1665-1667

Chapter 1665: Breaking Stereotypes 

Scarlett’s mind was buzzing. Though Anson’s words were brief, she could already sketch out a rough blueprint, each revelation hitting her like a wave. 

But the real surprise came when she admitted, “I can’t see where I fit into this story.” 

She looked at Anson candidly, her eyes flickering with a mix of confusion and anticipation. The excitement of something new stirred within her—a feeling she hadn’t had in a while. Aside from her role in Lost in Translation, Scarlett struggled to imagine herself in a story woven with themes of apocalypse, war, and biblical undertones. 

On one hand, she craved a breakthrough, desperate to shatter the shackles of stereotypes. On the other, the unfamiliar territory—so far from what she knew—left her feeling lost and uneasy. 

This contradiction made her nervous. The spark of excitement from Anson’s invitation hadn’t even had time to settle before it was swallowed by a surge of anxiety. 

Anson, however, wasn’t surprised. Scarlett’s reaction was only human. 

“In the movie, I play a washed-up guy, just coasting through life, waiting to die,” he explained. “I’ve lost all hope. Then one day, my ex-wife shows up. She needs my help to get a pass from my workplace to smuggle a pregnant woman out of London.” 

Scarlett’s focus sharpened. She raised a hand. “Wait, I’m the ex-wife?” 

Anson just smiled, saying nothing. 

Scarlett raised an eyebrow. “Damn. Is this the same glamorous role as in The Hangover?” 

Anson burst out laughing. “No, she’s the leader of the resistance.” 

Scarlett’s jaw dropped. “The resistance? Me? Do I even look the part?” 

Anson nodded earnestly. “You’ve got defiance in your bones.” 

Scarlett let out a dry laugh. “Ha. Ha. Thanks for the… compliment?” 

The glint in Anson’s eyes sparkled subtly. “There’s a little twist here, a narrative trick.” 

“At the start of the movie, I’m a negative character—a pathetic loser, coasting through life, not caring about anything, giving up on everything, even the will to survive in a world on the brink of collapse.” 

“Getting the audience to connect with a character like that is tough. It could take an entire film to craft a compelling arc and pull off a heroic transformation.” 

“Then the ex-wife enters.” 

“Sharp, decisive, a total contrast to me. Naturally, the audience puts all their trust in her, maybe even starts imagining the rest of the story—two people teaming up, stumbling through challenges together…” 

Scarlett nodded, following his thread. “And by the end, they rekindle their romance and live happily ever after, right?” 

Anson grinned. “See? Hollywood’s formula is so predictable, it’s no secret anymore.” 

Scarlett caught a detail in his words, her mind sharp. “How did they get divorced? I mean, is the divorce tied to his downfall?” 

Her question was perceptive, cutting straight to the heart of it. 

It reminded Anson of Marilyn Monroe. 

As one of Hollywood’s most iconic sex symbols, Marilyn Monroe was reduced to a projection—a label, a fantasy. She wasn’t allowed to have her own thoughts, let alone intelligence or rationality. On the big screen, her image was always the same. 

But in reality, Marilyn was sharp. She had an instinctive understanding of performance, roles, and storytelling. Even in Hollywood’s golden age, when her voice was stifled, she found ways to infuse her roles with energy within the limited space she was given. 

A prime example was her 1954 film River of No Return. In a Western, she was still cast as a sex symbol, but through her performance and insight, she gave the role a unique strength. 

Scarlett was much the same. 

Throughout her career, Scarlett had always brought a distinctive perspective to her roles and performances. Before she became a sex symbol, she was hailed as a “prodigy.” Films like Match Point, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, The Black Dahlia, and The Prestige showcased her talent. Even after her breakout as Black Widow in Iron Man 2, she continued to shine in indie and art films like Her, Under the Skin, and Marriage Story. 

To the public, though, the tabloid headlines and sex-symbol labels were overpowering, drowning out her efforts and explorations as an actress. Later, Black Widow defined her, but it also boxed her in, narrowing her career path. 

It was a shame. 

Even now, still young and finding her footing, Scarlett was already showing her intelligence and insight in how she approached roles and performance. But when people looked at her, her appearance and figure stole the spotlight, and the labels they slapped on her erased her presence as an actor. 

Just like Anson. 

Truth be told, Anson wasn’t surprised by Scarlett’s sharp observation. 

“Their child,” he answered simply. “They had a child, but it died in an accident. And then…” 

He trailed off, but Scarlett understood immediately. “The world stopped having newborns…” 

Everything clicked into place. 

Letting out a soft sigh, Scarlett felt a pang of melancholy. “So that’s why she convinces him to help—to protect this new baby. And it brings them back together.” 

Anson smiled but stayed silent. 

Scarlett noticed, studying him closely for a moment. “Or… maybe not?” 

Anson shook his head. “It’s a bit different this time.” 

Her curiosity piqued. “Oh?” 

“Shortly after the ex-wife appears, during the first ambush, she dies.” 

Scarlett blurted out, “What?” 

It was so blunt, so unadorned, she couldn’t believe her ears. Her curiosity was now fully ignited, and without realizing it, she sat up straighter, leaning forward slightly. 

Anson seemed delighted by her reaction, his eyes gleaming. “That’s exactly the effect we want—shattering expectations.” 

“When all the audience’s hopes and trust are pinned on her, we pull the rug out and have her exit the story. Their trust is forcibly shifted to the protagonist, creating an instant, deeper emotional bond without needing a long character arc.” 

“Then the audience gets swept into the story.” 

Scarlett’s mind clicked, everything falling into place. But after a brief pause, she gave Anson a sly look. “So, I’m basically a plot device.” 

Anson laughed heartily. “Haha!” 

Scarlett kept her eyes on him. “You’re not even denying it?” 

His grin only widened, but he didn’t respond, holding her gaze and continuing at his own pace. 

At first, Scarlett’s eyes still held a trace of doubt, but slowly, she was pulled into Anson’s rhythm. 

Chapter 1666: Kindred Spirits 

No rush, no hurry. 

Anson unfolded his thoughts at his own pace, gradually capturing Scarlett’s attention. 

“Here, to achieve that effect, the actress playing the ex-wife needs a commanding presence—one that overshadows even the male lead. The moment she appears, the audience should instinctively trust her.” 

“There are two ways to pull this off.” 

Anson raised his first finger. 

“One is star power. If it’s someone like Julia Roberts or Meryl Streep, the audience immediately knows the script’s up to something. A big name like that isn’t just a cameo—they’re either the killer in a mystery or a pivotal figure like in Ocean’s Twelve.” 

“Then, we subvert that expectation by having her exit swiftly, flipping the audience’s emotions.” 

Scarlett’s lips curled into a half-smile. “Right now, in all of Hollywood, who’s got more star power than Anson Wood?” 

Anson feigned a troubled look. “Okay, I’ll admit, that’s true. So, that route’s a dead end.” 

He… just admitted it? 

Anson let out a dramatic sigh. “God, this is Hollywood. Isn’t this place supposed to have every kind of actor imaginable?” 

Scarlett couldn’t hold it in—her smile bloomed fully. 

Anson regained his rhythm and raised a second finger. 

“The other way is through the actor’s portrayal—leaning on their charisma, charm, and interpretation to blend with the role, sparking something special. Their entrance alone convinces the audience, wins them over, and makes them root for her. It’s all about the role and the actor pulling it off.” 

“Then, at the peak of the audience’s emotional investment, we pull the rug out, yanking away the script’s foundation, forcing their emotions and logic to shift toward the real protagonist.” 

Scarlett met Anson’s gaze, her mind exploding with ideas. She couldn’t help but murmur, “Like magic.” 

Anson nodded lightly. “Like magic.” 

To be precise, it’s a narrative trick, common not just in films but in novels, plays, and TV shows. But executing it well—subtly and cleverly—is no easy feat. 

In his previous life, the role was played by Julianne Moore, a Grand Slam winner of the three major European film festivals, an undeniably reliable actress. 

The male lead was Clive Owen. Despite his solid reputation in theater and scattered Hollywood roles over the past couple of years, he’d become a familiar face but not a household name. His first major leading role in King Arthur flopped hard, so in the public’s eyes, his star power couldn’t touch Julianne Moore’s. 

Thus, the narrative trick worked effortlessly. 

However, in the story’s later arcs, Clive Owen delivered a competent performance, steady and reliable, but failed to imbue the role with enough charm. The parts centered on him felt lackluster. 

Now, everything was being rebuilt from scratch. Though Alfonso Cuarón was still directing, everything else had changed, including the cinematographer. 

With Anson as the male lead, finding a female actress in his age range who could outshine his presence was no small task. It required not just the right look and vibe but also exceptional acting and interpretation. 

That’s why Anson thought of Scarlett. 

Of course, a big part of it was Scarlett’s current fame. Since bursting onto the scene with Lost in Tokyo and Girl with a Pearl Earring, her exposure had been relentless. She was undeniably the leading figure among the new generation of actresses, with interviews flooding magazines and newspapers. 

But the real reason was Scarlett herself. 

First, a transformation of image. 

Even Scarlett wasn’t sure if she could pull off this role, struggling to picture herself in combat gear as a rebel leader—let alone the general public. 

Going from the lonely, lost literary girl in Lost in Tokyo to a decisive warrior braving a warzone was a complete 180. But the point wasn’t just the transformation—it was the shock and impact it would deliver, instantly grabbing the audience’s attention. 

Second, her acting chops. 

Among Scarlett’s many qualities, she had a resilient, stubborn streak. In Lost in Tokyo, the haze of loneliness and confusion masked this inner strength, but she had a unique grasp of roles that balanced fragility and toughness. 

Later, her Black Widow role showcased this quality in vulnerable moments. 

Sadly, Scarlett rarely got to display this side in her career, not until Marriage Story. 

The role in Children of Men wasn’t a savior or a superhero. It wasn’t a typical “strong female lead” but required an immediate, commanding presence to capture attention right from her entrance—no easy task. 

No wonder the original production chose Julianne Moore. 

But now, things were different. With Anson taking on the script and role, Julianne Moore, due to the age gap, was no longer suitable to play the ex-wife. Anson had to find an actress in his age range, and Scarlett’s face naturally came to mind. 

As Anson had said earlier, he wanted to work with Scarlett—not just any collaboration, but one tailored to her. 

Whether it was The Hangover or Children of Men, both roles were crafted for Scarlett’s current situation. Though the genres and tones differed—one lighter, one serious—both challenged her acting skills, pushing her professional limits and offering a chance to break the stereotypes clinging to her, paving the way for a breakthrough. 

In a few words, Scarlett realized Anson was serious—dead serious. 

This wasn’t a throwaway role. It was a challenging part that tested her skills, shattered her image, and demanded her professional best. 

An invitation, but also a sign of Anson’s respect, appreciation, and trust. 

Not charity. 

A surge of emotions hit her, and Scarlett needed a moment to cool the storm in her mind. So, she cracked a joke. 

“Too bad they’re all supporting roles. Minor ones, at that.” 

The 180-degree pivot caught Anson off guard. He burst out laughing. “Yeah, supporting roles.” 

Scarlett shook her head, sighing dramatically. “Do you know how hard I worked to land leading roles? My career’s barely taken off, and now I’m shoving myself back into supporting parts? My agent would probably explode on the spot—cleaning up the mess would be a nightmare.” 

Anson’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Miss Johansson, aren’t you already fighting with your agent? This is the perfect chance to tick him off.” 

Scarlett: ??? 

Chapter 1667: Putting Yourself in Their Shoes 

Anson couldn’t hold back and let out a soft chuckle. He’d planned to keep a straight face and tease her a bit, but Scarlett’s expression broke his resolve instantly. 

“Sorry,” Anson said, waving a hand as he took a deep breath to recompose himself. “I mean, I’m sorry—genuinely. I get it. You’ve got your career plans, and you and your agent must have your own ideas. If you think now’s not the right time to take a supporting role, I completely understand.” 

Scarlett stayed silent, just watching Anson. Only after he finished did she speak. “I didn’t expect you to get nervous.” 

A smile tugged at her lips, especially as she caught the surprise and confusion on Anson’s face. Her grin widened, bright and unrestrained. 

Scarlett realized she’d lost her composure, shaking her head and waving her hands, barely managing to rein it in. “You’re always the one in control, calling the shots. Don’t I get to turn the tables just once in a while?” 

She tilted her chin up slightly, a glint of triumph in her eyes, and playfully tossed her hair back, striking a diva-like pose. 

Anson burst out laughing. 

Scarlett adjusted her expression, getting back on track. “No, it’s not about the supporting role.” 

“I get it. In Hollywood, everyone wants to be the lead. The spotlight’s on the star—who could say no to that?” 

“But a true star shines even without the spotlight. Someone with real confidence doesn’t worry about their screen time.” 

Anson raised his chin slightly. “Oh, that confident, huh?” 

Scarlett smirked. “I’m talking about Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs.” 

Anson feigned disappointment. “Damn, I thought you meant me.” 

Scarlett teased, “Oh, Anson Wood, is your ego starting to inflate already?” 

Anson grinned. “Nah, it’s always been this big. I’m just done hiding it.” 

His unabashed demeanor made Scarlett lose it again, her smile blooming as she looked at him, pausing for a moment before it grew even brighter. 

“Enough joking,” Scarlett said, pulling herself back to reason. “What I really care about is the role itself.” 

Her thoughts swirled, but when she tried to put them into words, they came out jumbled. The more she cared, the more nervous she got, and the harder it was to express. 

“Anson, after Catch Me If You Can, why did you choose The Butterfly Effect or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind?” 

“You know what I mean. You had your image, but you dared to break it. Weren’t you worried about the backlash?” 

She let out a breath. 

“For the past three or four months, I’ve been trying to change, to break free from stereotypes and find a breakthrough, hoping to open up my acting career. But my agent keeps saying it’s too soon, no need to rush. I should keep building on the image I already have, making it stronger in people’s minds.” 

“Lost in Translation, Girl with a Pearl Earring—those are arthouse films. Sure, they were huge successes, but you know there’s a gap between them and the mainstream audience. To them, I’m probably still just a face from a magazine spread.” 

“So, Brian thinks I should do two or three commercial films to solidify my image.” 

It was clear Scarlett was deeply troubled. 

Anson raised an eyebrow. “Brian?” 

Scarlett clarified, “Sorry, Brian Lord, my agent.” 

Anson’s eyes lit up. “That Brian?” 

Scarlett blinked. “What, you know him?” 

Anson smiled. “Met him once.” 

Brian Lord, co-chair of Creative Artists Agency. When Anson and Edgar signed on, Brian had led a group of executives to welcome them. 

Scarlett didn’t seem too surprised. “No wonder everyone says Anson Wood is CAA’s golden boy now.” She teased lightly before refocusing. “I’m just curious—is there ever a right time to change or break through?” 

Anson didn’t hesitate. “No.” 

His answer was so blunt that Scarlett froze, staring at him. 

Anson repeated, “No.” 

Scarlett was stumped. “Then what do we do?” 

Anson tapped his head. “Trust your gut. It’s the only lifeline we’ve got. Agents can give advice, but in the end, we’re the ones making the choice and living with the consequences.” 

“Here’s the thing,” he continued. “Brian’s not wrong. When you’re still rising, you should lean into the stereotypes in the audience’s mind. It’s the right way to make them remember you among the countless actors in Hollywood.” 

“But the problem is, if that stereotype gets too ingrained, you’re stuck. Then what?” 

“We all know shaking off a stereotype is way harder than creating one. Marilyn Monroe spent her whole life trying and never escaped it.” 

In fact, Scarlett faced the same struggle. 

In her past life, she likely followed Brian’s advice. As a seasoned CAA exec, his expertise was undeniable. So she took roles in films like The Island and The Nanny Diaries, cementing her sexy, glamorous image and becoming a universal icon. 

But after that, she could never shed the label. 

Scarlett looked at Anson quietly. “So, you trust your instincts?” 

Anson nodded. “Yeah.” 

It was the truth. Even living a second life, Anson faced countless unknowns. He had to take control of his own path. 

Scarlett pressed, “What about when you’re unsure?” 

Anson replied, “I take the risk.” 

Scarlett pushed further. “Even if your agent disagrees? They’re the professionals. Shouldn’t we trust their judgment?” 

Anson nodded. “Sure, that’s their job, their expertise—no question. But my situation’s a bit different. I’ve never forgotten why I became an actor: for the adventure, to try new things, challenge possibilities, live different lives.” 

“I won’t lie—I love this life. In Hollywood, everyone wants to be Leonardo DiCaprio, standing center stage in the spotlight. If you don’t enjoy the lights and applause, why be an actor, right?” 

“But beyond the glitz and madness, I believe there’s more to this job worth exploring. I don’t want to be Will Smith, staying in my comfort zone, repeating myself. Sure, it’s an easy way to keep succeeding, but where’s the fun in that?” 

“So when I’m hesitant, uncertain, I choose to take the risk.” 

“For me, hesitation often just means I’m drawn to it, and it’s only fear holding me back.” 

Scarlett froze. Anson’s casual words hit her hard— 

Hesitation is just fear. Is that it? 

Anson didn’t realize his offhand comment had struck a chord. “That’s just my experience, my perspective. In the end, it’s up to you.” 

Anson admitted it was easier for him. This was his second life, with memories and experiences to lean on. Facing these choices was less daunting for him, but not for others. 

Scarlett was no exception. 

So while it was easy for Anson to talk, he couldn’t expect everyone to share his mindset. 

(End of Chapter)