บท 44: Public debut

The concept of a premiere had been around for quite a while, but it wasn't until the simultaneous global premiere of "Star Wars: Episode I" that it was endowed with a special significance.

Prior to that, a premiere was simply a public occasion to inform the audience that a new movie was officially released—concise and clear. Now, a premiere had evolved into a highly commercialized ritual. Well-funded production crews didn't hesitate to spend tens of millions of dollars to create a grand premiere. They invited journalists, celebrity guests, and enthusiastic fans, transforming the premiere into a show, an essential part of the public relations process, laying the groundwork for the project's commercial success.

Considering the vast disparity between TV dramas and films, HBO was the only network that hosted premieres for TV shows on a global scale. Only "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific" were treated to such premieres. Moreover, the ceremony was set to take place at Hollywood's most renowned premiere venue—the Chinese Theatre. The influential power of both Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg was evident.

However, these were just on paper. Hearing about it was never the same as truly experiencing it. When Renly caught sight of the scene outside the Chinese Theatre, he truly grasped the significance of this premiere.

Sitting in the black stretch limousine dispatched by HBO, looking out the window, he saw a massive crowd stationed on either side of Hollywood Boulevard's sidewalks. The spacious four-lane road had been narrowed into a dual lane by iron railings. The dense crowd rendered both sides impassable, forming a gathering of at least seven or eight hundred people.

In the crowd, people held up images and posters of "Band of Brothers", obstructing the view. This immersive experience showed that even after nine years, this series remained incredibly popular. Occasional glimpses of "The Pacific" promotional posters were seen, but the character posters were fewer in number, almost engulfed by the familiar faces of "Band of Brothers."

After passing by the Kodak Theatre and the El Capitan Theatre, the distinctive pagoda-style rooftop of the Chinese Theatre appeared in sight. A red carpet, not even fifty yards long, extended from the theatre's entrance, crossing the road. As Hollywood's most iconic architectural landmark, the Chinese Theatre not only reflected the Western interpretation of Chinese culture but had also become the premier location for major premiere events. The concrete outside the entrance bore the handprints and signatures of exceptional filmmakers, complementing the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Both sides of the red carpet were neatly arranged, packed with countless journalists. A row of uniformly positioned camera barrels aimed at the central stage walkway. With more than sixty reporters, the scene was congested, the enormous yet hollow lenses resembling the mouths of giant beasts, ready to devour everything in sight.

The heat filled the air, and the surging crowd felt like a legion of soldiers. The sound of clashing swords and galloping horses could be clearly heard, the grandeur and splendor of Hollywood unfolding like a scroll before his eyes.

And this was just a TV show premiere.

Taking a deep breath, Renly opened the car door and set his feet on the soft red carpet. His footsteps involuntarily pressed slightly, sensing the down-to-earth reality. He buttoned his suit and straightened his posture before taking his first steps on the red carpet.

By now, the red carpet was already bustling. Not far away, he spotted the figures of David Schwimmer and Jon Seda, who had just ascended the stairs to the side of the road. Journalists on their left halted them, engaging in brief interviews. Clearly, they had arrived on the scene before Renly.

The red carpet on the right side was ablaze with excitement. Ron Livingston, Donnie Wahlberg, Kirk Acevedo, and others were gathered together. These were all members of the "Band of Brothers" team, and Renly was surprised to see their presence at the premiere.

Amid the crowd, he caught a glimpse of Alexander Skarsgård's figure. He thought his eyes were playing tricks on him, but soon he spotted Anna Paquin's petite frame. Surrounded by reporters, she wore a brilliant smile.

Renly then realized that the cast of HBO's other popular series, "True Blood", had come as a group to support the event.

Familiar yet unfamiliar faces intersected before his eyes. With steady steps, Renly walked forward. The bustling commotion engulfed him from all sides. Everywhere he looked, the surging crowd made it difficult to find a focal point. He glanced around, trying to figure out his approach on the red carpet. Should he slow down to showcase himself? Should he join the revelry with the crowd? Or should he engage with the journalists ahead? Alternatively, should he head to the entrance of the theater and stand with his fellow cast members?

Without guidance from a manager, Renly felt out of place and uncertain. It was as though... it was as though the fans' cheers and shouts weren't meant for him, and the journalists' enthusiasm and proactiveness hadn't noticed him. Amidst the surging red carpet, he couldn't blend in, and an odd sense of isolation washed over him.

But Renly's steps remained composed, continuing steadily. He understood clearly that this was Hollywood, the real world. As a complete newcomer, even journalists might not recognize his name, let alone the audience. So, such treatment was only to be expected.

With these thoughts in mind, a smile gradually curved on his lips. The awkward distance faded away, and he began to adjust to the atmosphere and rhythm of the red carpet. Standing under the spotlight wasn't bad at all.

Bradley Adams had just finished interviewing David Schwimmer when several reporters approached.

After the end of "Friends", this male actor's career had fallen into a slump. "Band of Brothers" was the only work that he was widely known for. Most of the time, he had shifted behind the scenes. Attending the premiere today, people naturally hoped to uncover more news.

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

The lens captured a tall and straight man. He wore a military green suit, standing out amidst a palette of black and gray tones. The suit, naturally complementing the theme of "The Pacific", was paired with a pitch-black dress shirt that highlighted his broad-shouldered, narrow-waisted silhouette. His elongated legs effortlessly seized the attention of onlookers. His short, wavy hair, a tawny shade of gold, was styled into a retro side part using hair wax. His countenance appeared refreshing and clear, with a distinctive charm emanating from his gestures, leaving a unique impression that words couldn't quite capture.

If one were to say that this man was so handsome that he could move mountains and seas, many of the journalists present would likely roll their eyes in disbelief. Similarly gracing the red carpet, Alexander Skarsgård had secured the second place as the world's sexiest man last year. Everyone's sense of aesthetics was radically different, naturally leading to varied perspectives of appreciation.

However, Bradley couldn't resist pressing the shutter button, attempting to capture the fleeting moments on film. It was as if... as if he were trying to record the instant a firework burst into bloom. Just like fireworks, everyone enjoyed their brilliant and colorful display, yet understood that they were ephemeral. The extreme beauty brought joy, but also a sense of lament.

Who was this?

A cascade of question marks formed in Bradley's mind, yet he couldn't stop the shutter in his hand. When he realized that the man had already passed by, he instinctively called out, "Wait." With no address, no target, the other party naturally wouldn't halt their steps. The cacophony around swallowed Bradley's voice in an instant.

"You're here!" Rami, who had been standing at the entrance of the theater, rushed over, giving Renly an exuberant embrace. "I was just thinking, when would you arrive?"

Today, Rami was dressed in a three-piece suit, incredibly formal. A black suit, black waistcoat, and black tie, matched with a white shirt – a typical formal ensemble. However, he had added a touch of creativity in his choice of waistcoat.

Seeing Rami's serious appearance, Renly couldn't help but smile. "You look like you're about to attend a court hearing." His teasing words earned him a helpless eye roll from Rami. Before Rami could respond, a voice came from beside them. "Rami, Rami!"

Bradley quickly maneuvered through the ranks of his colleagues, reaching Rami's side. As no reporters cared about Renly's identity in the vicinity, Bradley's actions were effortless amidst the lively and chaotic scene. It was indeed too bustling and chaotic – Renly, a stranger and an unknown figure, even with some attractive features, was in Hollywood, where everyone had their own distinguishing traits. How could the reporters possibly care? Even Marilyn Monroe went through nearly five years of an extended anonymous period after her debut.

"Rami, won't you introduce this gentleman to me?" Bradley swiftly inquired.

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

With this simple introduction, Bradley suddenly realized who the newcomer was. The name from the rumors finally matched the person in front of him. Bradley's eyes lit up. This kind of newcomer, someone without any acting experience, had been spotted by Steven and cast as the lead in "The Pacific". It was a soaring start. An instant news highlight emerged.

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