California's Disneyland was bustling with crowds. Black cars wove through the gates, carrying celebrities into the park for the highly anticipated premiere. The park had been freshly spruced up to celebrate the event, with pirate themes everywhere. Even characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck were donning Jack Sparrow's pirate hat.
In front of the Hollywood Theatre, capable of seating thousands, a long red carpet stretched to the entrance of the neighboring Movie Technology Pavilion. Due to nearby renovations complicating vehicle access, Disney opted for an alternative red carpet route. Guests and cast members were dropped off near the spacious main entrance of the Hollywood area, entered the pavilion's side door, and after a brief rest in a temporary lounge, walked out the main door to the Hollywood Theatre via the extended red carpet.
Matthew's car slowly made its way into Disneyland, heading towards the Hollywood area.
"How do I look? Everything okay?" Alexandra Daddario, sitting beside Matthew in a black, low-cut evening gown, asked with a touch of nerves. "It's been a while since I've walked the red carpet."
"You look stunning, perfect!" Matthew glanced at Alexandra, noting the impressive view. "Anna, you'll definitely be the center of attention tonight."
Alexandra smiled but said nothing. Any girl walking the red carpet with Matthew would be the focus.
Matthew had invited Alexandra to be his date for the evening, and she hadn't refused.
The car's privacy screen lowered, and Brown-Williams, seated in the front, turned to remind them, "Matthew, with the current situation, stay within my sight. Walk the red carpet quickly and avoid too much interaction with fans."
"Got it." Matthew understood that Brown-Williams was concerned for his safety. "Don't worry, I won't do anything risky."
Brown-Williams nodded, reassured. He had been Matthew's bodyguard long enough to know Matthew was cautious and never took his security lightly.
Alexandra, concerned, asked, "Have they caught the thief yet?"
Matthew shook his head, "No, the police haven't made much progress."
The car arrived at their destination, and Matthew and Alexandra got out and entered the temporary lounge in the pavilion.
The lounge, near the pavilion's main entrance, was already bustling with people.
"Hey, Matthew," Johnny Depp waved from across the room. "Over here."
Matthew, with Alexandra by his side, walked over. Keira Knightley, standing next to Depp, quipped, "I heard your house was cleaned out by a thief?"
"Yeah," Matthew joked, "So, Keira, I'm planning to empty your LA house to fill my empty home."
Amanda, sporting her signature bob cut, walked over, greeting Matthew, Depp, and Keira before turning to Alexandra, "Anna, let me introduce you to some friends."
"Sure," Alexandra smiled.
The two quickly moved on.
Keira leaned closer to Matthew, whispering, "Your taste is terrible."
Matthew knew what she meant and whispered back, "As long as there's something better than you."
Keira shot him a glare.
Accustomed to teasing each other, Matthew chuckled. Johnny Depp, joining the conversation, asked, "Has Disney talked to you about sequels?"
Matthew's expression grew serious, "Yes, with the pre-sales for 'Dead Man's Chest' being so hot, they're already planning a fourth movie."
Pre-sales for "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" had started two weeks ago. According to several reputable sources and the North American Theater Owners Association, the film's opening weekend pre-sales had already surpassed $30 million. It was widely believed the film would easily break the $100 million mark in its opening weekend.
Keira nodded, "Disney's people have approached my agent too." She added, "But I have no interest in continuing as Elizabeth Swann."
Matthew and Johnny weren't surprised. Keira had expressed her reluctance multiple times during filming.
"I doubt Disney will want to keep the three of us together," Matthew said.
Besides his close friends Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy, Depp was Matthew's best friend. He added, "I had Helen demand a 20+20 deal, which scared Disney away."
Johnny, gesturing with his signature quirky flourish, added, "I went even higher, asking for 30+30."
Matthew laughed, and soon Keira and Johnny joined in.
"How about we all squeeze Disney for their pure film profits from 'Pirates'?" Matthew suggested, "They still have merchandise and theme parks to fall back on."
Johnny nodded, "I like that idea."
Keira, growing more astute with age, said, "If 'Dead Man's Chest' is a huge hit, we should unite to pressure Disney for more profits on 'At World's End'!"
Her main reason for continuing in the series was to make more money. With enough money, she could freely choose her film projects.
Matthew agreed wholeheartedly, "Disney's two-movie shoot has actually hurt our earnings. If they shot 'At World's End' after 'Dead Man's Chest' became a hit, they would have to pay us more. We should fight for our deserved share."
Johnny quickly concurred, "I'm in."
The trio of "Pirates of the Caribbean" quickly formed a profit alliance alongside their friendship.
Standing together, Matthew, Johnny, and Keira created a tight-knit circle. Most people wisely kept their distance.
Of course, there were exceptions.
Tall and confident, Taylor Swift strode into the lounge. Leveraging her connection with Big Machine Records' founder Scott Borchetta, she had secured invitations to many high-profile events.
Upon entering the lounge, Taylor immediately spotted Matthew and quickly approached.
"Hi, Matthew," Taylor greeted cheerfully.
Matthew looked up to see Taylor already standing before him. He nodded, "Hello, Taylor."
Johnny glanced at Taylor but made no move to greet her, instead telling Matthew and Keira, "So, we're agreed."
"Yes," Keira nodded, eyeing Taylor as Matthew added, "Let's have our agents sit down and discuss the details."
"Absolutely."
Johnny waved goodbye to Matthew and Keira and walked away.
Matthew had no intention of introducing Taylor. Keira said something to Matthew before leaving too.
Taylor watched the two stars depart, feeling the subtle sting of being ignored.
"I didn't expect to see you here," Matthew said politely.
"Mr. Borchetta got me an invite," Taylor smiled candidly. "My new album is done and ready for release. I need to make appearances, so I'm crashing your red carpet."
She blinked, with a hint of nervousness, "You don't mind, do you?"
Matthew shrugged, "This is Disney's premiere, not mine. Crashing red carpets is normal. I did it often before I became famous."
Taylor's eyes widened in surprise, "Really? You crashed other people's red carpets too?"
"Absolutely," Matthew pointed around the lounge. "Almost every star here has done it."
Taylor nodded thoughtfully, "That's true. Every star has a time when they aren't famous."
Matthew casually remarked, "Once your album sells well, you'll get plenty of invitations."
"Yes," Taylor responded with confidence. "I'm sure the songs I write will be well-received!"
"You write your own songs?" Matthew was intrigued, considering she was only seventeen or eighteen. "Do you write most of your own songs?"
Taylor's pride showed, "Yes, most of the songs on my first album are my own compositions."
Matthew gave her a thumbs-up, "A singer-songwriter, impressive." He observed Taylor's still youthful face and added, "I always thought you needed a lot of life experience to get the inspiration to write songs."
This seemed to excite Taylor, "I actively seek inspiration. When it comes, I can lock myself in a room and finish a song in half an hour."
"Inspiration can be actively sought?" Matthew was curious.
Taylor hesitated, "Well… yeah… it can be."
Matthew asked, "Can I ask how you seek inspiration? My quirky friend over there," he pointed at Depp, "often writes songs. Maybe it could help him."
"Um… I don't really know how to explain it," Taylor quickly changed the topic, "Matthew, could I invite you to my album release event in October?"
Matthew thought for a moment, "I can't confirm now."
A staff member approached, reminding Matthew it was time to walk the red carpet.
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