novelburst
Chapter 457
Chapter 457
Chapter 457: Speed ??of Light (9)
Translator: NovelBin
"Is that so?" Woo-jin replied over the phone to Director Ahn Ga-bok.
"You’ve worked so hard, Director."
While Woo-jin responded in a formal tone, he was inwardly amazed.
"Wasn’t this expected around mid to late January? That was fast!"
The reason for his surprise was simple: Director Ahn Ga-bok had just declared that the editing for *Piero: Birth of a Villain* was complete. It was only early January, and the expected completion date he had given to Columbia Studios and Woo-jin was late January. It was indeed startlingly fast. Soon, Ahn Ga-bok’s voice came through the line again, a trace of laughter in his tone.
"When you work tirelessly, it’s amazing how quickly you reach the end. I could have informed Columbia Studios, but I wanted to tell you personally."
"Thank you. Have you informed Columbia Studios?"
"Of course. Nora and the team at Columbia will hear soon enough. Now, all that’s left is the actual release. But I’m not worried—seeing your ‘Joker’ performance again during editing gave me chills. Right now, public opinion and the media may be skeptical, but once they see this, they’ll change their minds instantly."
"I think so too."
"Haha, alright. Let’s meet soon."
After a brief conversation, Woo-jin and Director Ahn Ga-bok ended the call. As soon as Woo-jin lowered his phone, his manager, Choi Sung-geon, who had been watching closely, leaned in.
"Was that Director Ahn? What did he say?"
The curiosity was clear on his face, and even the nearby team members were looking at Woo-jin with question-filled eyes. In his usual calm manner, Woo-jin replied in a low voice.
"The editing for *Piero: Birth of a Villain* is finished."
Sung-geon’s eyes widened.
"What, already?"
"Yes."
"That was quick, wasn’t it? I thought it was supposed to be done by the end of the month."
"Seems the director sped things up a bit."
"Saying ‘a bit’ is an understatement—they shaved off three weeks! Editing is finished… I’m dying to see how it turned out. Aren’t you?"
"I am too."
The team, including the stylists, expressed enthusiastic agreement. Opening his planner, Sung-geon asked another question.
"Does this mean we can extend the promotional period, or maybe add an extra week to the release schedule? When is the test screening supposed to happen?"
Woo-jin answered promptly.
"He said it would be soon, so I’m guessing it won’t be long."
Woo-jin was genuinely looking forward to it.
"I wonder how my ‘Joker’ turned out… Ah, I’m so curious."
---
Meanwhile, in the editing room at Columbia Studios.
In the spacious editing room filled with numerous monitors and equipment, Director Ahn Ga-bok was visible. Wearing a lightweight padded jacket against the chilly weather, his face was marked with lines that seemed deeper than before—a testament to his exhaustion. It was understandable; he hadn’t had a proper night’s sleep in quite some time.
Sighing deeply, he leaned back in his chair. The editing staff and assistants around him were busy chatting, congratulating themselves on completing the task. Observing them, Ahn Ga-bok’s gaze slowly shifted.
- Swoosh.
It settled on the largest monitor in the center, where the video had paused. On the screen was Woo-jin’s menacing smile, in full character as the ‘Joker’. His face was painted pale, his hair a bright red, and his costume was a chaotic mix of colors. Ahn Ga-bok, looking at the proud, defiant Joker on the screen, rubbed his face and muttered quietly.
"We’re locked and loaded. Now we just hand it over to Columbia."
Memories flooded his mind—of their early days with *The Leech,* the Cannes Film Festival, and finally breaking into Hollywood. It had been a long journey, but looking back, it felt like a whirlwind.
Just then,
- Knock knock.
After a soft knock, the heavy door of the editing room opened. Standing there was a woman with a stern expression—Executive Producer Nora Foster—followed by a group of Columbia Studios executives, including a bald man.
They’d come after hearing from Ahn Ga-bok that editing was complete.
Nora and the executives all wore expressions of anticipation and excitement. Rising from his chair, Ahn Ga-bok greeted them. After exchanging handshakes and pleasantries, Nora and the executives turned their attention to the large monitors at the front, where the Joker’s image was frozen. The bald executive spoke first, his gaze fixed on the screen.
"Thank you for all your hard work. We’re finally ready to show this to the world."
"The start of our ‘Cinematic Universe’. My heart’s racing now that it’s here."
"Haha, I feel the same. At last…"
The Columbia Studios executives seemed lost in thought. It was understandable—they were on the verge of launching the monumental project they had been preparing for years. As Nora Foster continued to look at the Joker on the screen, she met Ahn Ga-bok’s gaze.
"Director, all that’s left now is promotion, the preliminary release, and the Academy Awards."
"…That’s right."
Nora deliberately left out one crucial step: the Academy’s official nomination announcement. If they didn’t make the cut, *Piero: Birth of a Villain* wouldn’t even get a chance to compete for an Oscar. But Nora seemed to have erased that possibility from her mind as she continued.
"We’ll need a test screening before we go all in."
"I understand. Will everyone be invited?"
"Yes, including everyone here and the cast."
Nora, with a determined look, announced the test screening date.
"As soon as possible—ideally by the end of this week."
---
While Columbia Studios and Director Ahn Ga-bok were buzzing over the completion of *Piero: Birth of a Villain*, Woo-jin arrived at the set for *Beauty and the Beast*. The massive SPT Studio, spanning over 50,000 square meters, had been Woo-jin’s second home for several months now, and the cast and crew were all seasoned warriors at this point.
This production was also nearing its final stages.
Woo-jin waited in his trailer, still dressed in his tight costume.
"Ugh—just a bit longer, and I can finally say goodbye to this outfit."
Checking his phone, he glanced through the headlines, with various news outlets abuzz with activity. International media were already lively, but Korean news outlets were especially colorful. From the still-ongoing global success of *Beneficial Evil Part 2*, to *Piero: Birth of a Villain*, *Beauty and the Beast*, and the Oscars, the news was filled with Woo-jin’s projects.
> *“When will ‘Piero,’ the Oscar contender, be released? Industry insiders say the timing is tight.”*
> *“Netflix CEO confirms ‘Beneficial Evil Part 3’ due to high demand after Part 2’s success.”*
The start of 2023 was a flurry of headlines, and, as usual, Woo-jin was at the center of it. The most powerful topic was, of course, the Oscar campaign for *Piero: Birth of a Villain*, and his role as the Joker was being dissected, analyzed, and enjoyed by audiences worldwide.
While Woo-jin was immersed in his internet browsing, a foreign crew member approached his trailer.
"Mr. Woo-jin! Standby!"
Putting his phone down, Woo-jin stepped out of the trailer, mumbling to himself.
"Once they announce that editing for *Piero* is complete, things will get even louder."
Meanwhile, Hollywood was also abuzz with the same news, and more stories were starting to circulate.
Rumors began swirling among top Hollywood reporters.
"Did Miley Cara already choose her next project?"
"Already? She’s still filming *Beauty and the Beast*."
"It’s just a rumor, but it seems credible. I heard she’s been in talks with a studio."
"Which studio?"
"Not sure, but I’ll keep digging."
There were also rumors about Chris Hartnett.
"Have you heard of a movie called *Guest*?"
"*Guest*? First I’ve heard of it."
"It’s a project that’s been in limbo for years, but recently I heard Chris Hartnett has taken an interest in it. Got it from someone in his agency."
"Is that confirmed?"
Both actors had either filmed with Woo-jin or were currently filming with him, so the news quickly spread. Although these were still unconfirmed rumors, they were causing quite a stir.
Watching these developments closely was a man with a sly smile.
"Time to make my move."
It was Choi Sung-geon, the primary investor in *Guest*. He had been monitoring this project intensely since last year, waiting for the right moment. While *Guest* was currently in pre-production, no official announcements had been made in either Korea or Hollywood. The day after, on January 4th, Sung-geon made his move.
"Yes, it’s me. Let’s start with what we’ve prepared."
Coordinating with A8 Media, he set things in motion.
That afternoon, a breaking story dropped. It began in Korea, as BW Entertainment made an announcement on their official social media, unveiling the new business they had been preparing since last year.
> *“Hello, this is BW Entertainment. We have some news for our dedicated fans. BW Entertainment is officially investing in a Hollywood film. The title of the project is *Guest*, a remake of *The Detective Agency*, a past film of Woo-j
in’s…”*
The message outlined *Guest* in detail, covering everything from A8 Media’s acquisition of the rights to *The Detective Agency*, to the adaptation process, and BW Entertainment’s investment. This type of Hollywood collaboration with a Korean company was unprecedented.
> *“[Breaking News] BW Entertainment becomes the main investor in Hollywood film! The project is *Guest*, a remake of Woo-jin’s *The Detective Agency*.”*
> *“BW Entertainment dives straight into Hollywood investment! Bold move despite still establishing itself in Korea?”*
The news instantly became a hot topic, keeping the media busy, and the Korean public quickly joined the conversation.
---
**Online Comments:**
- "Looks like Woo-jin’s agency got inspired by his Hollywood success, haha. But isn’t this a bit much? Where’s the confidence coming from?"
- "Wasn’t *The Detective Agency* a short? They’re turning it into a full-length Hollywood film?"
- "I read that Woo-jin won’t be starring, though. His schedule’s packed until the year after next."
- "No way!! *The Detective Agency* was amazing! Who’s going to play his role if not Woo-jin?"
- "Rumor has it Miley Cara and Chris Hartnett are considering *Guest*. Do you think it’ll happen?"
- "Sure, sounds likely, lol."
The buzz reached Hollywood within minutes.
> *“CNM: BW Entertainment makes a bold move by investing in Hollywood film *Guest*. Following Woo-jin’s success, his agency steps into Hollywood.”*
The revival of *Guest*, once a lost project, was now a prominent topic in Hollywood. But the true bombshell was yet to come. Watching *Guest* gain traction, Sung-geon grinned.
"Heh, the timing’s perfect—"
He murmured quietly.
"Imagine the wave it’ll cause once we announce Chris Hartnett and Miley Cara as the leads."
---
A few days later.
Inside a large building in LA, a group of people, no fewer than twenty, gathered. Their serious expressions gave away that they were no ordinary crowd; they were the influential members of an organization with substantial clout in Hollywood. Each had a tablet and several transparent files in front of them.
Interestingly enough,
"*Piero: Birth of a Villain* sure is making waves."
On every tablet, posters and teasers for *Piero: Birth of a Villain* were displayed.
"Has anything like this ever happened before?"
"Not at all. I’ve never seen it. But theoretically, what they’re proposing is possible."
"They’re planning a one to two-week release in LA and then aiming for the Oscars."
"They’re meeting the requirements, after all."
"It’s almost February; the nominations start soon. Will they make it in time?"
"We’ll see soon enough."
"I never thought I’d witness something like this in my lifetime."
Everyone was engrossed in discussing *Piero: Birth of a Villain*.
"Even thousands of our members are eagerly awaiting it. Of course, some are still skeptical. But when has Hollywood ever seen such a bold move?"
This group was none other than the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the governing body of the Academy Awards.
"When they see it, they’ll know. They’ll see the brilliance of the direction and the performance."
And with that, the anticipation for Woo-jin’s *Piero: Birth of a Villain* only grew stronger.