"Are you sure?"
Sam, though trying his best to control himself, couldn't hide the nervousness in his voice. His cautious tone betrayed his concern.
Anson, however, was different.
This was someone bold enough to take a chance on "The Princess Diaries 2," despite knowing it could flop. Now, facing the challenge of "Spider-Man 2," Anson was gearing up, ready to face it head-on.
With a beaming smile, Anson glanced at Kristen instead of answering Sam directly.
"What do you think? Confident?"
His look spoke volumes.
This wasn't just a question of preparation; it was a test of performance, and the responsibility fell on both Anson and Kristen. Anson's first instinct was to check in with his co-star.
They had already worked together once before, and now the opportunity had come again.
Kristen had been quietly listening on the side, feeling a bit strange. She had come to terms with not pursuing the role of Mary Jane any further. But Anson had been pushing, not just for Mary Jane, but also for a more complete film.
His persistence showed her his passion.
Kristen saw it in Anson's eyes, and she couldn't help but feel her own buried excitement resurface—reminded of why she had said yes to auditioning for "Spider-Man" in the first place.
A smile crept up on her face. "Of course."
Anson nodded slightly, turning to Sam. "Of course, we're confident."
Kristen chuckled softly, starting to feel a sense of anticipation.
Sam, glancing at Kristen and then back at Anson, felt some of the pressure lift. A smile returned to his face. "Then, no problem. We can begin filming."
Finally!
Without further pleasantries, Sam left the trailer to prepare for shooting.
Standing at the trailer door, Sam paused and let out a long breath. The pressure was still there and would continue to be, but at least for now, he could start to feel some excitement for the shoot ahead.
Confidence came from Anson.
If you let fear of failure paralyze you, even a potentially successful project would reflect only anxiety and confusion. A success could easily turn into a disaster. So why not go all out?
After all, Sam hadn't imagined he would really get to direct a "Spider-Man" movie, much less achieve the success he had and be offered a sequel.
He needed to seize this chance and enjoy the ride.
Looking up at the not-so-bright New York sky, Sam set off again, this time with lighter steps.
Inside the trailer, James stood on tiptoe at the kitchen sink, watching Sam's retreating figure until he was out of sight. Then, unable to hold back any longer, James raised his arms high and shouted in excitement.
Roaring, roaring with joy.
James pranced around the trailer, unleashing all his happiness and excitement.
Missing out on the role of Peter Parker had always been a regret for James. He believed there was potential in Harry's character, but the studio didn't want to spend too much time developing another role.
But now, the opportunity had arrived.
The Green Goblin's son could also grow, just like Spider-Man, and have his own arc. From the current script, the film hinted at a third installment, with the Green Goblin playing a significant role. This meant Harry and Spider-Man would grow together, eventually standing on opposite sides of good and evil for a final showdown, bringing the series to a perfect conclusion.
If James seized this opportunity and performed well in the second movie, it was very possible that in the third one, the Green Goblin could become a legendary supervillain, just like Jack Nicholson's Joker in the 1989 "Batman."
The mere thought of this potential future filled James with overwhelming joy, and he let out a howl of delight.
Like a madman.
"Anson!"
"Anson, Anson, Anson!"
James grabbed Anson in a tight hug and planted a big kiss on his cheek.
"Dude, thank you so much. I love you!"
Across the room, Kristen let out a startled yelp.
Anson, however, was used to this. This guy had a bad habit of getting too affectionate when he drank, and after being scolded once, he never learned. Everyone had pretty much given up on him.
Anson glanced sideways at James. "Hah, all talk. If you really wanted to thank me, you'd open your wallet and share half your paycheck."
James clutched his chest in mock disbelief, stammering, "You…you…"
Then he collapsed, splaying his arms and legs out dramatically.
Anson shrugged lightly. "Is this some kind of new ostrich tactic?"
Kristen burst out laughing, unable to hold back any longer.
Anson ignored James and turned to Kristen. "Sorry."
Kristen was puzzled.
Anson explained, "I tried to push for another chance, but it didn't work."
Kristen immediately understood.
Anson added, "It wasn't just for you. I'm not that selfless. I also wanted Peter Parker to look cooler."
A smile appeared on Kristen's face. "I get it. Totally understand. But…thank you!"
"You don't have to apologize. I should be the one thanking you."
"I don't like this character. She comes across as a little girl lost in her own world. You can tell the writing team had no women on it; they're just writing what they imagine women are like."
"So, she's a spoiled girl, waiting to be saved. You can see right through her. She's not even a proper 'eye candy' character."
"But I didn't say anything. I didn't protest. I just told myself to play the part, collect my paycheck, and leave."
"I thought there was no point in fighting. I knew what kind of project this was from the start, and I shouldn't complain. I should accept the consequences like an adult."
Anson interrupted, "Being an adult means taking responsibility, but it also means speaking up for yourself, even if it ends in failure."
Kristen paused, a glimmer of emotion in her eyes as she looked at Anson.
Then she nodded. "I learned that today. So, I should be thanking you, not the other way around."
Anson shrugged. "Step by step. One day, we'll have enough say to take on the roles and projects we want."
Kristen couldn't help but feel a bit emotional, but she quickly composed herself, turning her feelings into a smile. She nodded. "For that day."
Anson replied, "For that day."
Off to the side, James suddenly stopped playing dead and shot up. "What are you two talking about? Why don't I understand?"
Anson, completely unfazed, said, "The troubles of being eye candy. You're not even qualified to be eye candy, so you don't have to worry."
James: "…"
"Eye candy? Me?"
"Hey, who are you calling unqualified to be eye candy? How dare you insult me like that?"
"Anson, I'm going to expose your true nature to the media!"