Chapter 663: Difficult Actor!

Inside Disney Studios, amidst the bustling "Martian" crew set, Martin donned his gray uniform, ready to tackle the role of a Martian farmer amidst heaps of soil in the planting warehouse.

"Remember, it's all about primitive farming methods," Ridley Scott reminded him, his voice authoritative yet encouraging.

Martin nodded confidently. "Don't worry, I've got this."

With a background in rural life, Martin's vegetable-growing skills were second to none. His hometown boasted a reputation as the vegetable capital of the country.

Approaching them, a prop master arrived with a bag of sealed packets, and Martin inspected one with curiosity.

"These are filled with real human feces for authenticity," Ridley informed him.

Martin, unfazed, returned the bag, clapping his hands. "No problem."

With every department in place, Ridley assumed his directorial position, ready to capture the essence of the scene.

As Martin transformed into a farmer, his actions synchronized with the selfie device, delivering witty lines effortlessly, turning the solo act into a captivating performance.

Despite the initial hiccups, Ridley's experience and Martin's adaptability ensured progress. Ridley, mindful of past setbacks, demanded nothing short of excellence from the entire crew.

Hours passed, and with only a handful of shots captured, Ridley's meticulous approach persisted. Yet, Martin's ability to deliver on cue alleviated some of the pressure.

As the crew persevered, Martin tackled the grueling task of spreading manure for the potato plantation, reminiscent of his rural upbringing.

Though Martin recognized the unconventional method, he remained silent, understanding the disparity between cinematic portrayal and real-life practices.

After meticulous filming and numerous takes, the scenes finally received Ridley's approval, albeit at the cost of Martin's appetite, tainted by the persistent stench.

Undeterred, Martin pressed on through the afternoon, leaving the pungent aroma behind as he ventured into another studio, showcasing the thriving potato fields with pride, all for the sake of cinematic magic.

In preparation for the scene, Ridley had arranged for potatoes to be planted in the studio well in advance, and now they've flourished, ready for filming.

Despite the initial challenges of solo performances, Ridley and Martin quickly found their rhythm after a brief adjustment period. Ridley's seasoned directorial prowess ensured any hiccups were swiftly resolved.

Martin's professionalism and skill were undeniable, earning him praise from directors past. Hollywood's recent track record reinforced the notion that smooth sailing on set was the norm, provided there were no managerial mishaps or star tantrums.

The majority of filming would unfold within the confines of Disney Studios' sound stage, with "The Martian" crew bustling in and out daily, each movement choreographed with precision.

Across the main road lay the studio housing "The Lone Ranger" crew, who, after months of meticulous preparation, commenced filming in June.

One morning, a battery car pulled up at the studio entrance, disgorging Megan Ellison, who lingered at the roadside, her gaze fixed on the adjacent studio.

Having relished teasing Martin on a prior occasion, Megan hoped for a repeat encounter, her recent busyness leaving little time for such amusements.

Observing the closed studio doors and vigilant security, Megan's patience waned. She redirected her steps towards her own crew's studio, perturbed by the sight of idle employees.

While her frustration simmered, Megan refrained from rash actions, mindful of the commitment to Jerry Bruckheimer's team.

Entering the studio, Megan spotted Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, their expressions betraying a mixture of frustration and resignation.

Noticing the absent Johnny Depp, Megan's concern mounted. Despite confirming his presence in the morning scenes, his absence raised eyebrows.

Approaching producer Jerry, Megan cut to the chase. "Why hasn't filming commenced? Surely the crew doesn't require such prolonged breaks?"

Jerry, masking his disdain, assured her, "We'll start imminently."

Unconvinced, Megan pressed further, "Where's Johnny Depp? The schedule dictates his involvement this morning."

The lingering delay and Depp's absence left Megan seething, each wasted moment a direct hit to her investment.

At the mere mention of Depp's name, Jerry's temples throbbed, his frustration palpable as veins bulged on his forehead, threatening to burst at any moment.

Sensing trouble, Meghan probed further. "Where's Johnny Depp? Where's my lead actor?"

With a financial officer from Annapurna Pictures present, Jerry couldn't evade the truth any longer. "Depp's a little tardy. The crew's prepped and waiting for him."

"Tardy?" Meghan checked her watch, incredulous as she observed the clock nearing eleven. With an angry chuckle, she pointed at the timepiece. "You call this tardiness?"

Jerry, equally exasperated, hesitated to intervene in the crew's affairs. "I'll address this with Depp..."

Before he could finish, the studio door burst open, ushering in a group of people, two of whom cradled dogs in their arms.

In the midst of the entourage, Depp stumbled, his sunken eyes and dark circles reminiscent of Captain Sparrow in dire straits.

Before Meghan could react, director Gore Verbinski erupted. "No dogs on set! Remove them immediately!"

Ignoring the uproar, Depp, still nursing a hangover, retorted, "If my pups go, I go!"

His ultimatum prompted a swift response from Verbinski, his frustration evident. "Get those dogs to the office break room now!"

Jerry intervened, urging Depp to prioritize styling and sobriety. However, Verbinski, wary of Depp's antics, warned of impending disaster.

As negotiations ensued, Verbinski couldn't help but resent Depp's unruly behavior, compounded by the challenges plaguing the production since its inception, most of which were linked to the actor.

Determined to distance himself from future collaborations with Depp, Verbinski vowed to demand a hefty director's fee or walk away.

As Meghan observed the chaos, her expression remained stoic, a silent observer to the unfolding drama.