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The Vanity Fair is such a thing—top actors have the power to challenge major film companies, but they carry so many vested interests that they often refuse to speak up. Meanwhile, lower-tier actors lack that power, but they still carry the courage and boldness of idealists.
When faced with a giant like Sony Columbia, seasoned Hollywood veterans would never speak up lightly when the situation is unclear. Only the fearless rookies, with nothing to lose, would speak out passionately and reveal the truth.
That's precisely why someone like Robert Pattinson, an "unknown," is often the one telling the truth.
However, real life is never that simple.
Because Robert Pattinson is a nobody, he has no credibility or reputation. When he stands up to confront a giant like Sony Columbia, his words will face countless challenges and attacks. Even his character, his work, and his life could undergo complete scrutiny.
After all, it's much easier to trust Sony Columbia than to believe a stranger.
This is contradictory, but it's also the reality, which is why the road of an ant challenging a giant is always long and difficult and often ends in failure.
The PDA holder understood this as well. He scanned the faces in the break room, noticing the various expressions, a hint of amusement showing on his own face. He deliberately waited a moment, allowing the hushed discussions to spread, letting suspense and controversy brew before raising the PDA in his right hand high—
Just like Frodo lifting the One Ring.
"'Us Weekly' found a third witness."
Instantly, the room erupted.
Speculations rushed in. "Jack? Could it be Jake Gyllenhaal?"
"Didn't I read somewhere that Jake and Anson are friends? Shouldn't Jake avoid getting involved, like how spouses shouldn't testify for each other in court because they might give false testimony to benefit their partner? It's the same with Jake."
"Exactly! Now, to help Anson, Jake might say anything. His testimony shouldn't count. It's not credible."
Everyone was familiar with the list TMZ had published, with all the names on it well-known. The moment they heard there was a third witness, Jake Gyllenhaal's name immediately came to mind, and people began sharing their opinions.
The PDA holder couldn't hide his smugness. "No, it's not Jake Gyllenhaal."
Shock!
Everyone's eyes widened, like maids eavesdropping on secrets in a dramatic soap opera.
"It's Henry Cavill."
Everyone: ??? Who?
"Ahem." The PDA holder realized his bombshell didn't have the expected impact, so he awkwardly added, "He's a new actor who's appeared in a movie and a few TV shows—not a complete nobody."
"But anyway, Henry Cavill confirmed that he also auditioned for Peter Parker."
Since his bombshell didn't create a stir, the PDA holder, an expert in gossip discussions, quickly returned the focus by presenting evidence.
"This proves that Sony Columbia is lying. That list wasn't some secret project audition pool; it was the list of Spider-Man candidates."
"No matter how Sony Columbia tries to spin it, their attempt to hide the truth says it all—they're clearly a bunch of rats."
The room buzzed with whispers.
In the narrow, cramped space, the heat rose as everyone whispered excitedly. Although no one was speaking loudly, the tension was palpable.
Now, the room was in chaos.
John Quinn, slightly disinterested, had thought there might be something truly shocking, only to find out it was just another case of a Hollywood giant lying. Isn't that just business as usual? What company would foolishly reveal their true intentions? It wasn't anything worth being surprised about.
As John turned to leave, he found the exit blocked by a cleaning lady with a mop, listening intently. She turned to see John's face and exclaimed, "Mr. Quinn!"
Her shout was like a thunderclap, causing everyone in the room to look at John.
Although this wasn't John's company—he was only borrowing the office—everyone knew who he was, unlike the rest of the ordinary workers there.
John, feeling a bit embarrassed, was about to say something to defuse the situation, but before he could, the people around him acted first.
After exchanging glances, they scattered in all directions like birds fleeing a storm.
The room, which had been bustling just moments ago, was now completely empty. The break room was deserted.
John stood at the doorway, slightly disoriented, looking at the empty room left in the wake of the storm, unsure how to react.
Meanwhile, while John wasn't fazed by the "big news," the interview with Us Weekly quickly spread.
All thanks to TMZ.
Initially, Us Weekly was a weekly publication. Their last issue had just been released, and they were still preparing for the new one. They hadn't planned to follow the incident closely since, in 2003, the demand for up-to-the-minute news wasn't as extreme.
But the news couldn't be stopped.
So, Us Weekly ran an interview with the three audition candidates and updated their website, casually dropping a bombshell.
Unfortunately, it didn't make a splash.
Compared to other magazines, Us Weekly's website was barren, drawing almost no traffic. Even though they updated it quickly, the clicks were pitiful, and the story was soon drowned in the sea of internet information.
However, TMZ was ready. They were geared up for a showdown with Sony Columbia, monitoring all developments, including their competitors. Naturally, they didn't miss Us Weekly's report.
Without hesitation, TMZ reprinted Us Weekly's story.
And they did it without delay.
TMZ had taken timeliness to new heights.
But TMZ was different. Standing at the center of the storm, they led in visits and page views. Some people even refreshed the site every 30 minutes, unwilling to miss a single update.
When Us Weekly's report appeared on TMZ's homepage, it caused an explosion.
At that moment, people didn't know whether to be more shocked that TMZ would so boldly reprint a competitor's news or that there was still a twist to the story.
In the end, the eager public couldn't contain their excitement, and Us Weekly's report spread far and wide.
Everything became clear once again—
Sony Columbia had lied.
Harry Percy's list was real. Us Weekly and Entertainment Weekly's reports were real. Sony Columbia was ruthlessly planning to abandon Anson. That was real too.
Not only did Sony Columbia fail to take responsibility for the accident, but they were also ready to abandon the very person who had cemented Spider-Man's success without any valid reason.
Now, the situation truly exploded, reaching new heights.