the use of the vest.

Seeing Rami's solemn appearance, Renly couldn't help but laugh. "You look like you're about to appear in court." His teasing words made Rami roll his eyes helplessly. Before Rami could respond, a voice came from beside them, "Rami, Rami!"

Bradley quickly made his way through the crowd of his colleagues and stood by Rami's side. Since no reporters cared about Renly's identity, Bradley's actions were effortless. The scene was too chaotic and noisy; Renly, an unknown face, might have some attractive features, but this was Hollywood. How could reporters care? Even Marilyn Monroe had gone through nearly five years of obscurity after her debut.

"Rami, can you introduce me to this gentleman?" Bradley quickly asked.

Rami didn't know Bradley, but he recognized the logo of "The New York Times" on Bradley's backpack. He smiled and said, "Renly Hall, one of the three main actors in our series."

With a simple introduction, Bradley suddenly realized—the name he had heard in rumors finally matched the person in front of him. His eyes lit up. Such a newcomer, without any acting experience, had caught Steven's eye and was cast as the lead in "The Pacific." That was quite a meteoric rise. A news angle immediately emerged.

However, before Bradley could continue speaking, a wave of uncontrollable screams erupted from the beginning of the red carpet. Everyone turned to look—Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg had arrived!