From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Inside the Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Bob Iger maintained a calm facade, engaging in conversations and social interactions with composure, showcasing Disney's confidence and poise.

But in reality, he was like a duck paddling furiously underwater, his feet working hard to maintain the appearance of serenity.

The anxiety and unease in his heart were uncontrollable.

Judging from the current situation, the premiere publicity for "The Princess Diaries" was mediocre, offering limited help for the opening weekend box office, casting a shadow over its prospects.

What could be done?

Perhaps they should have placed their hopes on "The Princess Diaries" from the start; after all, the film's positioning from the production stage was never that of a heavyweight blockbuster, and now it was being asked to play such a role, which was indeed a tall order. Their temporary strategy was too hasty.

His mind raced for a moment.

While not panicking, they certainly needed to prepare for all possibilities—

Continue increasing publicity expenses and launching more promotions; or perhaps change strategies?

Just then.

Boom!

An incredible heatwave erupted outside the theater, and everyone turned to look. Even from inside, they could feel the vibration in the air, as the rolling heatwave instantly filled the lobby of the Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

And it was still rising.

"Ah! Ah ah ah!"

"It seems Julie has arrived. As expected, Mary Poppins still has extraordinary appeal." Someone guessed, and people exchanged glances. Even they had some anticipation for Julie Andrews.

Bob felt slightly relieved. It seemed their strategy of focusing publicity on Julie was the right move. Perhaps they should invite Julie onto some talk shows to further increase exposure and awaken the audience's childhood memories.

"No, Julie hasn't arrived yet. It's the male lead of the movie, Anson, who has arrived on the red carpet."

Someone next to him explained.

"I heard Anson's look is shocking, sparking heated discussions at the theater entrance. The reporters are going crazy."

The crowd exchanged confused glances, unsure whether they should be happy or worried—

Attention and buzz were good things; but a controversial look? Disney didn't need that.

Bob: ?

Anson, who? Did "The Princess Diaries" have a male lead? And what level of shock was this controversial look? Michael Eisner needed controversy the least right now. Even if "The Princess Diaries" flopped at the box office, it wouldn't matter, but a controversial topic could become an excuse for the board of directors to make things difficult.

For Disney, they would rather the movie's box office take some pressure than damage their image.

Bob felt somewhat agitated. He maintained his composure and silently began to walk towards the door. Although he had restrained himself and didn't reveal his emotions, everyone present was astute and knew what this meant.

The air was slightly tense.

At the same time.

Outside the Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Anne Hathaway felt the surging heatwave as soon as she arrived. The red carpet was densely packed with figures stretching as far as the eye could see, and she felt uncertain—

Besides excitement and exhilaration, she felt more nervous and uneasy.

Anne leaned forward. "Are there a lot of people here today?"

After all, this was Anne's first official appearance as an actress. Compared to Anson, she had no experience, naturally making her more apprehensive.

"I'm not sure. The situation is a bit unusual. But I heard Anson just arrived."

Someone in front explained.

Anne breathed a sigh of relief. "Anson has arrived? That's great."

Her unease and nervousness subsided slightly, and then Anne revealed a smile.

"I'm ready."

The car slowly pulled up in front of the Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

Anne lifted the hem of her lace dress, adjusted her breathing again, suppressed her nervousness, and put on a sweet smile, finally ready to step into the spotlight and officially begin her acting career—

Only at this moment did it feel somewhat real, like an ice cube dropping into her stomach, causing her entire stomach to contract and spasm.

Snap.

The car door opened.

There was no time to hesitate now. Anne stepped out.

A wave of heat pounced at her, and the dark mass of people filled her vision. Silver flashes of light roared down like a waterfall, instantly engulfing her hearing and sight. The world fell into boundless darkness and silence, and her right foot, which had just reached out, missed the ground, losing its balance without warning, and then she began to fall.

A ray of sunlight pierced through the darkness.

Then, Anne saw Anson's eyes, like the Aegean Sea in August, deep and clear. A gentle breeze rippled across the fish-scale waves, and lazy sunlight danced on the waves, refreshing her heart.

"Careful, Princess."

Another teasing voice came from her ear, instantly reminding Anne of the weight of gravity. An annoyed expression appeared on her face, and she grimaced and closed her eyes.

"Did everyone see that?"

"Ha." Anson's laughter rumbled in his chest. He comforted her, "It's okay, we covered it up well. I believe no one will notice."

Click.

Click, click, click.

The sound of shutters filled the air, and the noise and chaos of the scene continued to surge. Anne could feel her skin slightly burning. She knew things weren't that simple—

They didn't just notice it; they also recorded it with their cameras.

Embarrassing, so embarrassing.

So, this was her debut?

But amazingly, Anson's voice quietly rang in her ear, so much so that the surrounding surge, like a tide, completely receded. Her panicked heart calmed down again, and she regained her strength.

If Anson was there, it didn't seem so bad.

"Come on, grab my hand, support your body, straighten your knees, and regain your balance."

"Stand up straight."

"Calm down, put on a smile, pretend nothing happened, and continue to get out of the car."

"As long as you are confident enough, other people's gazes will no longer matter."

Anson's voice made the corners of Anne's mouth turn up again.

Click, click, click... …

When Bob Iger returned to the entrance of the Grauman's Chinese Theatre, he happened to see this scene.

The flashbulbs were bright, and all the reporters unanimously pressed their shutters. There was no shouting or cheering, only the sound of the shutters surging throughout Hollywood Boulevard, with bursts of echoes.

In a silver halo of light, he could faintly outline the two figures at the beginning of the red carpet—

A princess in full dress was leaving her vehicle, and a handsome knight extended his left hand, helping the princess to appear. The beautiful white lace skirt swayed in the wind.

The two exchanged a glance. After the small crisis was successfully resolved, they smiled at each other, the corners of their mouths slightly raised, tacitly exchanging thoughts, until the princess stood on flat ground.

One on the left and one on the right, a handsome man and a beautiful woman, a match made in heaven, like an oil painting, so perfect that it was unbelievable. Time was permanently frozen at this moment.

Recording a classic.