Chapter 180: New Friends

Chapter 180: Chapter 180: New Friends

When the topic turned to box office expectations, Irene’s gaze grew firm.

"I have confidence in this film. We have an exceptional creative team, a compelling story at its core, high production standards, and strong support from Disney and Fox.

I’m not chasing a fleeting box office miracle. I only hope this film will be loved by audiences and stand the test of time as a classic. Of course, I also hope it performs well at the box office, so the hard work of everyone involved isn’t wasted."

Johnny Depp took the microphone and added,

"I’m honored to be part of this film. Captain Jack Sparrow is an incredibly challenging role, and I can’t wait to bring everyone into his world. Irene’s talent and vision have given me complete faith in this project."

Henry and Keira Knightley followed, sharing their understanding of their roles and their confidence in the film. Applause erupted from the audience. Cameras flashed relentlessly, capturing every moment with the creative team.

As the press conference drew to a close, the entire creative team stepped on stage for a group photo. Irene stood in the center, with Johnny Depp on her left and Henry Cavill and Keira Knightley on her right.

The four stood side by side, their smiles confident and composed. On the backdrop, the Black Pearl looked ready to set sail, bound for a Caribbean full of unknowns and adventure.

The energy from the press conference had not yet faded. Reporters by the red carpet were still pursuing the creative team for more details. Irene was discussing the filming schedule with Jerry when Disney representative Amy Pascal approached, smiling, with two glasses of champagne.

"Irene, congratulations on a successful press conference," Amy said. "I have a small invitation for you."

Irene accepted the champagne, her fingertips brushing the glass, and smiled. "Go ahead, Amy."

"The premiere of The Princess Diaries is at the theater next door tonight," Amy said, anticipation in her eyes.

"Anne Hathaway is a newcomer Disney has high hopes for. If you ever plan a film with a female lead, you two might be a good match. Would you like to make an appearance together? Think of it as a chance to relax and get to know each other."

Irene’s interest was piqued. Whether it was Brokeback Mountain or The Devil Wears Prada, both projects she’d had her eye on for a long time, featured Anne Hathaway. Meeting her now would let Irene understand her personality and lay the groundwork for future collaboration. It was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

"Sure," she agreed readily. "I’ll take the chance to catch my breath and meet this young actress with so much potential."

That evening, Irene changed into a simple black spaghetti-strap dress paired with silver heels. The sharp edge from the press conference was gone, replaced by a touch of elegance and softness.

When she arrived at the premiere, the area outside the theater was already buzzing. She had attended countless events like this, so the scene no longer fazed her. Amy led her through the crowd straight to the backstage lounge.

Anne Hathaway had just finished a round of media interviews and was sitting on the sofa touching up her makeup. Her pale pink princess gown highlighted her fair skin, and her eyes held the innocence and liveliness of a young woman.

"Anne, let me introduce you to an important friend," Amy said with a smile, patting her shoulder.

Anne stood immediately and extended her hand politely. "Hello, I’m Anne Hathaway." Her voice was clear and melodic, and her eyes held a mix of curiosity and respect.

As a newcomer, she naturally recognized the female director who had made a name for herself with Legally Blonde and was now one of the most sought-after figures in Hollywood.

"Irene Coppola. It’s nice to meet you," Irene said, shaking her hand with a sincere smile.

"I saw the trailer for The Princess Diaries. Your performance was striking. You captured Mia’s shyness and her growth from an ordinary girl into a princess perfectly."

Anne’s cheeks flushed faintly at the genuine praise, and her tone turned shy.

"Thank you for your kind words. I still have a lot to learn. Actually, I love your films, especially your first one, Legally Blonde. The way you portrayed Elle Woods was perfect. Who wouldn’t want to be a heroine like that?"

"I imagine that after tonight, the Mia you played will be exactly the kind of person every girl wants to be," Irene said with a smile.

A staff member knocked and entered. "Anne, a reporter from the Los Angeles Press wants to interview you."

Anne stood, clearly reluctant to leave. "Irene, I’m so happy I got to meet you today. I hope we’ll have the chance to work together in the future. I’ll keep following your films."

"Me too," Irene nodded. "I look forward to our next meeting. And I wish you a successful premiere tonight."

Watching Anne’s retreating figure, Amy walked over to Irene and smiled. "I told you the two of you would get along. Anne is an actress with tremendous potential. If you collaborate, it will be wonderful."

Irene was looking forward to that day as well. She entered the screening hall, chose a seat at random, and sat down. Up front, she saw Julia Roberts warmly embracing Anne Hathaway.

It was only today that she learned Julia Roberts was actually the producer of The Princess Diaries. Seeing her in such high spirits, Irene felt no jealousy or resentment.

As women in the industry, she and Julia had no direct conflict, and Julia had even shown goodwill when The Italian Job was released. Irene saw no reason to dwell on minor things.

When Julia’s gaze swept over, Irene offered a perfect, polite smile. Julia paused for a moment, then quickly composed herself, and the two acknowledged each other silently across the crowd.

Perhaps there would be an opportunity to collaborate in the future, Irene thought. Although Julia’s salary was high, her pay and box office returns were usually proportional, as long as the project was right.

In the screening hall for The Princess Diaries, once the lights dimmed, the room fell quiet. Only the light from the screen flickered across the audience’s faces.

Irene sat in the back, watching Mia, played by Anne Hathaway, transform from a clumsy, shy ordinary girl into someone learning to carry herself as a princess. She made plenty of mistakes, but her persistence was moving.

Even though Irene had seen this film many times in her previous life, this was her first time watching it in a theater. She still couldn’t help chuckling along with the plot.

The film had no complex storyline or grand spectacle, yet it captured the audience’s hearts with its genuine, warm core.

Mia’s helplessness while practicing etiquette in front of the mirror, her sincerity when she finally mustered the courage to give a speech, and her struggle with choosing who she wanted to be were all portrayed vividly.

Especially the final scene, where Mia stood confidently before everyone in her princess gown, drew the first wave of soft, emotional sighs from the audience.

No wonder chick flicks always had a market. Their stories were the kind people wanted to believe in.