Chapter 179: Press Conference

Chapter 179: Chapter 179: Press Conference

Jerry fell silent on the other end of the line for a few seconds, clearly caught off guard by Irene’s decisiveness.

He had been frustrated by Jim Carrey’s last-minute change of heart, but following Irene’s reasoning now, it actually saved them a great deal of trouble.

"You’re right," his tone turned resolute again.

"I’ll speak with Depp personally, and I’ll do my best to meet his reasonable demands in the contract, as long as he’s willing to commit. Still, the restrictive clauses are essential.

We can’t let him think we’re dependent on him, or he might slack off once he joins the crew. As for training, I’ll contact the fencing coach and the historical consultant tomorrow and have them prepare a plan in advance."

"Make sure the training team emphasizes the wildness and cunning of pirates," Irene instructed.

"Depp already has the qualities we want. With a little guidance, he’ll fit the role even better. Also, have the costume department prepare his wardrobe ahead of time so he can put it on directly during the audition. It’ll help him get into character."

"No problem. I’ll make sure everything is arranged," Jerry’s voice brightened completely.

"Honestly, if you hadn’t reminded me, I would’ve wasted a lot of time on this Jim Carrey situation. It’s a good thing he withdrew on his own. It saved us from a difficult position later."

Irene let out a quiet laugh, a sharp glint in her eyes. "Only those who can last until the end are truly suited for this pirate ship. Depp will prove we made the right choice."

Three days later, Jerry sent word that Johnny Depp had officially signed with the crew. Fox and Disney planned to hold a press conference to promote the film properly.

Irene agreed to follow their arrangements and officially retitled the film Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.

On August 2, 2001, the press conference for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, co-hosted by Fox and Disney, was held in the grand banquet hall of the Los Angeles Center Hotel.

A red carpet stretched from the entrance to the center of the stage. Media reporters and invited guests crowded both sides. Flashes popped continuously, and the sound of shutters merged into a steady hum, creating a lively, electric atmosphere.

On the stage backdrop, the six gold-stamped words The Curse of the Black Pearl were especially eye-catching. Below them, the silhouette of Captain Jack and the sail pattern of the Black Pearl added an air of mystery and adventure.

The entire creative team was present. Johnny Depp wore a black velvet suit paired with a vintage patterned shirt. His signature messy long hair fell casually, and his eyes carried a touch of defiance that perfectly matched Captain Jack’s temperament.

Henry Cavill stood in a crisp gray suit. Tall and composed, he wore a youthful yet steady smile, showing far more confidence than he had during the audition.

Keira Knightley wore a lavender gown, her long hair pulled up into an elegant bun. Her expressive eyes and poised demeanor made her look every bit the young noblewoman just beginning to come into her own.

Irene appeared in a simple, sharp white suit. Her neat short hair and refined makeup gave her both the professional presence of a director and the elegance of a woman in command.

Jerry Bruckheimer, Disney representative Amy, Fox representative Adelaide, and other senior investors sat on one side of the stage, their faces full of anticipation for the film.

After the press conference officially began, the host introduced the basic details of the film and the cast and crew, then opened the floor for reporter questions.

A blonde female reporter raised her microphone first.

"Irene, how did you conceive the story for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl? The pirate genre hasn’t been popular in Hollywood in recent years. What made you determined to make this film?"

Irene took the microphone, a calm smile on her lips as her gaze swept slowly across the audience.

"Thank you for your question. Honestly, calling the genre unpopular is putting it gently. When I first wrote this script, no one around me supported it. Everyone thought I’d lost my mind for wanting to take on what Hollywood considers a box-office bomb."

The room broke into a wave of friendly laughter.

"The idea actually came from a vacation in Hawaii," she continued.

"I was staying at the Grand Wailea Hotel, where there were many exhibits about pirates—ancient nautical charts, rusted swords, damaged sail models, and old books filled with pirate legends.

Looking at those exhibits, I felt as if I had traveled back to the Caribbean hundreds of years ago. Suddenly, a rough outline of a story about adventure, curses, and love formed in my mind."

As she spoke, she glanced subconsciously at Henry beside her, and a flicker of understanding passed between them.

Henry looked up at the same moment, and their eyes met briefly. The glance instantly brought them back to that time in Hawaii.

Back then, Henry had accompanied her through the hotel’s exhibition hall, patiently sharing his thoughts on pirate stories and adding historical anecdotes that enriched her ideas.

At the time, they were merely passing acquaintances in each other’s lives. Neither of them had imagined they would one day embark on this pirate adventure together as part of the core creative team.

"As for why I chose the pirate genre," Irene withdrew her gaze and continued,

"I think the less popular a theme is, the more potential it has to be explored. The world of pirates is filled with freedom, adventure, and the unknown. That unique charm can’t be replaced by other genres. I hope that through this film, audiences will feel the mystery and grandeur of the Caribbean and experience a thrilling, unforgettable adventure."

"Irene, Mr. Johnny Depp is a seasoned Hollywood actor, while Henry Cavill and Keira Knightley are newcomers. Why did you choose this combination of actors? What are your expectations for the film’s box office?"

Irene smiled, her tone firm. "I chose Johnny because he is Captain Jack. During the audition, his understanding and interpretation of the role exceeded all my expectations.

That mix of roguish charm and unrestrained energy he possesses fits Captain Jack perfectly. More than that, the preparation he did early on to earn this role showed his dedication and belief in the character, and that moved me deeply."

She turned to look at Henry and Keira, her eyes full of appreciation.

"Henry and Keira may be newcomers, but they have limitless potential. The resilience and depth of feeling Henry showed during the audition aligned closely with Will Turner.

Keira’s liveliness and spirit let me see the true Elizabeth Swann. I believe the collision between the freshness of newcomers and the experience of a veteran actor will create a unique chemistry on screen."

"Irene, does your film’s title imply that this will be a series?"

"That’s a sharp observation," Irene said with a nod. "Yes. In our plan, there will be at least three Pirates of the Caribbean films, so everyone has something to look forward to."