[Chapter 260: A Bit of a Goof]
During the third week of November, with Thanksgiving approaching, a wave of holiday- thed films was set to release.
Among the most anticipated was, of course, Ho Alone 2. There was also Warner Bros.' Lethal Weapon 2 and Universal's Back to the Future Part II. In addition to these highly awaited films, several other titles were also planning to crowd the screens on November 17th.
Notably, a certain film that had been relatively low-profile quietly made its way into the mix of those additional titles: Steel Magnolias. Aside from Eric's unwavering confidence in this movie, nearly everyone else viewed Steel Magnolias as rely a side player.
In comparison to Disney's heavy marketing for The Others, Steel Magnolias received little of the sa attention. The Others had expanded to 2,000 screens by its third week, while Steel Magnolias only opened in 1,000 theaters. This was still a decent number, mostly because Julia Roberts starred in it. If Julia had participated in Steel Magnolias according to the original tiline, it would have been lucky to secure even 500 screens.
Amid this collective skepticism, Julia even called Eric to scold him, her tone full of complaints. Eric could only respond with gentle words and various reassurances to comfort her.
...
Given that Ho Alone 2 was fild in New York, Fox decided to host the premiere at a large theater on Manhattan's 42nd Street.
After negotiating with Fox, Eric successfully arranged for a live broadcast of the premiere for Ho Alone 2: Lost in New York. Compared to the premiere of The Others, the event for Ho Alone 2 promised to be much more lively. After all, the first film had grossed an astonishing $300 million at the North Arican box office -- a rarity in film history at that ti.
Fox rolled out a 50-ter red carpet outside the premiere theater and invited dozens of Hollywood stars to join the celebration.
"Eric, I... I'm feeling really nervous," Jennifer Aniston stuttered as the luxurious stretch limousine pulled up to the red carpet entrance, still clutching Eric's arm.
Eric could only soothe her, giving her a gentle pat and saying, "Alright, Jen. Just relax. You're a big star now. There will be even more extravagant Oscar red carpets in the future. So why get all worked up over a little event like this?"
"You make it sound so easy," Aniston replied, pinching his arm playfully. "And by the way, Eric, I'm cold."
"Uh... there's not much I can do about that. Your gown is already pretty conservative. Just wait till you see the off-the-shoulder, backless, thigh-high dresses -- those are everywhere."
"I don't want to look like those won," Aniston said, imdiately pouting at Eric's words.
"Of course not. With by your side, my darling, you don't have to expose anything. You'll be just as famous as those starlets."
"I don't want to rely on you. I... I..." Aniston hesitated, finally giving Eric's arm a hard pinch. "It's all your fault for insisting on giving the character of Rachel. Don't think I didn't hear Dad say you want to stretch this sitcom for 10 seasons, otherwise, I'll always just be known as Rachel Green to the audience!"
'Countless starlets wished they could snag a role like that!'
Eric thought to himself but replied without missing a beat, "Sweetheart, anyti you don't want to act anymore, I'll cancel Friends imdiately."
Aniston shot him a glare. "Do I really co off as that unreasonable?"
"No, no, my little darling is the most understanding," he said. "Look, we've arrived at the red carpet. Let's get out."
"Hmph!" She huffed softly but quickly took out a small mirror from her purse to check her makeup one last ti.
As Eric got out of the car and took Aniston's arm to head for the premiere red carpet, the packed fans on either side erupted in deafening cheers.
"Eric! Eric!"
"Eric, I love you!" A crowd of beautiful girls waved posters for 17 Again enthusiastically. "Rachel, Rachel, can I get an autograph?" It was clear that Aniston had her share of fans too. Eric glanced at the tight security asures around them, feeling reassured, and softly urged Aniston, "Go sign so autographs for your fans."
This was Aniston's first experience with such a scene. Despite the New York temperature dropping below 10 degrees, she didn't feel a hint of cold wearing her thin gown; instead, the excitent made her cheeks feel warm.
This was the feeling of fa -- no wonder so many people wanted it.
Thinking about this, when she heard her boyfriend's suggestion, Aniston smoothly leaned into the wall of fans, readily grabbed a pen to sign on notebooks or posters thrust her way.
Eric also smiled and signed a few autographs for so fans, even posing for a photo with the most fervent group of girls.
After so brief interactions, Eric once again linked arms with Aniston and slowly made his way forward.
Upon reaching the press area, Eric affectionately posed for a few photos with Aniston when a reporter stationed in the middle of the red carpet stopped them.
This reporter, Laura Pena from Fox, was ready to maximize the benefits of the live broadcast by mimicking the Oscar red carpet tradition, featuring an interviewer on the premiere carpet.
Jealous glances from the reporters on the sidelines directed toward Laura as she directed Eric and Aniston to step aside.
"Hi, Mr. Williams, Miss Aniston. How about saying a few words to the audience?"
"Hello, everyone," Eric and Aniston said together, smiling and waving at the cara. "Speaking of which, Mr. Williams, is this your first public appearance with Miss Aniston?" Laura asked.
With Aniston giving him a slightly forlorn look, Eric replied confidently, "Oh, it's not our first ti at all. We've been together in the papers long before -- back in the early part of the year when I ca to New York. Soone snapped a photo of us, and I still keep that picture."
"Oh, I rember that. You and Miss Aniston are truly a perfect match," Laura said brightly. As for the rumors surrounding Eric's playboy image, she certainly had the sense not to bring that up, given that Eric was still her boss.
"Thanks for saying that," Eric smiled.
After a bit more small talk, Laura shifted the conversation toward the film. She didn't ask Eric directly but brought the mic to Aniston instead. "Miss Aniston, how much box office do you think Ho Alone 2 could bring in?"
"Of course, the more, the better," Aniston skillfully replied with a standard answer. "Could you give us a specific number?" Laura pressed for more detail.
*****
spatreon/Sayonara816.
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