Inside the press room of the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, hundreds of reporters filled every inch of space. Sarah from the Los Angeles Times had long been used to such scenes. When had any of Duke Rosenberg's film premiere press conferences not been packed to capacity? He was, after all, the director most closely watched by entertainment media.
"Sarah, it looks like the leaked online version didn't have much of an effect."
While waiting for the Q&A session to begin, Mick Higgins, a reporter from the Washington Post beside her, asked in a low voice, "Is he going to succeed again?"
"I believe the chances of success are infinitely close to one hundred percent," Sarah replied without turning her head.
"Everyone knows you're the reporter who's had the most contact with him," Mick Higgins said, showing the natural skepticism of a journalist. "Isn't it because of that you believe he'll succeed?"
Sarah rolled her eyes slightly and said, "I just spoke with colleagues in New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. In the theaters they're located in, the advance screenings of Iron Man are basically sold out."
After that, she ignored him. The press conference's Q&A session was about to begin.
Robert Downey Jr. was undoubtedly the best-performing actor in the film, but when the Q&A started, all the reporters' questions were directed at Scarlett Johansson.
On one hand, sexy and beautiful actresses naturally attract media attention; on the other, Duke was sitting among the cast.
Even though he and Scarlett Johansson had never publicly admitted their relationship, nor foolishly displayed affection in public, neither of them were the type to deliberately hide it. The media all knew they were officially dating.
Celebrity gossip had always been the focus of media attention, because it was what readers most liked to see.
However, as soon as the Q&A began, Duke clearly stated that he would not answer any questions unrelated to the movie.
That Washington Post reporter, Mick Higgins, was the first to set his sights on Scarlett, but being from a major publication, he didn't ask anything too gossipy.
"Ms. Johansson, may I ask what made you take on the role of Natasha Romanoff?" His eyes shifted to Duke. "This role doesn't align with your usual choice of characters."
Though only in her early twenties, Scarlett had been in the industry for over ten years, so handling a question that wasn't particularly sharp was no problem.
She took the microphone, first flashing a charming smile, and then said, "Agent Natasha Romanoff is a huge challenge, and at the same time made me feel incredibly excited, because I had never done anything like it before. Being able to take part in Iron Man and play 'Black Widow' made me tremble with excitement."
The host gave priority to calling on reporters from major newspapers. One from the New York Times asked, "You've previously starred mostly in art films. This is your first real blockbuster as an adult. How is it different from acting in indie films?"
"It required much more from me." Scarlett replied with a serious expression. "To better portray 'Black Widow,' I spent nearly six months studying combat techniques, undergoing extensive stunt and strength training. I did as many of the stunt scenes myself as possible. But the whole process was full of fun, because I had one goal to achieve—that was to wear that Lycra bodysuit."
She laughed again. "The first time I saw myself in costume, it was just crazy. Zipping up all the zippers, strapping on all the weapons—I have to say, this 'Black Widow' is truly charming and really cool."
Even Robert Downey Jr. was asked about Scarlett when it was his turn to speak. With his complicated past and increasingly sly demeanor, he naturally gave her full praise.
"Many of the people on set are huge fans of this classic comic. We all know what 'Black Widow' should look like. When Scarlett's 'Black Widow' appeared before us, every one of us got extremely excited. Everyone in the crew thought, 'It's just unbelievable!'"
After speaking, he even winked at Scarlett Johansson in the style of Tony Stark, causing bursts of laughter among the reporters below.
This guy seemed to be naturally humorous—he didn't need to do much; just a glance or small gesture could liven up the atmosphere.
As the film's director, of course the reporters wouldn't let Duke off the hook. They asked a few questions about the Marvel series and The Avengers, but he deflected them all to Marvel Studios CEO Kevin Feige.
Soon after, the questions directed at Duke inevitably veered toward Scarlett.
"Director Rosenberg, how would you evaluate Ms. Johansson's performance in the film?"
"Very outstanding, very hardworking." Duke responded with just a few simple words. "I believe Scarlett, in a brand-new image, will definitely leave a very deep impression on people."
But the reporters wouldn't let him off. "Could you elaborate?"
A round of good-natured heckling broke out below. Duke's expression remained calm as he swept his eyes across the reporters and said flatly, "Ms. Johansson put in far more for this role than you can imagine."
"Throughout the entire preparation and filming process, she couldn't enjoy delicious food and had to restrain her appetite. She loves eating—that's something we have in common. But in order to better shape her character, she could only eat low-carb foods. Moreover, she threw herself into training with great dedication. Eating less and training more ultimately paid off. Scarlett's 'Black Widow' really surprised me…"
Throughout the entire interview, there was one person who wore a perfect smile on her face but felt a bit disgruntled inside, and that was Rachel McAdams. Although she was sitting right here, in a very conspicuous spot, the reporters had almost completely ignored her.
No one likes that feeling especially when she was the leading lady of the film!
In fact, after watching the whole movie, Rachel McAdams, being as smart as she was, realized something quite serious she'd been upstaged.
Pepper Potts was a very likable eye-candy role, and she believed that her own image, temperament, and styling would definitely create a strong response. If things went smoothly, it could help her career take a big step forward. Even if she couldn't rise to A-list status, she could at least become one of the more popular B-list actresses.
However, Scarlett Johansson's presence had become her biggest obstacle.
From the reactions of the reporters and the audience, it was easy to see that Pepper's spotlight had been completely overshadowed by Black Widow.
Though she felt extremely uncomfortable and wanted to shout out loud that she was the real female lead, Rachel McAdams was a smart person. She knew whom she could offend, and whom she should treat with a smile.
Without a doubt, provoking Scarlett Johansson would bring her far more harm than good.
After all, standing behind her was Duke Rosenberg—the super director that countless actors dreamed of working with, and a heavyweight power figure in Hollywood.
Rachel McAdams sat quietly, saying nothing, never trying to steal the spotlight. Her eyes would occasionally glance toward Scarlett Johansson.
She had interacted with the other woman before, and Scarlett seemed like a carefree, straightforward person. Usually, women like that were easier to approach and easier to use.
With that thought, a calculation emerged in Rachel McAdams's heart, and the formulaic smile on her face grew even brighter.
After the press conference ended, the group had just entered the lounge when Rachel McAdams took the initiative to find Scarlett.
The two hadn't interacted much on set during filming.
But now, Rachel McAdams wore a very sincere smile. "Scarlett, you were amazing. I watched your scenes and couldn't help but be amazed."
Scarlett showed a charming smile, looking very much like the sweet and naive American girl as she replied casually, "Thank you, Rachel. You were excellent, too."
Rachel McAdams frowned slightly without showing it, but said aloud, "Thanks. I'm really looking forward to working with you again."
"Yeah, me too," Scarlett nodded lightly.
"Are you free tomorrow?"
Seeing that the other woman had no defenses up, Rachel McAdams suggested, "How about we grab a coffee tomorrow? Some stores on Rodeo Drive just got in new designer collections want to check them out?"
Scarlett's eyes lit up instantly. "Sure! I haven't gone shopping in forever. It's a date."
They agreed on a time, exchanged private phone numbers, and left the lounge separately.
Rachel McAdams was starting to get a feeling that Scarlett Johansson's rise wasn't just about her acting skills, looks, or hard work those might only be a small part of it. More importantly, someone was backing her.
Everyone in Hollywood knew her godmother was a famous ultra-rich woman in America, and that she had a son named Duke Rosenberg.
So far, the most critically acclaimed film Scarlett Johansson had starred in was Lost in Translation, produced by Duke Rosenberg's friend, Sofia Coppola.
"She's really lucky," the thought surfaced naturally in Rachel McAdams's mind.
Under the night sky, a black Rolls-Royce cruised along the road to Malibu. Duke rolled up the window and glanced at Scarlett beside him.
"She's not a simple person."
Hearing Duke's warning, Scarlett clearly understood who he meant. She yawned and said, "I know."
She stretched lazily and wrapped her arms around Duke's. "Things have been a little boring lately. I needed something fun to keep me entertained. Darling, don't you think it's hilarious to watch a woman who thinks she's smart try so hard to perform right in front of us?"
Although Scarlett appeared to be a traditional, naive American sweetheart, Duke had never thought of her that way. He simply shook his head and said nothing more.