Entertainment: Starting as a Succubus, Taking Hollywood by Storm

June 7th.

China National Grand Theater.

The premiere of Spider-Man was taking place here.

Spider-Man was Columbia Pictures' most important film project of the year, and not only did the cast and crew attend, but even the typically absent-from-such-events Japanese president—Isanouchi Yuken—had personally shown up.

At that moment, he was inside the theater questioning Ian Bryce, the film's producer.

"You've seen the final cut? How does it feel? Will it be a box office hit?"

Ian Bryce's expression was complicated—nervous yet confident.

With Columbia Pictures struggling in recent years, as the head of production, he was under immense pressure.

The Spider-Man film project had been his proposal, and it was also his idea to cast Martin as Peter Parker.

If the film flopped, he'd likely be packing his bags.

But after watching the final cut, he had undeniable confidence because the quality was excellent.

However—quality aside, Hollywood box office success had always been a mystery. A good film didn't necessarily mean high ticket sales.

Take The Shawshank Redemption, for example—a film that perfectly fit American tastes. Yet, upon release, what was its box office total?

A mere $28.8 million. Its production budget had exceeded $26 million, making it a financial disaster at the time.

No matter how stellar its reputation was, audiences just weren't willing to go to the theater for it.

Of course, it later made a killing in VHS sales, but that was another story.

So, when faced with Isanouchi Yuken's inquiry, Ian Bryce hesitated for a moment before cleverly dodging the question:

"The film's quality is undeniable. As for the box office…" He paused before playing his trump card. "This is a movie Martin chose, and he's never had a flop."

Sure enough, Isanouchi Yuken took the bait, nodding and smiling. "That's right. If Martin agreed to star in it, that means he believes in this film. And X-Men, released in 2000, was also a Marvel adaptation, and it did quite well. I trust Spider-Man will be no different."

Ian Bryce let out a sigh of relief. That's what you think—I never said that!

Just then, an enormous wave of cheers erupted from outside.

Ian Bryce chuckled. "Mr. President, that should be Martin arriving."

…

On the red carpet, Martin surveyed the dense crowd and the countless Spider-Man posters being held up, feeling a surge of satisfaction.

The center of attention—who else but him?

Back in the Demonic Realm, he had never received such treatment!

Among those ancient and powerful succubi, he had been nothing more than an insignificant pawn.

But this world? This world was so much better!

After a brief moment of nostalgia, Martin waved graciously to the fans on either side, triggering an even louder uproar.

"A terrifying level of popularity!" a reporter exclaimed.

"This is Martin. It seems like his fame has only grown nonstop since his debut. I've never seen a star like him! Does he ever have a slump?" another reporter mused.

"His ability to pick roles is unparalleled—every single one turns into a classic," added another journalist.

"Pick roles? Aside from The Lord of the Rings and Spider-Man, every film Martin has starred in was written by himself! The real point is that he understands the market better than anyone," a critic corrected.

"And his looks—he didn't grow up ugly like so many former child stars. He's tall, handsome, and incredibly charismatic!" a female reporter gushed.

"True. Ever since The Lord of the Rings, I can't imagine another male 'pretty boy' role surpassing his Legolas. That character is destined to be legendary," another female journalist chimed in.

"But Martin is more than just a pretty face. His acting skills are commendable as well. Has Hollywood ever seen an actor like him in the past hundred years?"

Amid the reporters' discussion, Martin reached the interview zone.

The first question wasn't even about Spider-Man.

"Martin, The Matrix has grossed over $400 million domestically and surpassed $600 million worldwide. What are your thoughts on this box office success?"

Martin casually put on an air of indifference. "No thoughts. You know why? Because I got it effortlessly. Humans don't feel anything for things that come easily to them."

The second question was finally about Spider-Man.

"Martin, what do you want to say about Spider-Man?"

Maintaining his cool demeanor, Martin replied, "I believe it will be a massive success. Little Spider will become a classic character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He reminds every ordinary person not to forget their right to dream. I think after watching the film, you'll fall in love with Peter Parker!"

The third question had nothing to do with Spider-Man either.

"Martin, a year ago, you publicly stated your opposition to America's war in Afghanistan and predicted that the war wouldn't end quickly. At the time, many refuted you, mocked you, and accused you of seeking attention. But now, a year later, our troops are mired in Afghanistan, proving you right. Do you have any thoughts on this?"

Martin glanced at the journalist's press badge, then feigned surprise.

"The Washington Post? I recall that you were one of the media outlets that ridiculed me back then. What's the matter—are you expecting me to start cursing you now?"

Laughter erupted.

The reporter remained unfazed and said, "You can curse us if you like, as long as you say something."

"Alright, alright, you're a good journalist. I still stand by my words—America should withdraw from Afghanistan as soon as possible. The lives of American soldiers shouldn't be wasted on the other side of the ocean. There's still time to cut our losses."

"Of course, I can't influence government decisions, but I can voice my opinion. Because I know one thing—this overseas war is unwinnable. We've never won one before. Vietnam and Korea proved that!"

(Author's Note: It's strange, really. America has never lost a war in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, or the Middle East. But in East Asia and Central Asia? Never won. Oh, except against Japan—but they spent their whole time claiming to be part of Europe, so they don't count as Asian.)

"Launching the Afghanistan War under the banner of counterterrorism was a colossal mistake. Even if the President wants to revoke my Presidential Medal of Freedom, I will still say this!"

Martin concluded his speech.

A thunderous round of applause followed.

A year ago, Martin's anti-war stance had little public support—aside from his die-hard fans, almost no one agreed with him, and no one had applauded after his interview.

But now, Americans were feeling firsthand the quagmire in Central Asia. The financial drain, the rising death toll—many were beginning to change their views.

Especially with Vietnam and Korea as cautionary tales, more and more people doubted this war, fearing Afghanistan would trap America just as those conflicts had.

Martin was slightly surprised, but not entirely so. He nodded to the crowd and left the interview area.