991-995

*Chapter 991: Second Best Option*

Thinking about it carefully, The Notebook should be released next year, but it will still ignite a heated discussion and bring tears to the audience. From Ghost to The Notebook, it has been fifteen years, but the core of this genre of film hasn’t changed.

Shows like Gossip Girl, filled with sensationalism and drama, continued to dominate the small screen in the early 2000s, sparking heated debates. Later on, series like Emily in Paris followed suit, staying relevant in the TV landscape.

So, it’s no surprise that Sony Columbia remains committed to these kinds of love stories.

It’s not just superhero films—most genre films’ romantic subplots suffer from the same issues. The difference lies in whether or not they’re handled with care.

Anson added, "The key issue is that film studios still define female characters in genre films as objects to be gazed at, waiting to be saved by the superhero."

Or to be more blunt, female characters in these films are still just "eye candy." As someone who's been reduced to just that, Anson understood this all too well.

Sam responded, “But isn’t that how it’s supposed to be?”

Anson shrugged slightly, “We could take a page from Alien or Terminator 2, where all the forces unite in the fight against evil.”

Sam pondered this for a moment. While he didn’t agree with Anson’s view, he still gave it serious thought. “But Spider-Man isn’t that kind of story. If we try to give Mary Jane more substance and impact, we’d need to completely change the direction of the script.”

Anson understood. He knew it was still 2003, and the development of genre films was still on the rise. There was still room for exploration, and they hadn’t reached a turning point yet. Creators wouldn’t easily break the mold of the past twenty years of success. So, talking about how the "eye candy" nature of female characters might lack emotional depth might be a bit premature.

Sony Columbia clearly didn’t grasp this concept.

And most importantly:

“Anson Wood” just didn’t carry enough weight yet.

Anson’s influence was limited. Despite Edgar fighting for better pay, status, and treatment, Anson’s authority in the project was still far from sufficient.

Which wasn’t surprising—

One step at a time.

From a supporting role in The Princess Diaries to the lead role in the Spider-Man franchise, Anson’s rise had been rapid, but his foundation wasn’t solid. He couldn’t rush things.

Anson thought about it and didn’t push further.

“Director, at the very least, we could add some subtle details, like in the first film, to make Mary Jane’s lingering feelings for Peter more convincing.”

Sam asked, “What kind of details?”

This was a tricky question.

How could they give the character depth and believability without overhauling the entire story?

Anson had a couple of ideas.

“Eye contact.”

“You could add a few scenes where Peter looks at Mary Jane, and she unconsciously notices his gaze in the crowd.”

“No dialogue is needed—just leave space for it to breathe. Give their glances and emotions time to ferment, allowing the audience to form an emotional connection and let the romance take root.”

If you think about it, the script for Spider-Man 2 is too straightforward. Everything is spelled out clearly, which feels a bit childish. Sometimes leaving some room for interpretation and imagination can add more depth to the story.

Who says high school soap operas can’t have substance?

Look at the 2019 show Euphoria, which tried to bring its own voice to the genre.

Sam seemed a bit hesitant.

For months, they had been working to craft an excellent script. Initially, they were worried that Anson, an outsider, might meddle and make things worse. But to their surprise, Anson’s suggestions were both insightful and sharp, often leading to brainstorming sessions among the team of writers.

Behind his back, they sometimes complained that Anson was "adding to their workload." Even though script changes in Hollywood usually come with extra pay, the pressure was still there, and they couldn’t sleep peacefully. However, when they turned around, they had to admit that Anson genuinely wanted to improve the film.

Over the past fifteen years, sequels had become more common, turning into a trend. There were examples like Terminator 2 and Aliens where the sequel surpassed the original. But generally speaking, bad sequels had become the new norm in Hollywood.

Nevertheless, for the sake of profit, Hollywood studios kept churning out sequels. Since they didn’t need an original story, sequels were easier to produce. Plus, the fanbase from the original film usually guaranteed some level of success. Making a sequel seemed like a no-brainer.

Additionally, sequels often got more attention in the DVD rental market, which was more profitable for studios than box office returns.

In reality, while many sequels bombed, they still made money overall—that’s an undeniable fact.

So, the pressure fell on the creative teams—

They had to produce something outstanding, or the studio would get the profits while they bore the brunt of the criticism.

Star Wars: Episode II was a cautionary tale.

Last summer, it was released with enormous anticipation, but the box office fell short of expectations. Still, it made a profit, so 20th Century Fox had no reason not to continue. The third film in the series was already in production.

The problem was, the film was slammed by critics. The backlash was everywhere, and director George Lucas was on the verge of a breakdown, even suffering from depression.

Even someone as established as Lucas wasn’t immune. During the preparation for the third film, George couldn’t handle the pressure and walked away from the set and Los Angeles altogether, telling 20th Century Fox there wouldn’t be a third film. He officially quit making sequels.

Fox panicked and begged him to return. After much persuasion, George reluctantly agreed to finish the series.

However, Star Wars: Episode III became Lucas’s final film as a director. After 2004, he never directed another film, transitioning fully to producing and staying behind the scenes.

Imagine the success of Spider-Man last summer—how incredible, how unbelievable it was, breaking records and making history. Now, all that history had turned into pressure, weighing heavily on the sequel.

Last year, Sam had witnessed George’s struggles firsthand, and now it was his turn to feel the weight.

If even George Lucas stumbled with sequels, what chance did Sam have? Evil Dead 2 had been criticized for lacking originality.

Under this pressure, Sam couldn’t stop his mind from racing. Since the beginning, he had been wrestling with the script, trying to balance his vision, audience expectations, and the studio’s constraints. It was incredibly challenging.

Even though the movie was about to start shooting, he still lacked confidence.

Looking at Anson now, Sam paused as his thoughts surged again. Still, he maintained his composure, not revealing his emotions.

He simply asked, “Are you sure?”

*Chapter 992: For the Future*

“Are you sure?”

Sam, though trying his best to control himself, couldn't hide the nervousness in his voice. His cautious tone betrayed his concern.

Anson, however, was different.

This was someone bold enough to take a chance on “The Princess Diaries 2,” despite knowing it could flop. Now, facing the challenge of “Spider-Man 2,” Anson was gearing up, ready to face it head-on.

With a beaming smile, Anson glanced at Kristen instead of answering Sam directly.

“What do you think? Confident?”

His look spoke volumes.

This wasn’t just a question of preparation; it was a test of performance, and the responsibility fell on both Anson and Kristen. Anson’s first instinct was to check in with his co-star.

They had already worked together once before, and now the opportunity had come again.

Kristen had been quietly listening on the side, feeling a bit strange. She had come to terms with not pursuing the role of Mary Jane any further. But Anson had been pushing, not just for Mary Jane, but also for a more complete film.

His persistence showed her his passion.

Kristen saw it in Anson’s eyes, and she couldn’t help but feel her own buried excitement resurface—reminded of why she had said yes to auditioning for "Spider-Man" in the first place.

A smile crept up on her face. “Of course.”

Anson nodded slightly, turning to Sam. “Of course, we’re confident.”

Kristen chuckled softly, starting to feel a sense of anticipation.

Sam, glancing at Kristen and then back at Anson, felt some of the pressure lift. A smile returned to his face. “Then, no problem. We can begin filming.”

Finally!

Without further pleasantries, Sam left the trailer to prepare for shooting.

Standing at the trailer door, Sam paused and let out a long breath. The pressure was still there and would continue to be, but at least for now, he could start to feel some excitement for the shoot ahead.

Confidence came from Anson.

If you let fear of failure paralyze you, even a potentially successful project would reflect only anxiety and confusion. A success could easily turn into a disaster. So why not go all out?

After all, Sam hadn’t imagined he would really get to direct a “Spider-Man” movie, much less achieve the success he had and be offered a sequel.

He needed to seize this chance and enjoy the ride.

Looking up at the not-so-bright New York sky, Sam set off again, this time with lighter steps.

Inside the trailer, James stood on tiptoe at the kitchen sink, watching Sam’s retreating figure until he was out of sight. Then, unable to hold back any longer, James raised his arms high and shouted in excitement.

Roaring, roaring with joy.

James pranced around the trailer, unleashing all his happiness and excitement.

Missing out on the role of Peter Parker had always been a regret for James. He believed there was potential in Harry's character, but the studio didn’t want to spend too much time developing another role.

But now, the opportunity had arrived.

The Green Goblin’s son could also grow, just like Spider-Man, and have his own arc. From the current script, the film hinted at a third installment, with the Green Goblin playing a significant role. This meant Harry and Spider-Man would grow together, eventually standing on opposite sides of good and evil for a final showdown, bringing the series to a perfect conclusion.

If James seized this opportunity and performed well in the second movie, it was very possible that in the third one, the Green Goblin could become a legendary supervillain, just like Jack Nicholson’s Joker in the 1989 “Batman.”

The mere thought of this potential future filled James with overwhelming joy, and he let out a howl of delight.

Like a madman.

“Anson!”

“Anson, Anson, Anson!”

James grabbed Anson in a tight hug and planted a big kiss on his cheek.

“Dude, thank you so much. I love you!”

Across the room, Kristen let out a startled yelp.

Anson, however, was used to this. This guy had a bad habit of getting too affectionate when he drank, and after being scolded once, he never learned. Everyone had pretty much given up on him.

Anson glanced sideways at James. “Hah, all talk. If you really wanted to thank me, you’d open your wallet and share half your paycheck.”

James clutched his chest in mock disbelief, stammering, “You…you…”

Then he collapsed, splaying his arms and legs out dramatically.

Anson shrugged lightly. “Is this some kind of new ostrich tactic?”

Kristen burst out laughing, unable to hold back any longer.

Anson ignored James and turned to Kristen. “Sorry.”

Kristen was puzzled.

Anson explained, “I tried to push for another chance, but it didn’t work.”

Kristen immediately understood.

Anson added, “It wasn’t just for you. I’m not that selfless. I also wanted Peter Parker to look cooler.”

A smile appeared on Kristen’s face. “I get it. Totally understand. But…thank you!”

“You don’t have to apologize. I should be the one thanking you.”

“I don’t like this character. She comes across as a little girl lost in her own world. You can tell the writing team had no women on it; they’re just writing what they imagine women are like.”

“So, she’s a spoiled girl, waiting to be saved. You can see right through her. She’s not even a proper ‘eye candy’ character.”

“But I didn’t say anything. I didn’t protest. I just told myself to play the part, collect my paycheck, and leave.”

“I thought there was no point in fighting. I knew what kind of project this was from the start, and I shouldn’t complain. I should accept the consequences like an adult.”

Anson interrupted, “Being an adult means taking responsibility, but it also means speaking up for yourself, even if it ends in failure.”

Kristen paused, a glimmer of emotion in her eyes as she looked at Anson.

Then she nodded. “I learned that today. So, I should be thanking you, not the other way around.”

Anson shrugged. “Step by step. One day, we’ll have enough say to take on the roles and projects we want.”

Kristen couldn’t help but feel a bit emotional, but she quickly composed herself, turning her feelings into a smile. She nodded. “For that day.”

Anson replied, “For that day.”

Off to the side, James suddenly stopped playing dead and shot up. “What are you two talking about? Why don’t I understand?”

Anson, completely unfazed, said, “The troubles of being eye candy. You’re not even qualified to be eye candy, so you don’t have to worry.”

James: “…”

“Eye candy? Me?”

“Hey, who are you calling unqualified to be eye candy? How dare you insult me like that?”

“Anson, I’m going to expose your true nature to the media!”

*Chapter 993: A Warm Welcome*

"In a moment, you all walk east to west, and you guys walk west to east. You, you, and you, move quickly, as if you’re in a hurry. You, you, and you, move leisurely, chatting along the way, like it’s just an ordinary Wednesday morning."

"You, over here with the kids, buy some fruit. The kids can be a little mischievous, even glance toward the pizza shop, but when you’re picking out the fruit, act like you’re choosing pearls."

"You guys over there, wait to cross the street at the red light..."

Blah, blah, blah.

The filming was being meticulously prepared.

There was a time when European and Asian filmmakers came to Hollywood to learn, witnessing its operations firsthand, hoping to borrow some of that expertise. But they quickly realized they couldn’t replicate it—

Because Hollywood's work leaves nothing to chance. Every little detail is taken care of, crafted through sheer financial power. European and Asian film companies simply don't have the budget to manage every detail so thoroughly.

No wonder Hollywood is essentially a Wall Street capitalist game.

Right now, the same thing was happening.

"Spider-Man 2" was about to start shooting, filming a simple, ordinary scene: a slice of life on a Manhattan street where Peter Parker returns to the pizza shop and gets a harsh scolding from his boss for being late.

In Europe and Asia, due to budget constraints, film crews often go to the location and just set up a camera on the street. If they hire extras, they're usually inexpensive, temporary workers, and the crew's control over them is limited.

But in Hollywood, even extras are "professional," all registered with the actors' union, and their daily wages are strictly regulated.

So, when filming on location, the crew perfectly re-enacts the entire scene.

Who walks where, at what speed, with what posture and actions; who is doing what, with what demeanor, emotion, volume, and facial expressions; when vehicles pass by, whether there’s a traffic jam, and even the drivers’ moods—all meticulously planned.

Every detail, down to every person who appears on screen, is a professional extra, placed there according to the crew’s precise arrangement.

Because of this, when the crew films on location, they block off at least three streets. Even the vehicles going back and forth are all arranged by the production team. Filming in big cities like New York or Los Angeles is particularly challenging.

Some directors, like Steven Spielberg, have the vision and control to perfectly present real-life scenes. But most directors don’t, and the difference in the final product is clear.

Regardless, it's always a huge and complicated task, and an important expense—something only Hollywood can afford.

Occasionally, top-tier European or Asian productions will spend big money on filming, but that money usually goes toward costumes, sets, visual effects, and explosions. Very few crews are willing to spend on these seemingly trivial details.

But in Hollywood, it’s the norm.

This is also why genre films increasingly rely on soundstage shooting—everything can be created with CGI, saving time, effort, and, most importantly, money.

However, there are still directors who insist on shooting on location, believing that CGI can never replace the visual and performance experience of real-life settings.

Sam Raimi is one of them.

Now, the crew was setting up for the first scene, hoping for a smooth start.

John Landis stood among the extras, listening intently to his instructions.

Although every extra’s dream is to be captured on film, to be seen on camera, professionalism is professionalism. They wouldn't, and couldn’t, cross the line just for a chance to be seen—

In Hollywood, many extras have tried to steal the spotlight, only to be cut entirely in editing. And the stories of extras being discovered by directors and given a real acting opportunity are pure fantasy.

Professionalism. Stay professional. That’s the key to survival for extras in Hollywood.

Out of the corner of his eye, John noticed a figure approaching quickly.

A blue sweater, blue jeans, and a light gray jacket, wearing a helmet, jogging into the filming area.

John couldn't help but glance over, then stared—

Anson Wood.

Low-key, reserved, ordinary. He blended in like any regular young guy. But somehow, he always managed to catch people’s attention.

If John had been unsure before, now he was completely certain. He couldn't help but gasp.

“Anson…”

John immediately realized his unprofessionalism and quickly shut his mouth.

But it was too late. His words had already set off a chain reaction. Whistles, cheers, and playful hollers started echoing from all corners of the set.

In seconds, it spread like wildfire.

“Anson, you’re the best!”

“I love you!”

“Anson, ahhhhh!”

All sorts of calls surrounded Anson, turning the set into a sea of excitement. Even the crew members weren’t exempt from the wave of enthusiasm.

Anson himself was equally surprised—

What kind of reception was this?

So, he joined in the cheering, clapping and shouting along with everyone else.

The noise grew louder and louder.

Then Anson said something, causing the people around him to burst into laughter.

“Hahaha.”

The laughter was deafening.

Those who hadn’t heard him rushed to ask, "What? What did Anson say?"

“Anson said, ‘Thanks for the support! Vote Anson Wood for District 14, New York!’”

Was he teasing that the scene felt like an election rally?

The laughter rippled through the crowd, spreading across the intersection.

That’s the kind of presence Anson commands now. Even on a film set, he’s the undeniable center of attention. Thousands of eyes are on him—not just with envy or scrutiny, but with admiration and respect.

For a young "pretty face," this kind of treatment is almost unheard of.

But here, no one was really surprised.

After effortlessly stirring up the crowd, Anson reached the corner pizza shop, greeting everyone. He quickly spotted the middle-aged man.

“Hey, John! How’s everything going? Ready?”

John blinked, his heart racing, unable to speak.

Normally, he’d boast about how he could chat casually with top stars, acting like he was friends with them. But in reality, he’d only ever seen them from a distance, never up close.

But now?

John? Was Anson really talking to him? Did Anson actually remember his name?

In his mind, John had the perfect witty reply.

In reality, all he said was, “Yes.”

Yes?

That’s it? Just one word? Not even a full sentence? Why was his throat so dry?

But Anson didn’t seem to mind. He smiled, his eyes twinkling, “Breathe, breathe. I don’t want to hear rumors tomorrow that Anson Wood is actually a monster. Then I’d have to cover my tracks.”

“Hahaha,” the crowd erupted in laughter.

John: Heh. Heh. His laugh was more like a cough.

Chapter 994: Dizziness

Next to him, Aasif Mandvi was rubbing his hands together.

This Indian-British actor, born in Mumbai, had been working in Hollywood for over fifteen years. Although he had never landed a leading role or even a major supporting part, he was a consistent presence in smaller, yet memorable, roles with lines. His acting portfolio boasted over fifty projects, including classics.

"CSI," "Law & Order," "The Sopranos," "Die Hard with a Vengeance," and many more.

In Hollywood films, there often comes a need for an ethnic minority character, and Aasif had become the go-to face representing Indian characters on both big and small screens.

Naturally, it made sense that Aasif would land a role in "Spider-Man 2" as well.

The crew needed a pizza shop owner, not an authentic Italian, but a regular guy running a so-called authentic Italian pizzeria in Lower Manhattan—

Thus, Aasif beat out a crowd of competitors and secured the part.

And now, he was about to act in a scene with Anson.

Aasif thought he would be calm, entering the set with a professional attitude. After all, he had been in Hollywood since 1987 and had seen all sorts of situations. Anson, to him, was just a young kid.

Yet, despite his confidence, Aasif couldn’t sleep the night before.

Who knows? Maybe "Spider-Man 2" wouldn't be the turning point of his career, but at least his family would see him performing on the big screen, and those pesky relatives would finally stop talking.

All night, his mind was racing, filled with endless thoughts.

He imagined his parents seeing him, those relatives being speechless, no longer treating him as the family disgrace, and instead, trying to cozy up to him and using him as bragging rights.

These thoughts surged through his mind, leaving him restless and dazed.

Then, Anson appeared before him.

His heart pounded like a drum, his mouth went dry. He was even more nervous than when he saw Bruce Willis on the set of "Die Hard with a Vengeance." A wave of dizziness washed over him.

At that moment, Aasif realized for the first time what it meant to be in the presence of a superstar.

Greetings. Handshakes. Conversation.

Blocking. Running lines. Rehearsals.

He was there, experiencing it all, but Aasif felt none of it was real. It was as if his soul had left his body and was watching the scene unfold from a distance.

This was something Aasif had never experienced in his fifteen years as an actor.

He knew he needed to snap out of it, to pull himself together. Otherwise, the crew could easily replace him with another Indian actor in minutes, without a second thought.

But the more nervous he got, the worse things became.

It was turning into a disaster.

"Aasif, Aasif..."

The call came closer, like a thunderclap in his ears, jolting him back to the present with a racing heart.

Aasif shut his eyes tight. "I’ll do it right, I will. Just one more chance, one more."

They were on take four or five now—every mistake was Aasif's fault.

He knew what this meant. The first scene of a shoot should be the easiest, meant to start things off on a good note.

But now, he had messed it all up.

If his performance ruined a project like "Spider-Man 2," he didn’t even want to imagine what would happen to his career.

A shadow loomed silently over the set.

Out of sheer desperation, Aasif curled up in a ball, trembling.

"Hey, Aasif, calm down. Everything's fine here."

Anson had noticed Aasif’s tension.

Director Sam Raimi, looking frustrated, took off his headset and was about to storm over, wondering what was going on with such a simple scene.

But Anson raised his hand, signaling to give them three more minutes.

Anson had been through this himself. Sometimes things just felt off, regardless of the role’s size or importance.

As the saying in the industry goes: there are no small roles, only small actors.

Anson believed this wasn’t a big deal. All Aasif needed was to find his rhythm again.

"Just breathe, Aasif. Breathe."

"People often think breathing is the simplest thing, but once life tests you, you realize it’s not that easy."

"Here’s a secret: before every performance, I always remind myself to breathe and not forget it."

His words were calm and soothing, helping Aasif regain a bit of composure.

Aasif stared blankly at Anson, not speaking.

Anson gestured: inhale, exhale; inhale, exhale.

The action was simple, but when focused on, it quietly brought his attention back to the present. Slowly, Aasif began to feel like himself again.

Without saying much, Anson’s presence helped Aasif follow along with the breathing exercise.

Gradually, his soul returned, and his clarity along with it.

Aasif finally calmed down. "Sorry, I ruined everything."

Anson chuckled. "No, you just cost us fifteen minutes. Don’t worry, we’re not in a rush."

Aasif couldn’t help but laugh. "I was just... nervous, excited and nervous. I didn’t even recognize myself."

"Totally normal." Anson shrugged lightly. "In Hollywood, who isn’t like that? Every morning, the first thing I do is make sure I still exist."

"Sometimes, I scare myself looking in the mirror."

Plastic surgery? A hangover?

Or maybe, makeup removal?

"Ha ha ha." Aasif burst into laughter.

Anson handed him a bottle of water. "Need a little more time? Or are you ready to give it another go?"

No deep words, no motivational speeches, but Aasif's anxiety and unease had dissipated.

"Hey, you’re the boss here. I’m the one who should be nervous." Anson added with a grin.

Aasif finally felt fully relaxed, flashing a wide smile. "If not for this movie, when would I ever get the chance to boss Anson Wood around?"

"Scolding Spider-Man is much tougher than scolding me." Anson threw in a lighthearted joke.

Aasif's smile blossomed without restraint.

Taking a deep breath, Aasif called out toward Sam, "Sorry about that. I’m ready to go again."

Sam didn’t respond—he was already feeling the pressure, and the first shot of the day had turned into a string of failures. How could he possibly continue with this?

He glanced at Anson, who gave him an "OK" signal. Only then did Sam relax, raising his hand to signal they would try again. If things didn’t go well this time, then maybe it would be time to get upset.

Aasif took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Just like Anson said, don’t overthink it, just focus on breathing. Pull all the attention back to where it needed to be.

Chapter 995: Go with the Flow

Breathe, idiot, breathe!

Asif was reminding himself not to think—any thought was unnecessary. If an idiot thought, even God would laugh. He just needed to focus on breathing and delivering the most important scene of his career, just like countless scenes, with or without lines, over the past fifteen years.

Play his role, do his job.

Maybe Anson Wood was the main character of this movie, but in this scene, the star was him, Asif Mandvi.

To be more precise, it was Mr. Aziz, Peter Parker's boss.

"Breathe."

Asif clenched his fists tightly.

Then, he opened his eyes. He knew he was ready.

Next to him, Anson remained patient, standing in place, waiting for his fellow actor. He could sense the change in Asif, as if he were donning Iron Man’s armor. The look in his eyes and his expression were different—Asif was ready.

So, Anson stepped back into the starting position for the scene, signaling that he was also prepared.

This scene wasn’t difficult—at least not for Anson. The truly challenging part was for Asif, so Asif’s tension and anxiety were completely understandable. However, Anson’s rhythm had also been slightly disrupted, and he needed a moment to calmly readjust.

A voice echoed in his ear—

Seventh take.

Anson realized they had already done six takes, and maybe this seventh one would be the lucky one.

"Action!"

Opening his eyes, Anson placed both hands on the motorcycle’s handlebars. The motorcycle tires were not on the ground but instead held by two supports, which were fixed on a wooden platform. There were wheels at each of the platform’s four corners, like a skateboard, with someone pushing it from behind.

This setup allowed Anson to focus entirely on acting while "driving." If a close-up shot was required, a camera could be mounted on the platform right in front of the motorcycle to facilitate smooth shooting.

However, this time, the camera wasn't focused on Anson but on Asif, who was standing directly opposite him. Anson was supposed to walk up to Asif, then enter the frame.

"Parker."

"Parker!"

"Stop! No, no, no, stop!"

Mr. Aziz stood in front of the pizza shop, raising both hands to stop Peter Parker, but clearly, Peter’s thoughts were in another world, completely oblivious to the person ahead—he was about to crash into him.

"Stop!"

Mr. Aziz yelled, finally snapping Peter out of his daydream. Peter slammed on the brakes, narrowly avoiding Mr. Aziz, who still flailed about, trying to avoid getting hit, his hands on Peter’s motorcycle, trying to create a barrier.

A bit comical.

In any case, they avoided a disaster.

Still catching his breath, Mr. Aziz kept his eyes on Peter, ignoring his own disheveled and awkward state.

"Parker! You're late, buddy, always late—Mr. Always-Late! Huh?"

He unleashed his frustration, raising his voice.

Peter struggled to control the motorcycle, like taming a wild horse, looking frantic. "Sorry, Mr. Aziz, there was… an interference."

He glanced down—the Spider-Man mask was almost visible from his shirt pocket. Peter quickly shoved it back in.

Mr. Aziz had no time for those details and muttered complaints, "Interference, interference, you always have some kind of ‘interference.’" He didn’t even look at Peter. "Come on, someone ordered a pizza twenty-one minutes ago," he grumbled, walking into the shop.

"Cut!"

Sam's voice rang out, stopping the scene.

The air became tense. The entire crew held their breath, eyes on Sam, while Asif stood frozen in place.

Then Sam waved his hand. "No problem."

In an instant, the crew erupted in applause and cheers, as if they had just wrapped the entire movie.

Asif finally relaxed, turning to see the celebration, feeling even more embarrassed.

It was such a simple scene, just two lines, but his mind kept going blank. The word "interference" kept coming out wrong—his tongue twisted, his brain frozen, like a malfunctioning robot getting stuck repeatedly.

Worse still, when the camera wasn't rolling, he could remember the lines perfectly; as soon as they started filming, it was a disaster all over again—

On and on.

Not even just the director or the crew—Asif himself couldn’t stand it anymore.

Until now, finally!

The first scene of "Spider-Man 2" was finally complete. It wasn’t smooth, but at least it hadn’t spiraled into an even worse mess. They managed to finish before the entire crew lost their minds.

"Hey, good job." Anson gave a thumbs-up.

Asif scratched his head, embarrassed. Despite Anson being young enough to be his son, Asif had relied on him a lot today.

Noticing this, Anson added, "Let’s keep going, shall we?"

Asif nodded repeatedly. "I'm feeling good now, Director, I can do this."

Actually, there was more to the scene. There was the lead-up:

They needed to shoot Peter riding up on his motorcycle, the near collision, Peter awkwardly dismounting and trying to explain—all of these had to be filmed.

This sequence involved multiple close-ups, wide shots, crane shots, and a stunt shot where the motorcycle almost crashed but came to a sudden stop, lifting the back wheel. It required a professional motorcycle stunt person.

Even if Anson had the skills, it was safer for Asif if a professional did it.

In other words, this scene might take two hours to film—not that simple.

Once they captured the full scene, they would then move to the part where Peter and Mr. Aziz went into the pizza shop.

What followed was the most important part, where the two would have an extended conversation, and Asif had a lengthy monologue.

Now, though, Anson noticed that Asif was finally relaxed and in the zone. Maybe they should keep going with that energy and film the dialogue before returning to the fragmented and stunt-heavy shots from earlier.

But that was up to the director.

Asif looked to Sam.

Sam was visibly irritated. Overall, the morning had been full of pressure. He couldn’t quite settle down; the small setbacks were adding up, and while it wasn't a catastrophe, it was still frustrating.

He didn't explode, though, instead bottling it all up. He turned to Anson, giving him an inquiring look: Should they trust Asif?

Asif looked at Anson anxiously.

Anson gave Sam a nod of reassurance.

Sam took a deep breath. "We'll shoot the next scene. Camera, follow Anson into the pizza shop, stay close, match his steps."