From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

"Lucas Wood appeared at the entrance of Sony Columbia Pictures, joining the protest."

A post appeared in an online forum and spread like wildfire in a short period of time.

After all, this was the hottest and most sensational topic of the past few days, with so much news that it had become annoying, like, "Why is it still this matter?"

But despite the annoyance, people couldn't help but be shocked again by the progress of the matter when they inadvertently glanced at related news or posts.

The public opinion, which had gradually stabilized after Sony Columbia's official statement, seemed to be wavering again, with various speculations emerging—

The matter might not be so simple, and Sony Columbia might not be as innocent as it claimed.

"This is not surprising. It's Wall Street after all."

The rustling whispers spread on the internet and in the streets.

However, not everyone could keep up with the news immediately—it was Monday, and people had their own work to do. If they missed the news updates in the pantry during lunch, they would find out when they finally came to their senses during afternoon tea and overheard a couple of discussions:

What, when did that happen? How did things develop to this point? So what's the situation now?

Things change in an instant.

Although this term is not used to describe such occasions or events, in fact, it is indeed the case now, with news updating every moment.

Quietly, on this busy Monday, going to the pantry to gossip has become the best choice for employees of companies large and small to slack off.

Originally, people thought that the three news updates in one day—fans gathering, Sony Columbia's official statement, and Lucas's appearance—were already outrageous and crazy enough.

But no one expected that this was still not the end.

"What?"

After a thunderclap, rustling sounds came from the pantry, with everyone whispering to each other, so that it was impossible to hear the specific words, but it was possible to clearly feel the aftershocks of the shock stirring up layers of ripples, spreading out in circles, and everyone was immersed in shock and unable to extricate themselves.

From afar, John Quinn saw this scene. The small pantry was already filled with people, even overflowing, like a carnival scene.

Involuntarily, John also stopped—

Because of Lucas Wood and Brad Pitt, John had also uncontrollably started paying attention to the news these past few days.

Staying in New York temporarily instead of returning to San Francisco, the main purpose was for Brad Pitt. John hoped that this collaboration could still happen.

But unexpectedly, in these short few days, John realized that Anson Wood's influence far exceeded his imagination.

"...Heath Ledger stated in a telephone interview with 'American Weekly' that Sony Columbia called him..."

A voice stood in the center of the pantry, holding a PDA in his hand, reading the news aloud, becoming the focus of everyone's attention.

"They inquired about my schedule for the next three months and were preparing to conduct a short audition, asking if I would be willing to immediately join the cast to play Peter Parker."

Gasp!

A burst of exclamations, and those whispering voices all disappeared. Everyone held their breath, staring intently at the small PDA.

"At that time, I didn't even know that Anson was injured."

Silence.

Even breathing and heartbeats were cut off. Although they had expected that Sony Columbia might not be so simple and innocent, the reality was still unexpected:

Anson was injured one moment, and Sony Columbia had already started making arrangements the next?

Not willing to wait even a second.

Please, what is Sony Columbia thinking? Is its head full of weeds?

"I said 'no,' I'm not interested."

"Anson is my friend. I respect my friend's work. I always believe that Anson is the best choice for Peter Parker. If Anson completes his work smoothly, I have no reason to compete for this role. So, I refused."

"It wasn't until later that I learned that Anson was injured."

"Upon learning this news, my first reaction was anger. I don't know what Sony Columbia is thinking. At this time, they should show their support for Anson, instead of considering how to replace their actor, and a great actor at that."

"I sincerely hope that Anson can recover as soon as possible. I don't believe that another Peter Parker should appear on the big screen."

Clap clap clap, clap clap clap.

Sparse applause rang out in the pantry, cheering for Heath Ledger's response.

However, not everyone agreed.

Some people thought that friendship is friendship, and opportunity is opportunity. Heath should seize such an opportunity. This is not the time to show his noble qualities.

Others believed that no one rejects fair competition, and friendship must give way to professionalism, but the act of stabbing in the back is unforgivable.

There was also a small minority who thought that since Sony Columbia could whitewash things and maintain its image, why couldn't Heath? Perhaps Heath competed for the role but was not selected, and now he is pretending to be noble, maintaining his image, and acting like a close friend.

This is Hollywood, anything is possible.

Trivial discussions stirred up violent fluctuations again, but the gossip expert holding the PDA in the center dropped another bombshell.

"Regardless of whether Heath Ledger is covering up his image, Sony Columbia is lying. This matter is already a certainty. Because there are other witnesses."

"Robert Pattinson, another actor who appeared on TMZ's list, gave a positive answer, 'Yes, they invited me to audition for Peter Parker. I participated and am waiting for a response; but that was before I learned that Anson was injured. I didn't know Anson was injured on set the day before when I auditioned.'"

Wow.

A burst of uproar.

In other words, in the short twenty-four hours after Anson's injury, Sony Columbia did a series of things, demonstrating the style of a large company.

If Anson's injury was serious, causing Sony Columbia to have to make alternative plans, although it was uncomfortable, it would be understandable; but judging from the timeline, when Anson's situation was unclear, Sony Columbia had already started on the second plan, with amazing speed.

Should this be called professional, or cold-blooded?

"Wait, who is that Robert Pattinson? Can the words of some nobody be trusted?" Someone in the crowd questioned.

The PDA controller shrugged slightly, "You got me there. I don't know who he is either, but I think, some nobody wouldn't want to offend Sony Columbia, right?"

Everyone nodded.

If Sony Columbia was going to lie, it should have issued a gag order to the actors on the audition list. Although time was tight and there was no time to sign a confidentiality agreement, a verbal warning was inevitable.

Now, a nobody actor is willing to step forward and reveal the truth—

Perhaps, this is what Sony Columbia has been hiding all along.