Chapter 6: The First On-Screen Kiss With Gwen

According to Emma Stone, filming "Spider-Man" was the most fun she had on movie set.

Before landing the role, she only had guest appearances on reality shows and American TV series. These roles often wrapped up after just a few scenes, leaving her with little joy in performing.

Then, one day, she received an offer for the lead female role in "Spider-Man." The excitement kept her awake all night. Her agent had also suggested another project, a youth film called "Superbad," which seemed like a safer choice compared to a comic book movie, which was "destined to flop." But something in her gut told her to go for "Spider-Man" and play Gwen Stacy.

As it turns out, her instincts were spot on. The atmosphere on set was amazing, filled with laughter and camaraderie every day. Director Marc Webb was incredibly kind, patiently guiding her through any areas where her performance needed improvement.

But what made this experience truly special was meeting Rufus . This charming British actor opened up a whole new world for her. After getting a bit tipsy together on the night they first met, they quickly became close friends. Almost every day after shooting, they would have dinner together and explore the streets of New York.

Rufus often talked about movies, occasionally inspiring Emma with his insights. Since joining the cast, her acting skills had noticeably improved, and she couldn't help but feel that Rufus had become an important part of her life.

"Cut!" Director Marc Webb's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

"Emma! What are you thinking about? Read your lines!"

"Ah?" Emma suddenly realized she was on set, right in front of Rufus!

Seeing her flustered expression, Rufus couldn't help but laugh. To be honest, her big eyes and high cheekbones fit the Western ideal of beauty, but there was a significant gap between her looks and the kind of European beauty Rufus was drawn to—actresses like Sophie Marceau, Jennifer Connelly, and Kate Beckinsale. Many moviegoers might not fully appreciate Emma's looks, but she had a unique charm that grew on people.

Especially now, as Gwen Stacy with her blonde hair, Emma looked even more stunning than she would in "The Amazing Spider-Man."

Today's scene took place at Gwen Stacy's house. Peter Parker was visiting for the first time, and Gwen's father wasn't too fond of Peter. After a tense meal, Gwen and Peter went out onto the balcony to talk. Peter wanted to reveal that he was Spider-Man, but he struggled to find the words. Gwen, misunderstanding, thought he was about to confess his feelings for her. She looked forward to it with joy, only to feel let down when he didn't.

This scene wasn't too difficult for them. Marc Webb had seen the chemistry between the two leads from the start. The rapport they shared made their performances seamless. He was confident they could finish the shoot smoothly and wrap up early.

Unexpectedly, Emma got stuck and didn't say her lines.

"What's going on? Did you forget the words?"

"No, no, director. I'm sorry, I'll get it right this time."

"Okay, take your time... all units, get ready again!" Marc Webb sighed, directing the crew for another take.

"Hey, are you okay?" Rufus asked Emma with concern. Something seemed to be bothering her.

"No... I'm fine. Let's keep going."

"I remember you were never nervous before. Where did that carefree girl go?"

"Pfft, you're so silly! You're the silly one!" Emma couldn't help but laugh, breaking the tension.

Interrupted by Rufus, she relaxed and regained her focus.

"Action!"

As soon as the camera started rolling, the two quickly got into character. They were standing close, facing each other on the balcony.

"I have something to tell you," Peter said.

"Okay, what do you want to say?" Gwen looked up at Peter expectantly.

"I was bitten..." Peter hesitated.

"Me too," Gwen responded, her eyes softening. She thought Peter was confessing his love in a unique way.

"No, no, no, let me rephrase that... I... I really want to say it, but it's too hard to put into words."

Peter was torn, his heart in turmoil.

"It's okay, just say it," Gwen encouraged him, moving a little closer.

"No, I don't know how..." Peter almost blurted it out, but stopped himself.

Rufus's subtle expressions behind the camera left Marc Webb amazed. What a shame this was a superhero movie; if it had been a serious drama, Rufus could have been in the running for an Oscar as a newcomer.

"What kind of talent have I discovered?" Marc Webb thought to himself, mesmerized.

Meanwhile, the camera kept rolling. Emma's thoughts drifted again, imagining what it would be like when filming ended and her relationship with Rufus cooled down. The idea filled her with sadness.

Reflecting on her character, Gwen, Emma's expression darkened as she imagined Peter's reluctance to speak meant he didn't like her. Gwen's face fell, and she turned to leave, disappointed.

But in the next moment, a strand of webbing shot out, pulling Gwen into Peter's arms!

"Oh-my-god! Peter, you!!"

Gwen looked up at Peter in shock. Peter didn't need to say anything; instead, he kissed her.

This was Rufus Harding's first on-screen kiss, and he hadn't prepared for it. He was completely absorbed in his character until his lips met Emma Stone's. Suddenly, Rufus snapped out of it, only to quickly lose himself again in the kiss.

"You're... you're Spider-Man!" Gwen exclaimed.

"Don't talk."

"Okay!"

Emma, too, was experiencing her first on-screen kiss—her first kiss ever, in fact! It started out as a performance, but after a few seconds, the kiss became something more real.

Rufus couldn't help but hold Emma tightly, caught up in the electric chemistry between them.

"Cut..." Marc Webb finally called out.

Technically, the scene was over, but Marc noticed that the two seemed a little too into the moment.

"Huh? What the..." He muttered, unsure whether to stop them.

He decided not to interrupt, letting the camera keep rolling. After all, at least they'd have plenty of material to work with.