I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor

Chapter 459

Chapter 459: Prologue (2)

Translator: NovelBin

The title "Piero: Birth of a Villain" appeared in bold English letters on the screen, exuding a rugged intensity that caught Woo-jin off guard. Seeing his film title in English for the first time felt surreal and exhilarating.

"An English title… It feels epic."

He had acted in numerous productions, but none had an English title, and this was his first Hollywood film, now playing before him. Memories of his journey here flashed through his mind, filling him with pride and satisfaction. He struggled to put words to his feelings.

“Accomplishment? Exhilaration? I’m not sure, but it feels incredible.”

As the lead in this film backed by one of Hollywood’s most prominent studios and featuring some of the industry’s top talents, Woo-jin felt an immense sense of pride. Outwardly, he maintained his composed expression, but inside, he was brimming with excitement.

"Judging from the visuals, atmosphere, and sound… This is going to be amazing."

Though it was his own film, Woo-jin watched as if he were an eager audience member, eyes glued to the screen.

The music swelled, and the title disappeared, leaving behind a charged silence that filled the theater. Producer Nora Foster sat nearby, a smile of anticipation on her face.

"The villain, Joker, appears right from the start. That twisted look, the haunting laugh… he’s already captured the room."

Though Joker’s appearance was brief, Nora knew that audiences would immediately be drawn in, compelled to stay for more. Woo-jin’s eerie laugh, his rebellious attitude, and his compelling dialogue had set the tone perfectly, leaving an impression of a captivating yet terrifying character.

The room was filled with quiet admiration. Nora, glancing at Woo-jin, noted his calm expression as he continued watching the screen without reacting.

"A Hollywood debut, and he’s watching it with such composure. He really is something else."

Nora’s gaze shifted to director Ahn Ga-bok, whose face showed a mix of fatigue and excitement, his hand resting on his cheek as he kept his eyes glued to the screen.

"The direction was excellent… I didn’t expect him to use that scene in this way."

Ahn had taken the original script, which called only for Joker’s interview scene, and added a flashback to the music that had once shaped Joker’s dark memories. By showing Joker’s past in black and white, he enhanced the sense of Joker’s fractured state of mind. Nora found the approach brilliant.

"This scene doesn’t just stir curiosity about what’s to come but also highlights Joker’s terrifying and ruthless side."

The scene portrayed Joker recalling his violent past with a nostalgic smile, a first encounter with the monstrous clown, setting an unsettling tone.

Meanwhile, every person in the theater was equally captivated, feeling a growing sense of excitement about the movie's success. The executives and staff of Columbia Studios exchanged quiet nods of satisfaction.

"With a beginning like that, there’s no way audiences won’t love it. We could release this worldwide right now, and it would be a hit."

"Woo-jin’s performance is even more powerful on screen than it was on set. I’m so glad he’s leading the start of our cinematic universe."

The film continued, and now "Henry Gordon," the man Joker once was, appeared on screen. Weak and slumped, with a look of emptiness in his eyes, he seemed a shell of a person, carrying the weight of indifference and hopelessness.

The early scenes explored Henry Gordon’s struggles, rejection, and constant abuse, his character beginning to evolve under the relentless pressure of hatred, discrimination, and violence.

Watching Woo-jin’s Henry Gordon, Choi Sung-geon felt an intense mix of emotions.

"Wow… it’s incredible."

Though Henry’s journey was filled with bloodshed and suffering, it was oddly satisfying to watch the character transform into something monstrous. Everyone in the theater seemed equally enthralled.

With time passing quickly, nearly two hours later, the ending credits finally rolled, snapping everyone out of their immersion. Applause erupted throughout the theater.

The executives and production team stood, leading the applause for Woo-jin and Director Ahn, their clapping loud and enthusiastic.

Director Ahn, relaxing a little, muttered quietly, "Finally done."

Woo-jin, outwardly calm, joined in the applause, but internally, he was ecstatic.

“Wow, that was awesome. Incredible!”

As the applause gradually died down, the crowd began conversing. Woo-jin joined Ahn Ga-bok, Nora Foster, and the other key staff as they gathered around. Nora turned to him with a warm smile.

"Mr. Kang Woo-jin."

His hidden excitement simmered down, and he responded calmly.

"Yes, Nora."

Unaware of his internal excitement, Nora gave him a thumbs up.

"Your Joker was perfect."

Similar praise came from Ahn Ga-bok, the studio executives, Chris, and other cast members. Feeling a bit embarrassed, Woo-jin nodded silently.

Nora continued, her gaze shifting back to the screen, now dark.

"We’ll be starting the promotional campaign soon. The early release date for Piero: Birth of a Villain will also be announced in a few days."

The conversation turned to the film's future.

"The release date is set for February 9, so we have about a month."

After the test screening, Woo-jin enjoyed a two-day break. Though Choi Sung-geon wanted to give him more time off, there was too much work piling up.

Woo-jin’s presence was hotter than ever in Hollywood, and his schedule was even busier than before. Though he showed little outward reaction, he quietly grumbled to himself.

“Honestly, filming is way easier than dealing with all these events.”

Whenever he had a moment, Woo-jin checked Hollywood and global entertainment news to keep up with the latest trends.

“The hype over Beauty and the Beast is crazy. It’s popular in Korea, but worldwide, it’s a madhouse.”

With World Disney Pictures announcing the film’s wrap, international media was buzzing with anticipation.

In Korea, where Woo-jin was already a major celebrity, the press continued to churn out stories.

"Beauty and the Beast: How will Woo-jin’s Beast and Miley Cara’s Belle turn out?"

"First Korean actor as the Beast! Global communities are abuzz."

Social media and YouTube were filled with discussions, and while Korea was mostly positive, international opinions were mixed.

On January 15, a large conference room in downtown LA was buzzing with activity as the team for the film *Guest* gathered. A8 Media staff, including Jennifer Sermon, were busy preparing. Jennifer sat at the front of the large U-shaped table, eyeing the empty seats as she swallowed nervously.

"Finally… Everyone is gathering."

An hour passed, and the room filled with at least 20 people, some exchanging greetings and handshakes.

"Haha, it’s been a while."

"Yeah, two years, right? Good to be working together again."

Jennifer observed them warmly, knowing they were the core team for *Guest*. This gathering included the director and other key crew members, many with impressive resumes. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation.

Then, a blonde woman entered the room.

"Hello."

It was Miley Cara, fresh off the *Beauty and the Beast* shoot. Her entrance electrified the room, and Jennifer, along with the rest of the production team, welcomed her eagerly.

But Miley wasn’t the only star to appear.

"Oh, Miley’s here first? Hello, everyone."

Following Miley was none other than Chris Hartnett, fresh from *Piero*. The room buzzed with excitement.

The presence of Hollywood’s top two stars in the room was simple to explain: Miley and Chris had officially joined *Guest* as the lead actors. One of A8 Media’s staff members, watching with wide eyes, felt his mouth drop open.

“…I expected this, but seeing it in person… Wow, is this really happening?”

The once-doomed *Guest* had been on the brink of collapse, yet here it was, with top-tier cast and crew, a far cry from its initial struggles. The staff member could hardly believe it.

"Please, let this be real."

Just then, a knock on the door signaled more arrivals. The first person to enter was a man with a ponytail, immediately recognized by Jennifer.

"Mr. Choi Sung-geon!"

It was Choi Sung-geon, the main investor in *Guest*. Smiling, he shook Jennifer’s hand.

"Haha, everyone’s here."

Behind him was a man wearing a black hoodie and gray coat, his expression unreadable.

“…Woo-jin Kang.”

Woo-jin, slated for a special appearance in *Guest*, had arrived.

Meanwhile, as Woo-jin joined the *Guest* team, Columbia Studios officially announced updates about *Piero* on their social media channels.

“…Piero: Birth of a Villain has completed editing and test screenings. We are now preparing for our Oscar campaign. The film will have a limited release in several theaters in LA on February 9.”

The world now had a release date for *Piero*.