novellhall Chapter 238 Thanos Also Wants to Join the Family [5000 words]
Chapter 238 Thanos Also Wants to Join the Family [5000 words]
Chapter 238 Thanos Also Wants to Join the Family [5000 words]
The car was parked downstairs at director Gunn's studio.
The internal screening of Guardians of the Galaxy will begin at 2 p.m.
When Chen Xun went upstairs, laughter could already be heard in the corridor.
As she pushed open the door, Dave was shoving a donut towards Zoe's mouth, but Zoe dodged it with a look of disgust: "I'm Gamora, Gamora doesn't eat donuts!"
"You're not wearing makeup again!" Dave persisted.
Bradley Cooper sat on the sofa wearing headphones, gesturing with his fingers in the air as if providing voice-over for the rocket.
Vin Diesel is not here.
Groot's voice acting had already been pre-recorded.
Director Gunn came out from the inner room, saw Chen Xun, and his eyes lit up: "Chen! Congratulations! Fast & Furious 6 is a box office smash!"
Dave put down the donut, walked over, and patted Chen Xun on the back forcefully: "Hey bro! Let me absorb some of your good luck!"
Zoe laughed too: "Looks like we found the right person. Chen is now the box office mascot."
Bradley took off one earphone: "My wife watched the trailer for Fast & Furious 6 yesterday and asked me who that handsome Asian cop was. I said he was my colleague, and she even asked me for his autograph."
Everyone laughed.
Chen Xun was a little embarrassed: "Just lucky!"
"It's not just luck!"
Gunn said seriously, "The audience will only buy into it if you act well. Hollywood is very realistic; the box office doesn't lie."
He glanced at his watch: "Alright, everyone's here. Let's watch the movie."
The group entered the screening room.
The lights dimmed, and the screen lit up.
After the Marvel intro animation, the movie officially begins.
The film opens in 1988, with young Peter Quill at the hospital watching over his seriously ill mother.
His mother handed him a Walkman, which played her favorite old songs.
Then an alien spaceship appeared and kidnapped Peter.
Chen Xun knew this scene would be touching when he filmed it, but the final result still exceeded his expectations.
The music, performance, and editing were perfectly coordinated, establishing the emotional core of the character Star-Lord in just three minutes.
A homeless child who is forever searching for belonging.
Next, the adult Star-Lord appears, stealing the Orb from a deserted planet.
That scene was filmed in a cool and funny way, and Chen Xun noticed many details in the final cut that he hadn't seen at the time:
Star-Lord dances to his Walkman while stealing things, his movements clumsy but he enjoys himself, perfectly embodying the character's personality.
Laughter could be heard from time to time in the screening room.
When Dave saw his character Drax appear on screen, he muttered to himself, "I really got some muscles back then."
Zoe rolled her eyes: "You're not bad off now either!"
The appearance of Rocket Raccoon and Groot elicited even more laughter.
Bradley's voice acting is superb; every interjection is full of soul.
Although Groot can only say "lamGroot", he perfectly conveys all his emotions through body language and eye contact.
Chen Xun watched intently.
He noted that compared to the original, this Guardians of the Galaxy film was indeed clearer in its setting.
For example, the origin of the Orb, Ronan's motives, and the conflict between the Kree Empire and the Nova Corps —
These background details, which were only briefly mentioned in the original version, are now given more thorough explanation here.
This was thanks to his advice during the filming.
At the time, director Gunn's script jumped around too quickly in some places. Chen Xun suggested, "The audience needs time to digest this universe when they are encountering it for the first time, especially those who are not comic book fans. They need to understand the basic rules of this world before they can get emotionally involved."
Gunn adopted the idea, rewrote several scenes, and added more explanatory dialogue.
It seems to be working very well now.
Midway through the movie, the five Guardians of the Galaxy reunite in prison and plan their escape.
That scene was one of the most tiring for Chen Xun to film, but it looks smooth and natural in the final cut.
Five eccentric characters with vastly different personalities dislike each other but are forced to cooperate, resulting in a series of laugh-out-loud moments and exhilarating action scenes.
"here!"
Dave pointed at the screen: "Chen, the time you stepped on my shoulder, it hurt for three days straight!"
The movie continues.
The theater was eerily quiet during the scene where Groot sacrificed himself.
When Chen Xun saw the final cut, the scene where Groot spreads out branches to form a protective shield was even more stunning than he had imagined during filming.
The special effects team did a very meticulous job; the extension of every branch was full of power, and the final line, "|am", was particularly impressive.
"Groot" with Vin Diesel's gentle voiceover is incredibly moving.
Zoe sniffed.
Dave silently wiped the corner of his eye.
Even Bradley remained silent for a long time.
In the final climactic battle, the Guardians of the Galaxy join forces to fight Ronan.
Star-Lord's awkward dance-off to save the day was not only not embarrassing in the final cut, but became a stroke of genius.
Solving the most critical situation in the dumbest way perfectly fits the character of this group of "freaks".
When the post-credits scene appeared, applause erupted in the screening room.
The lights came on.
Director Gunn stood up, his eyes a little red: "How was it?"
"Fuck!"
Dave was the first to shout, "This is the best movie I've ever made!"
Zoe nodded: "The pacing, emotions, and humor are all very well balanced, and the chemistry between the characters is even stronger than I expected."
Bradley took off his headphones: "The Rockets will be a classic, I guarantee it."
All eyes turned to Chen Xun.
Chen Xun thought for a moment before speaking: "This is the most complete Marvel origin movie I've ever seen. It tells a good story, creates a group of memorable characters, and builds a universe that people want to explore."
"Director Gunn, you did it!"
He looked at director Gunn.
Gu En took a deep breath, walked up to Chen Xun, and gripped his hand tightly: "Chen, I want to thank you. Your suggestions during filming—about pacing, character motivations, and background explanations—all made this film better."
"Especially the character of Star-Lord, you gave him a soul!"
He turned to everyone and said, "The success of this film is thanks to all of us, but Chen, you are truly the one who elevated everything!"
These words were too harsh, so Chen Xun quickly waved his hand: "Director, don't say that. I was just doing what an actor should do."
"No!"
Gunn shook his head: "There are many good actors, but very few who understand both acting and story."
After the screening, the studio prepared a simple celebratory cocktail party.
The champagne was opened, and bubbles filled the air.
The celebratory drinks have been opened for you!
Dave raised his glass: "To Guardians of the Galaxy! To Director Gunn! To all of us!"
"Cheers!"
On Twitter, #Fast6PreordersBreakRecords# is still trending.
A new topic has emerged: #GuardiansoftheGalaxyInternalScreening#
The news has been leaked, and speculation is rampant online: "I heard the internal screenings of 'Guardians of the Galaxy' were a huge hit! Marvel is about to release another masterpiece!"
"Chen Xun is going to dominate the screens this year! Fast & Furious 6 this summer, Guardians of the Galaxy this Christmas!"
"I hereby declare this year to be Chen Xun Nian!"
Rob leaned closer and whispered, "I just got a call from Time magazine. They want to do a cover interview with you, tentatively titled 'The New Generation of Hollywood Leaders.'"
Chen Xun raised an eyebrow: "You've become a leader so quickly?"
"Box office results speak for themselves."
Robert laughed, "But I didn't agree right away, saying I'd wait for your decision. What do you think?"
Looking out at the Los Angeles sunset, Chen Xun thought for a moment and said, "I'll accept it. But I need to control the content of the interview; don't exaggerate too much."
He doesn't want to get too cocky too soon!
"clear!"
The party continued until evening.
As Chen Xun was about to leave, Director Gu En stopped him and handed him a USB drive: "Take the full version of the movie back and watch it. If you have any thoughts, let me know anytime. Although it may not be time for major revisions, minor adjustments can still be made."
"Thank you, director!"
"I should be thanking you!"
Gunn patted him on the shoulder: "Chen, keep going. Hollywood needs actors like you."
The day after leaving Gunn Studios, Chen Xun boarded a Universal Pictures private jet.
The global tour for "Fast & Furious 6" has officially begun.
Inside the cabin, Vin Diesel, wearing sunglasses, leaned back in his leather seat, holding a tablet computer with a densely packed itinerary: "London, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo, Sydney, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing —"
"Fuck, I need to rest for three months after this flight."
Paul, sitting across from him, was playing a handheld game: "Come on, Fan. Last time you said you were going to take a six-month break, and now..."
She took on a new role just two months later.
"This time it's for real!"
Vin Diesel took off his sunglasses: "My wife said if I don't spend time with the kids, she's taking them back to her parents' house."
Michelle walked over from the back cabin, holding a glass of tequila: "Don't listen to his nonsense. He said he was going to retire from acting last year, but he signed three movies this year."
Everyone laughed.
Chen Xun sat by the window, watching the city of Los Angeles below grow smaller and smaller.
Rob sat next to him and whispered his report: "The tour lasts seventeen days, covering eight countries and fourteen cities. Universal has arranged the highest level of security and logistics. All the hotels are five-star suites, and there is also a chef accompanying you. Knowing that you are not used to Western food, we specially hired a Chinese chef."
"Isn't that an exaggeration?"
"Not an exaggeration at all!"
Rob lowered his voice: "Do you know what your worth is right now? Fast & Furious 6's pre-sales in North America have already exceeded $200 million, and analysts predict it could reach $800 million in its global first week. You're a cash cow now, and Universal is practically worshipping you."
Chen Xun shook his head and didn't say anything.
The plane flew smoothly over the Pacific Ocean.
Next stop, Tokyo.
The number of people arriving at Narita Airport was larger than expected.
At least three thousand fans crowded inside and outside the terminal, holding up signs in Japanese and English, their screams almost lifting the roof off.
The Japanese organizers sent twenty security guards to clear the way, but they were still almost separated from the group.
"Mr. Chen! Look this way!"
"The best speed!"
"Star-Lord! Star-Lord!"
Chen Xun was a little surprised.
Is he that popular in Japan?
Vin Diesel whispered in his ear, "The Fast and Furious series has always been popular in Asia, but this time your popularity is particularly high. I heard that Japanese theaters have cut a trailer featuring your character separately and are playing it on a loop on the big screen in Shibuya."
The Tokyo premiere was held at the TOHO Cinema in Roppongi.
The fans on both sides of the red carpet went absolutely crazy; some even fainted and were carried out by security still clutching Chen Xun's posters tightly in their hands.
During the media interview, a Japanese reporter asked a very direct question: "Mr. Chen, you are Chinese, yet you have achieved success in Hollywood. Have you ever thought about returning to China to develop your career?"
Chen Xun replied in English: "I am proud to be Chinese, but film has no borders. I hope my success will give more Asian actors opportunities on the international stage."
After it was translated into Japanese, applause erupted from the audience.
Second stop: Seoul.
The level of fervor in South Korea surpasses even that in Japan.
Incheon Airport was completely overrun by fans. Chen Xun and his group sneaked out through the VIP channel, but thousands of people still gathered at the hotel entrance, singing the Fast & Furious theme song all night long.
At the Seoul premiere, a female fan broke through security and rushed onto the red carpet, hugging Chen Xun and crying, "Oppa!"
"Saranghae!" (Brother! I love you!)
As security pulled him away, he was still shouting, "I will support you for the rest of my life!"
Paul patted Chen Xun on the shoulder: "Your fans are really loyal."
Chen Xun smiled wryly: "It's a little scary."
Third stop: Sydney.
Australian fans were relatively calmer, but the turnout was larger. Five thousand people attended the open-air premiere at the Sydney Opera House, and a giant poster for Fast & Furious 6 was hung on the Harbour Bridge.
Box office figures for the opening weekend are being released one after another:
North America: $250,000,000 ($250 million)
China: ¥180,000,000 (RMB 180 million) on the first day.
UK: £32,000,000 (approximately US$50 million) on the first day.
Japan: ¥580,000,000 on the first day
South Korea: 7,200,000,000 on the first day
Germany, France, Brazil, Mexico —
All sectors are up!
The CEO of Universal Pictures personally called Vin Diesel: "We estimate a billion dollars in global box office revenue in the opening weekend. We've made history!"
As the plane flew from Sydney to Shanghai, Chen Xun was scrolling through news on his phone in business class.
The Hollywood Reporter's headline: "Fast & Furious 6's global box office explodes, potentially breaking series records."
Variety's headline was even more exaggerated: "The Chen Xun Effect: How One Actor Can Carry an Entire Series!"
On Twitter, fans have already started making memes: "When Chen Xun joins your movie series.jpg" (with an image of a rocket launching).
Other actors: I need to do my best to perform. Chen Xun: I need to carry the entire series on my shoulders.
"I suggest that all Hollywood film series should have a cameo role by Chen Xun; it'll cure their box office slump."
Even Marvel Studios got involved, posting a photoshopped image on their official Twitter account:
Thanos, wearing sunglasses, sits in a modified car from the Fast & Furious movies.
Caption: "Thanos wants to join a family too!"
Chen Xun retweeted this post, adding a laughing-crying emoji.
The plane landed at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
The moment Chen Xun stepped out of the cabin, he was stunned.
Outside the glass wall of the terminal building, there was a dense crowd of people.
At least five thousand!
No! It could be tens of thousands!
They held up a red banner with large gold lettering that read, "Welcome home, Chen Xun."
Some people were holding up hand-drawn tablets of each of his characters, some were wearing Fast & Furious themed T-shirts, and some were cosplaying as Star-Lord—although the red jacket and elemental gun were clearly from Taobao.
But everyone's face was filled with excitement and anticipation.
"Chen Xun! Chen Xun! Chen Xun!"
The unified shouts pierced through the glass and echoed throughout the airport.
Vin Diesel was astonished: "This is bigger than the Los Angeles premiere!"
Paul whistled: "Chen, you're a real star back in your hometown."
Chen Xun took a deep breath and stepped down the gangway.
The applause and screams reached their peak the moment they set foot on Chinese soil.
Security personnel formed a human wall to clear a path, but the fans were so enthusiastic that the passage was broken open several times.
Chen Xun kept waving, signing autographs, and taking photos.
Although security kept urging him to leave quickly, he still tried his best to meet the requests of the fans in the front row.
A girl squeezed in front of him and handed him a thick photo album: "Brother Xun! This is my collection of all your movie ticket stubs! From 'Green Lantern' to 'Fast & Furious 6,' I've seen every single one!"
In the photo album, each ticket stub has a handwritten note with the viewer's impressions.
Chen Xun turned to the first page, which was a ticket stub for "Green Lantern". Next to it was written: "July 14, 2012, I saw you on the screen for the first time. Nobody knew you then, but I told my friends that this actor would become famous."
His eyes felt a little hot.
"Thanks!"
He looked intently at the girl: "This is very important to me!"
The girl cried, "You're very important to us!"
After finally squeezing into the parking lot and getting into the car, Chen Xun realized that his coat was all wrinkled.
Rob, sitting in the passenger seat, turned around and said, "The size of the fans who greeted us at the airport just now went viral. Compared to the last time we saw 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire'—it's a world of difference."
The car drove towards the city center.
Promotional posters for "Fast & Furious 6" are everywhere on the streets of Shanghai.
Bus stops, shopping mall exteriors, subway tunnels —
Chen Xun's face was placed alongside Vin Diesel and Paul Walker, occupying the most prominent position.
"Universal has spent 50 million RMB on marketing and promotion in China this time."
"In Shanghai alone, there are 1,000 large screens playing trailers on a loop, and the cinemas have given it a 65% screening rate, basically covering all the prime time slots."
The premiere was held at the Shanghai Film City.
The red carpet stretched from the street corner to the cinema entrance, with fan zones on both sides even more extravagant than those at an airport.
Many fans arrived the night before to reserve spots, bringing tents, sleeping bags, and snacks, and stayed up all night.
When Chen Xun got out of the car, his screams were so loud they almost shattered his eardrums.
"Brother Xun! Look this way!"
"Brother-in-law! Ahhh!"
"Star-Lord! Peeta! Chen Zhen!"
The flashes from the media area created a blinding white light.
The host this time was a leading lady from Dragon TV, and the questions were much gentler: "Chen Xun, how did you feel about returning to China this time?"
"It's so warm."
Chen Xun said into the microphone, "Seeing so many fans supporting me is truly touching. I will continue to work hard and bring more great works to everyone."
Do you have any plans to return to China to film movies?
"If there's a suitable script, of course I'd be willing."
Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.
At the end of the red carpet, the president of Universal Pictures China personally greeted him, saying during the handshake, "Mr. Chen, your box office appeal in China has exceeded our expectations and is likely to break the record for imported films."
"Thanks!"
Upon entering the cinema, the interior was decorated like a large party.
Universal prepared dozens of scaled-down modified car models, as well as various movie merchandise.
T-shirts, hats, keychains, and even figurines of the character Chen Xun.
Fans can enter a lucky draw with their ticket stubs, with prizes including a photo with Chen Xun, autographed posters, and even the right to use a real car for the day.
We couldn't drive it away, but we could take as many photos as we wanted and try it out.
Before the premiere began, Chen Xun went on stage to give a speech.
Holding the microphone, he looked at the sea of faces in the audience and suddenly remembered four years ago when he first watched a preview screening in a small theater in Los Angeles, where there were only five people in the audience.
Thank you everyone.
He put it simply: "This movie means a lot to me. It's not only my first Hollywood blockbuster, but it also allowed me to meet a group of partners who are like family. I hope you like it."
The movie begins.
More than two hours later, the end credits rolled.
The entire audience stood up and applauded for a full three minutes.
When the show ended, many fans were reluctant to leave and surrounded the lead actors for autographs.
Chen Xun signed at least two hundred names; his hand was almost cramping.
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