Chapter 471 - Premiere of "Pirates of the Caribbean" (Part One)

Even though she knew how massive the hype from the previous world about this movie was, history does not always remain the same. She couldn't be sure how her presence would change this film. Maybe releasing it a few years ahead of schedule would leave the audience unprepared for a pirate-themed movie, or perhaps the extensive media coverage outside would annoy people and make them not want to go to the theaters.

In any case, she couldn't be certain how it would turn out.

"Just for this?" Roy first couldn't believe it, then when he saw her irritated expression, he couldn't help but laugh. He reached out and ruffled her hair, saying, "I thought it was something else. I don't know what others think, but at least you, who should be nervous, make me very happy."

"I'm nervous, and you're happy?" Laila brushed his hand away. "Did you come here just to argue with me?"

Roy laughed, "Of course not. I mean it. You're usually so calm and aloof, nothing like the real you should be."

Laila was puzzled, "What should the real me be like?"

"Do you remember when we first met?" Roy thought back to the time when she had outwitted him and chuckled, "Back then, you were not so stern, more cunning, and a bit of a scoundrel."

"A scoundrel?" Laila raised an eyebrow.

Realizing he misspoke, Roy quickly corrected himself, "No, cute! Very cute!"

Hearing the faint laughter coming from the office, Demi quietly sighed with relief. She had been worried when she saw her boss's unusual demeanor earlier, but it seemed like everything was fine now.

She couldn't pinpoint when Laila had become the company's cornerstone. Everyone in the company trusted her so much that if something happened to her, they'd all feel uneasy and their work efficiency would drop significantly.

Fortunately, Roy had returned! Demi fervently made the sign of the cross on her chest with her hands devoutly.

On June 1st, they officially entered the summer season, and it was also the highly anticipated premiere day of "Pirates of the Caribbean."

That evening, at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood, a red carpet adorned with countless flower petals turned the outside square into a dazzling spectacle.

The red carpet event started at 7 p.m., and stars began to arrive. Each time someone stepped onto the red carpet, it caused screams from fans and flashes from photographers.

This was Laila's first foray into the summer season and her first large-scale premiere. In the past, she had attended premieres where the actors from her movies or people she knew were present. This time was different; after the acquisition of AMG, she no longer had to worry about a lack of stars. Posting on the company's signed celebrities' social media accounts would certainly get even the most aloof stars to give their boss some face.

In fact, inviting celebrities wouldn't have been difficult for Laila in the past. Even if her movie company couldn't attract some A-list celebrities, the Moran Group behind her was influential enough. However, at that time, she didn't see the need to invite celebrities, which sometimes made her premieres somewhat lackluster.

But this time was different. Dragon Soul, her new company, was entering its first summer season battle, and she needed to create a buzz. She also wanted to showcase her own capabilities through this film, stabilizing the people who might have been uneasy due to the acquisition of the talent management company.

Laila Moran could direct not only low-budget films but also big-budget commercial blockbusters for the summer season. The three-hundred-million-dollar curse meant nothing to her; it had remained unbroken because she simply hadn't cared!

"Are you ready?" Roy knocked on the car door.

"Ready." Laila got out of the car, followed by her assistants and makeup artists for some final touch-ups.

Roy looked at her with admiration, feeling like he wanted time to stand still at this moment. Normally, Laila went with a natural look, maybe some lipstick to brighten her complexion, and allowed makeup artists to work their magic on her face only for formal occasions.

Today, she was wearing an unconventional Baroque-style light yellow gown with numerous folds, intricate lace, and sparkling accents. Anyone who didn't know her would think they had time-traveled to the Middle Ages.

Roy, on the other hand, was dressed as a pirate captain, sans the signature smoky makeup. He looked less cunning but more handsome and free-spirited than the captain in the movie.

The two walked together, resembling a medieval couple straight out of a movie. Their fans in the distance were screaming so much that they were going hoarse and had taken thousands of photos.

Today, the guest host was Jimmy from NBC, whom Laila had appeared on a talk show with, so she invited him to host her premiere.

When they saw the two walking arm in arm, Jimmy immediately stopped them.

"Look who I've found! Hi, Laila, Roy, how have you been lately?"

"Not bad, thank you," Roy said with a smile, hugging him.

Jimmy kissed Laila's hand, teasing her, "Beautiful princess, did this pirate kidnap you here?"

Laila's amused response got a light laugh, "Are you planning to arrest him"

"It's a very tempting proposal," Jimmy said in a hushed tone, glancing around before continuing, "If I arrest him away, those fans who came to see him will surely throw me into a pirate ship to feed the sharks."

Hearing this, the distant fans cheered even louder, waving their photos and glow sticks, whether they could see the exchange or not.

"See!" Jimmy playfully acted nervous.

After the laughter, he got down to business.

"Laila, this is your first time entering the summer season. What are your expectations for this movie?"

Laila thought for a moment, "Of course, I have many expectations, but the biggest one is that I hope the fans will enjoy it."

Her response drew even more cheers from the fans. They knew she was the best, and no director truly understood what moviegoers needed like she did.

Jimmy continued, "I know there's been talk that you're the three-hundred-million-dollar director. Do you have any specific expectations for the box office this time?"

"I believe we can break the curse," Laila said with a slight smile, and amidst the screams, she delivered her answer. She didn't specify how she would break it, whether it would be above or below $300 Million, but her fans gave her their utmost enthusiasm. In their eyes, she was the epitome of a miracle, a divine proxy on Earth, and how could she possibly aim for anything less than $300 Million?

As for the various media outlets, they didn't need her answer. They had already made up their minds about what to write. Whether it was above or below $300 Million, wasn't it just a matter of their fingertips? They had even decided on the headline: "The Genius Director Makes Bold Claims to Break the $300 Million Curse."