With a small act of defiance, Annie raised her doll-like face slightly, her lips curving into a playful grin as she looked at Anson. The mischievous smile, however, gradually faded under Anson's calm gaze, and a hint of nervousness flickered in her eyes.
Annie hadn't expected Anson to respond without words, his dignified and composed manner throwing her off balance.
This wasn't how things were supposed to go.
Just as Annie's gaze wavered and she was about to look away, Anson finally spoke.
"Oh, thanks for the compliment. You paid such close attention, not missing a single detail."
But somehow, she missed Anson himself. Was this a case of "hiding in plain sight"?
A blush crept onto Annie's cheeks.
In the end, she couldn't control herself and averted her eyes.
Uh-oh!
Annie immediately realized she had lost the upper hand. Summoning her courage, she lifted her gaze back to Anson and asked, "Are you always this straightforward?"
Anson's smile paused briefly, then he adopted a serious tone and replied, "That's what I aim for. Though I know in Hollywood, being upfront isn't easy—everything here is wrapped in a thin veil. But… I'm trying, at least with my friends."
Annie was momentarily stunned.
One sincere remark was met with another, hitting her straight in the chest.
Then…
Anson's smile widened again. "So, what brings you to San Francisco?"
Annie snapped out of her thoughts and, trying to hide her fluster, raised her voice a little. "Oh, the director wanted to talk to me about a possible sequel."
The director?
"Garry Marshall?" Anson immediately made the connection.
Annie realized she hadn't been clear and quickly nodded in confirmation. She spoke so smoothly, likely because it was Anson in front of her, that it felt like being transported back to the hectic days of working on The Princess Diaries.
"The movie performed better than expected, and Disney thinks a sequel would be a good idea. The director agrees, but there are still a few things to work out."
Like the schedule.
Anson was a bit surprised—it was official business.
He pursed his lips and joked, "I haven't heard anything about it until now, so I guess I'm going to disappear in the sequel."
Annie's initial reaction was a little panicked, but she quickly caught the glint in Anson's eyes and realized it was probably another prank.
Annie scrunched up her nose and made a funny face. "I bet they just couldn't get you. Between Spider-Man and Catch Me If You Can, everyone's talking about how Anson Wood is the next member of the twenty-million-dollar club."
Anson raised his hands in surrender. "Stop it! Any more praise and my face will swell up. It'll ruin my image."
Annie couldn't help but burst into laughter.
After composing herself, Annie turned serious. "The director probably wanted to talk to me first, since the project hasn't officially started yet. My agent says there's not even a script—everything's just talk at this point. But I'm sure Disney really, really wants the sequel to happen, and the biggest reason is you. They're dying to have you on board. Honestly, who in Hollywood doesn't want you involved?"
Anson: "What about you?"
Annie: "...What?"
Anson: "Do you want me to?"
Annie's cheeks flushed as she cleared her throat. "Of course, I'd love for you to join. Filming was really fun, wasn't it? But it's up to you."
"I don't have a problem with it," Anson agreed without hesitation.
Annie was taken aback. "You're sure?"
From a film perspective, the key to greenlighting The Princess Diaries 2 lay with Anne Hathaway, as she was the leading star. If she were replaced, the sequel would lose its core identity.
From a market standpoint, however, the most important elements for The Princess Diaries 2 were Anson and Julie Andrews. Their chemistry was crucial to the film's success, and Anson's involvement would be essential to ensuring the sequel's continued success.
Especially Anson.
Even though his role in The Princess Diaries had been limited, he still managed to win over countless fans. But now, things were different—Anson had become a top-tier Hollywood superstar, with two huge blockbusters released in the same year. No one could rival his success.
Thus, securing Anson's involvement was critical.
But there were also complications. First, his role would still be a supporting one, even if his screen time increased in the sequel. Would Anson be willing to play second to Anne Hathaway's character, Mia?
Second, his pay. Given Anson's newfound fame, his salary couldn't be low, but a project like The Princess Diaries 2 wouldn't have a massive budget. Balancing the finances would be tricky.
Producers might even consider dropping Anson. His star power could overshadow the lead, requiring script changes that might shift the film's focus. Replacing Anson could give the creative team more flexibility.
But then again, no producer would easily decide to give up on Anson, especially given his red-hot status. And with him on board, Disney might even increase the budget.
Annie had her own thoughts when she heard about the sequel. She knew how important Anson's involvement was and didn't want to miss the chance to address it.
Now, hearing Anson's enthusiastic and positive response, Annie couldn't hide her surprise and delight.
She then caught the sincerity in his eyes.
It wasn't just polite small talk.
A smile spread across her face as her eyes brightened. She stared intently at Anson, seeking confirmation.
Anson smiled back. "Of course. Why not?"
Annie shrugged lightly, motioning with her eyes to the busy crowd around them and the way they were sneaking around, hiding behind a fish tank. The message was clear.
"Hah."
Anson laughed.
"Making movies can be about acting, making money, or getting famous. There are all kinds of reasons. And yes, it can also just be for fun."
He gestured at the surroundings. "This… this is why I can afford to be a little selfish. I can make any movie I want now… right?" he said, drawing out the words with a hint of doubt.
Annie almost laughed but held back, her smile unmistakable in her eyes.
Anson chuckled as well. "We had a great time working on the first film. If we get the chance to do the sequel, I can't think of a reason to say no."
Perhaps the massive success of Spider-Man and Catch Me If You Can had launched Anson to the top of Hollywood in just a few months. But—
Anson was still Anson, the same guy who loved cracking jokes, pulling pranks, and talking shop about acting on set.
Things had changed, but they hadn't.
Or maybe Anson hadn't changed at all. It was everyone else's perception of him that had shifted. That was the only difference.