novelburst
Chapter 453
Chapter 453
Chapter 453: Speed ??of Light (5)
Translator: NovelBin
As Woo-jin’s Joker stood in the expansive filming zone, he was showered with applause from hundreds of foreign crew members.
*Clap clap clap clap clap clap!*
The “OK” sign had just been called by Director Ahn Ga-bok, marking the end of all filming. Producer Nora was smiling with satisfaction, the hundred-odd crew members who had worked tirelessly on this production joined in, as did the Hollywood actors on set, their teams, and the Columbia Studio staff and executives. Choi Sung-geon and Woo-jin’s team also clapped in admiration.
*Clap clap clap clap clap clap!*
The applause was not only for Woo-jin’s incredible portrayal of the Joker but also for the successful completion of *Piero: Birth of a Villain*, a project fraught with challenges and expectations. Director Ahn exchanged handshakes with key staff, and Chris and other Hollywood actors shared smiles and joyful conversations. Even Columbia’s executives shook hands, celebrating this significant milestone.
Watching the scene, Choi Sung-geon felt a surge of pride. The surreal situation amazed him.
‘Here we are, in the midst of Columbia Studios, one of Hollywood's film giants, and everyone is laughing and celebrating sincerely. And at the center of it all…’
*Swoosh.*
‘…is Woo-jin.’
Woo-jin, still in full Joker makeup, was surrounded by foreign key staff members shaking his hand and snapping photos with him. Watching this, Choi Sung-geon was reminded of last year’s Cannes Film Festival, where Woo-jin had boldly declared, “See you in Hollywood.”
That day felt like yesterday, yet a whole year had flown by.
‘Time flies when you’re with Woo-jin, haha.’
It was true; one incredible event after another seemed to unfold around him, and now, after winning the Emmy for Best Actor, only the Oscars remained on their list of ambitions. And at the core of it was Woo-jin’s Joker, the character aimed squarely at that prestigious award.
‘There’s plenty left on his plate, though.’
With *Beauty and the Beast* already in production, and upcoming projects like *Guest*, both Woo-jin and Choi Sung-geon had no time for rest.
Just then—
*Swoosh.*
Woo-jin finished his photo session with the key staff and approached Choi Sung-geon. With Joker’s heavy makeup still on, he looked strikingly intense, but Sung-geon, now used to it, only smiled and gave him a thumbs-up.
"That last shot was killer. Great job, Woo-jin."
Woo-jin bowed his head slightly and replied in a low voice, "Thank you, CEO."
Sung-geon chuckled, knowing what was coming next. "I can guess what you’ll say, but how do you feel?"
How does he feel? Amazing. But Woo-jin, committed to his "tough-guy" persona, brushed it off nonchalantly.
"It’s just fine."
"Haha, of course. That’s the Woo-jin I know."
As Woo-jin turned to look around at the lively scene, he noticed that, aside from everyone being foreign, the energy on set felt similar to any Korean production. The crew was celebrating with a sense of relief, their faces bright with excitement for the film’s future. Woo-jin felt the same.
‘I’m thrilled…but is it because I’m in Hollywood? There’s something uniquely moving about this.’
The difference in location—Hollywood, the heart of global cinema, where he had just wrapped up his role as the lead in a Columbia Studios production—added a deep sense of accomplishment. The emotion welling up in Woo-jin was pure pride, and soon, the whole world would see his Joker.
‘Whew, this is kind of nerve-wracking.’
Even when his movies premiered in Korea and Japan, Woo-jin had felt tense. But now, knowing his work would reach the entire world, his heart pounded with anticipation. Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had been conversing with the Columbia executives, approached Woo-jin with a smile.
"The day finally came, didn’t it?"
Speaking in Korean, Ahn Ga-bok nodded to Woo-jin, who bowed in response.
"Thank you for everything, Director."
"I didn’t do much. It was easier here than in Korea. You’re the one who had it tough. Though you don’t show it on your face."
"Are you focusing on *Beauty and the Beast* now?"
"Most likely."
"Well, I’m diving into the editing starting tomorrow."
Director Ahn briefly outlined his upcoming schedule. Although the filming for *Piero: Birth of a Villain* was complete, there were still tasks left: additional poster shoots, some ADR, and final adjustments.
These tasks, however, would only take a few days. Ahn’s eyes held a newfound determination as he placed a hand on Woo-jin’s shoulder.
"I’m tackling this edit as if it’s the pinnacle of my directing career. I promised Columbia Studios results, so I’ll deliver."
"…"
"I admit, there’s a bit of fear mixed in. Not exactly fitting at my age, huh? But too many hopes and expectations are riding on my conviction."
He hinted at the Oscars.
"But I believe your Joker will captivate the world."
Woo-jin responded with a touch of bravado.
"I believe that too."
---
The news of *Piero: Birth of a Villain*’s completion spread through Hollywood the next morning as Woo-jin moved to the *Beauty and the Beast* set.
‘Of course, news traveled quickly.’
Given its significance as the start of Columbia’s cinematic universe and Woo-jin’s Emmy-winning performance, the international press eagerly covered the wrap of *Piero*.
> **LA TIMES: “Take It or Leave It”—Kang Woo-jin’s *Piero: Birth of a Villain* Wraps Filming**
> **CNM: “Columbia Studios Confirms Wrap on *Piero: Birth of a Villain*, Release Date Under Discussion”**
Many articles featured Woo-jin, though none mentioned the Oscars.
‘No one’s expecting it.’
Woo-jin mused, knowing no one foresaw *Piero* as an Oscar contender. No film in Hollywood history had ever delayed its international release for an Oscar push after an LA premiere. Once this news broke, it would be seismic.
As *Piero*’s wrap news spread to Korea and Japan—
> **[Breaking] Kang Woo-jin and Director Ahn Ga-bok’s *Piero: Birth of a Villain* Wraps Filming! Fans Ask, “When’s the Premiere?!”**
The excitement surrounding *Piero* became a global phenomenon, with mixed opinions ranging from eager anticipation to skepticism. But this level of interest underscored the impact the film was set to make worldwide.
As the *Piero* buzz continued to grow—
"Action!"
Woo-jin, now in his role as the Beast, or more precisely, in his form-fitting motion-capture suit, returned to filming with renewed energy.
"Mr. Kang—your performance is impressive as always, but today you’re positively radiating energy!"
"Right? Even with the suit, he embodies the wild energy of the Beast."
Meanwhile, Director Ahn and the *Piero* team had begun the editing process in Columbia Studio’s editing room, filled with numerous monitors and a mid-sized screen. Director Ahn observed everything carefully.
‘From here on, it’s a race against time.’
He took his first step in this monumental undertaking.
At the same time, *Universal Movies*’ *John Persona*, directed by Danny Landis and produced by Joseph Felton, was moving through mid-pre-production, with castings, set construction, and scheduling well underway.
*John Persona* was progressing quietly, though meticulously.
And Landis himself had started seeking Woo-jin’s input more frequently.
Thus, with multiple moving parts, time marched on.
By the end of September, *Beneficial Evil* Part 2, buoyed by Woo-jin’s Emmy win and global influence, had established itself as a worldwide phenomenon.
> **[Hot Topic] *Beneficial Evil* Part 2 Continues Its Run at No. 1 Worldwide!**
> **“Two Weeks in and Still Holding the Top Spot—Could *Beneficial Evil* Part 2 Lead to Another Emmy Next Year?”**
Once again, *Beneficial Evil* Part 2 solidified its position as the top show globally, driving Woo-jin’s stature even higher.
This momentum carried into October, where *Piero* entered its third week of editing at an increased pace, while *Beauty and the Beast* pushed through its mid-production schedule seamlessly.
However, a new spotlight was about to shift.
It was time for *Guest*.
"Hello, Jennifer Thurman."
"Welcome, Mr. Choi."
Choi Sung-geon and Jennifer Thurman, representing BW Entertainment and *A8 Media*, gathered at the latter’s modest office for *Guest*’s first official production meeting. The key agenda item?
"Securing a director and key staff should be our priority."
Names of potential directors and top Hollywood crew members were discussed in the meeting room, along with notable actors.
However—
"Given the project’s scale and our studio’s resources, securing top-tier actors might be challenging. But we could definitely pitch the script to A-list actors."
It would be difficult to attract Hollywood’s elite talent, a reality that Choi Sung-geon was well aware of. He recalled something Woo-jin had told him recently.
‘CEO, try to stretch the timeline during pre-production as much as you can when it comes to casting.’
‘Stretch the timeline? Why?’
‘I may have already planted some seeds.’
Choi Sung-geon, having utmost faith in Woo-jin’s instincts
, took his advice without hesitation.
"Jennifer, let’s table casting for now."
"I actually thought the same, but it’s a common consideration in director negotiations."
"Then let’s use Woo-jin’s cameo as a draw for now. We’ll revisit casting later."
The process wasn’t instant, but *Guest* officially took its first step in pre-production.
---
By late October, on the set of *Beauty and the Beast*, Miley Cara approached Woo-jin, who was dressed elegantly as the prince, while she was in her Belle attire.
"I read that *Guest* script you gave me."
Woo-jin looked up at her and asked in a low voice, "What did you think?"
Miley’s blonde hair glimmered as she smiled softly.
"I was completely drawn in. It’s fascinating, especially with its unique twists and devices. So—why did you give it to me?"
Woo-jin looked up at her thoughtfully.
"I have a feeling it’ll succeed. Just a hunch."
"A hunch?"
He began to explain the project in more detail.
---
A few days later, the whirlwind of October faded, and the first day of November dawned. The air had turned crisp as the season shifted, and people’s wardrobes thickened for the colder weather.
On that very day, an unexpected video appeared on Columbia Studio’s official YouTube channel.
> **?Piero: Birth of a Villain? First Teaser | Columbia Studio**
It was the first teaser for *Piero: Birth of a Villain*.