"Leaving is the easiest solution, but it's also the most foolish one."
"Turning your back on a giant like Sony Columbia may seem bold, but Sony Columbia won't shed a single tear for us."
Simple and direct, the truth is harsh and unforgiving.
Blair, filled with anger and pain, grasped the reality of the situation, trying to find a way out of their predicament.
How should they fight back?
Karen was even more furious, but after her anger subsided, a sense of bitterness and helplessness settled in. This was part of why she disliked growing up.
In real life, there are too many unsolvable problems. One by one, these issues slowly grind down people's sharp edges, leaving them as nothing more than ordinary members of the masses, living their lives numb and stiff, like the walking dead.
Karen said, "So, we do nothing? Swallow our pride and keep making money for Sony Columbia?"
Blair replied, "Yes, we should keep making money for them, but we won't do it disgracefully."
Karen was skeptical.
Blair took a deep breath. "Karen, we need to make sure Sony Columbia hears our voices and feels our strength."
"Yes, Sony Columbia is a giant, and we are just insignificant ants with no voice. But if there are enough ants, they will notice us."
"We need to show Sony Columbia just how many people are standing behind Anson. And they need to understand that we're not supporting Spider-Man because of them, but because of Anson."
"Then, yes, we'll buy tickets to support 'Spider-Man 2,' but to be precise, we're supporting Anson."
"Imagine if the box office continues to break records. Everyone will know it's because of Anson—he's the only reason. Then, when negotiations for the third movie happen, that's when we strike. We'll make Sony Columbia pay."
"If Anson isn't in the third movie, we'll boycott it. We'll make it clear to Sony Columbia that this is the case."
"When the time comes, if Sony Columbia doesn't want to dismantle a franchise that's had two wildly successful films, they'll have to compromise with Anson. That will be when Anson bites back at them, and we won't just make them bleed—we'll make them hurt."
"Who knows? Maybe we can get Sony Columbia to work for Anson, with most of the box office revenue going into his pocket."
It was wild, bold, and beyond belief.
This was still 2003. Paramount Pictures hadn't yet started working for Tom Cruise in the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise, where most of the box office profits would end up in his pocket. The idea of a movie company bending to an actor's will was pure fantasy at this point.
For the general public, if Anson had the courage and determination to walk away from the 'Spider-Man' series, that would be bold enough, like slapping Sony Columbia in the face.
It wouldn't be that Sony Columbia was replacing Anson, but that Anson refused to keep working for them.
Even such a small act of defiance seemed like the limit of what people could imagine. Karen represented the majority.
Blair's idea was simply… shocking.
Karen was stunned, "Is. That. Even. Possible?"
She uttered each word slowly, as if doubting her own ears.
Blair suddenly became self-conscious. "I don't have that much confidence. I was just daydreaming."
Karen let out a sigh of relief.
Blair continued, "This is just my personal idea—a little fantasy."
"But Karen, we need to let Anson know that he's not alone in standing up to the giant. At the same time, we need to make Sony Columbia understand that Anson isn't just some disposable pawn."
"So, whether Anson decides to stay or leave, we will be his strongest support."
Karen swallowed, nodding heavily. "Alright, I get it. So, what should we do?"
Blair said, "We need to gather as many friends as possible—the more, the better. Remember, Karen, as many as possible. Everyone we know. Ideally, we want young people, between 18 and 49 years old, because that's the demographic the movie companies care about."
Karen rolled her eyes, "Like I know anyone over fifty. Please, my dad's not even fifty yet."
…
Monday morning, clear skies.
A new week in New York, and the city remained as busy as ever.
Although the entertainment news had exploded over the past few days, New York continued to absorb it with ease. After all, this is a city that can contain multitudes.
Beyond the entertainment headlines, the city continued its fast pace, with people rushing by, not stopping for anything.
In Midtown Manhattan, at 550 Madison Avenue—the headquarters of Sony Columbia—everything was business as usual. There was no chaos or anxiety, and the scene was no different from the previous week, even though the entire North American entertainment industry storm was now swirling around this building.
But big companies are used to weathering storms. Even in the face of huge waves and heavy rains, the headquarters continued to operate normally.
Among the throngs of people rushing to work, a young man with long hair tied in a ponytail, dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, and carrying a backpack, appeared. He looked just like any of the hundreds of thousands of tourists in New York, maybe a student on a graduation trip—completely ordinary, not attracting any attention.
The young man with the ponytail stood at the entrance of Sony Columbia's headquarters, not waiting long before two other young people hurried over from the direction of the subway station.
"Gloria!"
At the call, Gloria Preston turned and smiled when she saw the newcomers.
"Blair! Karen!"
Although Gloria lived in Los Angeles and Blair and Karen in New York, separated by the entire continent, since they'd met at the premiere of 'Spider-Man,' they'd stayed in touch online and quickly became good friends.
Blair looked around, "Where's Elaine?"
Before Gloria could answer, a voice called from behind them, "Hey, guys!"
"Sorry, I just spotted a newsstand that had the June issue of 'Vogue'—with Anson's Cannes fashion spread! I thought I'd never find it, but there it was! Ha!"
The person waved the magazine in her hand, a bright smile on her face.
Karen looked her up and down. "Classic Elaine, always in a princess dress."
Elaine Cole was wearing a simple T-shirt and jeans, but over them, she'd layered a ballet tutu skirt, its puffy lace blooming like flowers—quirky and unique, sticking to her signature princess style.
Gloria was used to it by now; after all, they'd met at the premiere of 'The Princess Diaries.'
Elaine gave a shy smile, saying nothing, but her eyes sparkled with excitement.
Gloria glanced around and finally fixed her eyes on Blair. "So, are we starting here? Is this the spot you booked in advance?"