Hollywood: The Greatest Showman

Chapter 65: Conflicting Thoughts

"Thor."

Just seeing this cover made Chris's heart suddenly beat rapidly, pounding fiercely against his chest, so intense that it caused a dull ache in his chest. The surging excitement was too sudden and too fierce, catching him off guard, making it feel like his sternum was about to shatter.

His pupils began to slowly dilate, and a storm of thoughts filled his mind as Chris was plunged into a state of paralysis.

Recently, there had been endless rumors in the industry about the casting of "Thor," especially regarding the choice for the lead role of Thor. Almost every day, there would be updates on the latest news, with a flurry of information flying around, making it difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood. It could definitely be said to be the hottest project in recent times - undoubtedly a top-notch production.

So far, the rumored actors included Brad Pitt, Channing Tatum, Daniel Craig, Charlie Hunnam, Alexander Skarsg?rd, Joel Kinnaman, and so on.

Even top entertainment magazines like "Entertainment Weekly" focused on the casting of "Thor."

Not only that, but Paramount Pictures and Marvel Studios placed great importance on this project. They even went so far as to specially invite Kenneth Branagh to direct.

Kenneth wasn't a commercial director; he was a typical British theater director, skilled in staging and artistic depth. He had won Oscar nominations for Best Director and Best Actor twenty years ago with his self-directed adaptation of "Henry V." His works always retained the characteristics of stage plays while exuding the realism of films. He was not only acclaimed in Hollywood but also globally recognized - both as a director and an actor.

The original comic inspiration for "Thor" came from Norse mythology, and it was evident that Paramount invited Kenneth in the hopes that he would infuse the film with a Shakespearean epic feel, creating a critically acclaimed blockbuster.

Chris had spent over a month in Los Angeles primarily for "Thor"! Not only him, but also his brother Liam Hemsworth was actively vying for the role, but the problem was, they hadn't even gotten the chance to audition!

Yes, they had been running around Los Angeles, networking and trying to get opportunities, but even their agents struggled to find a way to showcase their talents before the producers. Chris was aware that his previous works in Hollywood were just minor roles and couldn't compare to "Thor" in significance. From the investment involved to the preparation of the cast, and even to the secretive audition invitations, everything indicated that this was a project that could propel any unknown actor to stardom!

This was his ultimate goal in coming to Hollywood, wasn't it?

But as expected, Marvel Studios set the bar high. Chris's agent had heard rumors about auditions after a lot of effort, but getting on the audition backup list was as difficult as climbing Mount Everest. Currently, all those who received audition invitations were top priority candidates pushed by the five major talent agencies. Even newcomers had powerful agents backing them, far beyond what Chris could compete with.

After a month of hustling, he came back empty-handed, with nothing. In the end, he could only return to New York despondently. Liam remained in Los Angeles to gather information, ready to inform him at any moment.

But now, the script for "Thor" appeared before him, so close. Chris felt his brain overwhelmed, as if the whole world was falling apart.

So what was going on?

Could it be... Could it be that Renly received an audition invitation for "Thor"? Did Marvel Studios even submit the script to Renly without the help of an agent? Did the producers Tom and Steven endorse Renly behind the scenes? Did Renly's perseverance in polishing himself on Broadway finally get noticed - after all, Kenneth had gained fame through Shakespearean drama? So, did Renly accept? Or refuse?

As he contemplated, Chris couldn't help clenching his fists. The muscles all over his body trembled slightly. Was it fake or real? Real or fake? Just open it and see. No, this was not okay. If it turned out to be fake, it would be a prank, but what if... what if it was real? What should he do then?

The voice in his head kept replaying, but he couldn't control his right hand. Slowly, he moved it down until his fingertips touched the cover of the script. The rough texture almost burned his fingertips, but he gritted his teeth, grabbed the script firmly, and, like snatching something from a fire, quickly grabbed it and tremblingly opened it.

Too nervous, he tried three times before he could open the cover of the script.

He quickly skimmed through it, his gaze flying rapidly, his heart trembling lightly, and he could even hear the rushing noise. But his gaze was incredibly clear, every word, every pause, clearer than ever, as if engraved in his mind like printing.

Real, this was real. This was indeed the script for "Thor."

Shocked to the core, Chris felt as if he had been struck by lightning, frozen in place, unable to move. Did Renly really become a candidate for Thor? What's even more ridiculous was that he just casually tossed it on the bookshelf, showing no respect at all.

"Should I seize this opportunity?"

Once this thought sprouted in his mind, it was unstoppable, spreading like wildfire, rapidly engulfing everything.

Suddenly, Chris turned his head to the door, surveying the hall, afraid that Renly might suddenly appear. The mix of guilt and apprehension made his steps feel like dancing on the edge of a knife, but deep inside, the desire, greed, and lust were burning fiercely, and the thrilling sense of danger and the tangible sense of reality made every cell in his body start to tremble.

Anyway, Renly wasn't interested in commercial films, precisely what Chris desperately wanted. So, even if he took it for himself, it wouldn't hurt, right? Wasn't that logical? Wasn't it natural?

Before Chris could realize it, his footsteps had already crossed the entire hall, entering his own room. He firmly closed the door, pressed himself against it, panting heavily, sweat pouring down, his hands already wet from the sweat, the script dampened. Looking at the script in his hand, an uncontrollable joy surged up, the madness sweeping over him like a tornado.

"Chris? The fabric softener is running out, remember to add it to the shopping list." Renly's voice came from the hall. Chris jumped up, paced back and forth in confusion, and finally shoved the script under the mattress. After confirming that nothing was exposed, he adjusted his breathing and shouted, "No problem!"

Quickly wiping the sweat from his hands, he opened the door and walked out with a pretense of calmness. "What are you going to do now? Aren't you going to sleep?" Renly walked into the room, and Chris's heart skipped a beat, fearing that Renly might notice something unusual. What should he do? But then Renly chuckled, "My clothes were just taken for washing. I have to wait for them to finish washing and then dry, at least another two hours."

"Oh." Chris realized, but his overly nervous brain was frustratingly slow. "So... what are you going to do?"

Seeing Chris's strange expression,

Renly frowned slightly, which made Chris's heart leap to his throat - did Renly notice something odd? What should he do? But then Renly chuckled, "Anyway, I won't be working out."

Chris forced a couple of dry laughs, "Heh heh, heh heh. I know you won't." His mouth felt dry and uncomfortable, almost tasting bitterness, "I... I'll go take a shower, all sweaty." He casually greeted and then fled back to his room.

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