Chapter 260: A Bit of a Goof

[Chapter 260: A Bit of a Goof]

During the third week of November, with Thanksgiving approaching, a wave of holiday-themed films was set to release.

Among the most anticipated was, of course, Home 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 merely a side player.

In comparison to Disney's heavy marketing for The Others, Steel Magnolias received little of the same 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 timeline, 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 Home Alone 2 was filmed 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 Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Compared to the premiere of The Others, the event for Home Alone 2 promised to be much more lively. After all, the first film had grossed an astonishing $300 million at the North American box office -- a rarity in film history at that time.

Fox rolled out a 50-meter 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 women," Aniston said, immediately pouting at Eric's words.

"Of course not. With me 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 me 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, anytime you don't want to act anymore, I'll cancel Friends immediately."

Aniston shot him a glare. "Do I really come 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 time.

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 measures around them, feeling reassured, and softly urged Aniston, "Go sign some 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 excitement made her cheeks feel warm.

This was the feeling of fame -- 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 some fans, even posing for a photo with the most fervent group of girls.

After some 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 camera.

"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 time at all. We've been together in the papers long before -- back in the early part of the year when I came to New York. Someone snapped a photo of us, and I still keep that picture."

"Oh, I remember 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 Home 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.

*****

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