Chapter 399: Full Bloom (5)

Translator: Santos

 

[“Pierrot” will be the movie that heralds the grand project we have been preparing for years. We have reviewed countless stories and characters and have ultimately decided to embark on this journey. It will undoubtedly be a challenging path, but we are determined to give it our all. “Pierrot” will serve as the starting point of our planned “Cinematic Universe.”]

Columbia Studio officially announcing their “Cinematic Universe.”

[This isn’t a project we are taking lightly. It will be a hero series, with various interconnected movies forming a massive world, featuring a wide array of characters and countless stories. We are putting high hopes on this monumental endeavor and promise to bring you thrilling films in the future.]

They also mentioned the new title change.

[Additionally, the title of “Pierrot” will be changed to “Pierrot: Birth of a Villain.” This is because the protagonist, Henry Gordon, will be the first villain of our “Cinematic Universe.” We will share more details as soon as we can arrange a formal briefing. Thank you.]

This marked the end of Columbia Studio’s explanation of their ambitious “Cinematic Universe” project. Though the post wasn’t long, it included all the key points. Being one of Hollywood’s “Big Five,” the studio’s announcement quickly attracted an avalanche of comments, many in English, but also in various other languages.

- Whoa! A Cinematic Universe? Is this for real?
- I’m curious to see how vast this universe will be, but it sounds pretty exciting! A hero series!
- I get what they’re aiming for... but who’s going to play the lead in “Pierrot”?
- When will they announce the main actor for “Pierrot,” the movie that will kick off this massive project? It’s probably going to be Chris Hartnett anyway.
- This is getting interesting! I’m feeling both excited and worried. Many studios have tried a Cinematic Universe but failed.
- Henry Gordon is the main character’s name? I watched *Virtuous Evil*, and Kang Woo-jin wouldn’t be a bad pick.
- The competition among the candidates was tough, and it’s unlikely they’d pick Kang Woo-jin as the lead in such a significant project.
- A Cinematic Universe! Columbia really made a bold move!

The international response continued to grow more intense. Comments speculating about the lead in *Pierrot: Birth of a Villain* and mentioning Kang Woo-jin began to appear frequently.

Most responses conveyed a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

Meanwhile, inside Columbia Studio’s mid-sized meeting room, An Gabok and the rest of the *Pierrot: Birth of a Villain* production team were all watching Kang Woo-jin.

“I have no problem with that.”

The production team found themselves once again taken aback by Woo-jin’s fearless attitude. Even amidst global attention, he showed no signs of hesitation. The head producer, slightly surprised, spoke up.

“Understood. We’ll proceed with the announcement in three days and will send you the finalized schedule.”

“Yes.”

In truth, Columbia Studio’s decision to push forward with the announcement of the actor playing Henry Gordon stemmed from the massive buzz generated by *Virtuous Evil*. Kang Woo-jin had already been the focus of considerable international interest, and the success of *Virtuous Evil* had amplified this many times over.

Columbia Studio wouldn’t miss the opportunity for such powerful publicity.

In other words, they were capitalizing on Kang Woojin’s momentum. Even a powerhouse like Columbia Studio knew it was a chance not to be wasted. If timed right, both Kang Woojin and *Pierrot* would enjoy unprecedented promotional benefits.

The head producer exchanged a few words with An Gabok before changing the topic.

“Now, the second matter. The title of ‘Pierrot’ will be changed to *Pierrot: Birth of a Villain*.”

“······”

Kang Woojin’s stoic expression showed little reaction, even internally.

*“Pierrot: Birth of a Villain”? Not bad.*

He found the new title quite to his liking. Yet, the producer wasn’t finished.

“Additionally, *Pierrot: Birth of a Villain* will be the prologue to our expansive Cinematic Universe.”

*Cinematic Universe?* Kang Woo-jin’s mind was filled with questions, though he kept his expression neutral. Beside him, Choi Sung-gun’s eyes suddenly widened in shock.

*“Holy crap! A Cinematic Universe? Is this really happening?”*

He had a hunch where the conversation was headed, and the producer’s continued briefing confirmed his suspicions.

“The ‘Cinematic Universe’ mentioned earlier is a massive project that Columbia Studio has been preparing for several years······”

As she laid out the same information that the executives had once shared with An Gabok, and as detailed in the studio’s recent official post, Choi Sung-gun’s eyes grew even wider.

*“Is this for real? Kang Woo-jin as the first villain of Columbia Studio’s make-or-break project? This is more than just big news!”*

Choi Sung-gun imagined that once this was announced, everyone would have a similar reaction. With An Gabok as the director and Kang Woo-jin as the lead actor in such a monumental movie—the first villain in this new Cinematic Universe—this hinted at Kang Woojin’s involvement in future series.

No matter how the universe would expand, what stories or characters would be introduced, Kang Woo-jin was now part of that mix.

Choi Sung-gun’s heart was pounding like crazy, and it was no wonder.

*“In just three years, we’ve come this far—it’s surreal.”*

He cast a quick glance at Woo-jin, whose face remained indifferent.

“You will be involved not only in *Pierrot* but also in future movies within the Cinematic Universe. Are you okay with this, Mr. Woo-jin?”

The producer reiterated the point. As she had said before, Woojin had the right to refuse. But his response came quickly.

“I have no issues with that.”

He understood that this was a massive project with a lot in motion, but that didn’t scare him. Besides, *Pierrot* was graded as EX+. He wasn’t about to miss out on such a role out of fear. That was his mindset.

*“This should be fun.”*

With his decision confirmed, the producer, An Gabok, and the Columbia Studio executives all brightened visibly. They must have been somewhat anxious.

Finally,

“Shall we proceed with the contract?”

The time had come for negotiations, agreements, and discussions. Columbia Studio brought out the prepared contract, projected schedule, and various related documents.

An hour later,

*“Whoa—seriously?!”*

Kang Woo-jin’s eyes almost popped out of his head—internally, of course.

*“How much is this?!”*

The numbers being discussed far surpassed his imagination.

Meanwhile,

As Kang Woo-jin was deep in negotiations with Columbia Studio, international media were already abuzz with excitement over *Pierrot: Birth of a Villain* and the newly revealed Cinematic Universe.

While Kang Woo-jin was in the midst of finalizing his negotiations with Columbia Studio, the news surrounding *Pierrot: Birth of a Villain* and the announcement of the Cinematic Universe was sending shockwaves through the international media.

『CNM/ Columbia Studio Unveils Major Project Without Warning: “Cinematic Universe Has Been in the Works for Years”』

『BBX/ *Pierrot*, the First Step in the Cinematic Universe, Renamed to *Pierrot: Birth of a Villain*』

『LA TIME/ Columbia Studio's Hero Series, the Cinematic Universe: *Pierrot: Birth of a Villain* as the Starting Point』

The unexpected revelation from Columbia Studio was creating a buzz not just because it was sudden, but because the nature of the announcement was tantalizing and bold.

『ABY/ The Cinematic Universe Has Often Been a Risky Venture in Hollywood; Can Columbia Studio Succeed?』

『NT/ Spotlight on the Lead Villain of *Pierrot: Birth of a Villain*: Who Will Play Henry Gordon?』

Hollywood itself was shaking with anticipation. Reporters and fans alike were abuzz with questions and speculations, particularly regarding who would play the pivotal role of Henry Gordon in *Pierrot: Birth of a Villain*. Names of major actors like Chris Hartnett and other top candidates were frequently brought up alongside that of Kang Woo-jin.

This excitement quickly spilled over to South Korea.

『[International Topic] Kang Woo-jin’s Audition for *Pierrot*: The Beginning of Columbia Studio’s Ambitious Cinematic Universe』

『Could Kang Woo-jin Become the First Villain of Columbia Studio’s Cinematic Universe?』

『What Is Columbia Studio’s “Cinematic Universe”? Explaining the Massive Scope and Hero Series They Announced』

The news that the film Kang Woo-jin had auditioned and tested for was the starting point of such an enormous project didn’t go unnoticed by Korean media. The buzz reached new heights.

The public reaction was also intense.

*“Wait, what?! If Kang Woo-jin gets this, he’ll not only break into Hollywood but also be the first villain in a Cinematic Universe??”*

*“↑ No way he’ll make it, right? The competition with those Hollywood actors was too fierce. He probably didn’t get it.”*

*“Still, it’s already amazing that he even auditioned for a project of this scale.”*

*“Right? Competing with those top-tier Hollywood actors? Even so, An Gabok as the director is legendary now.”*

*“It’s insane that a Korean director is helming such a massive project… I’m filled with national pride.”*

The speculation and excitement over *Pierrot: Birth of a Villain* refused to die down.

Three days later, in Los Angeles.

It was late morning. One of the many five-star hotels in the city, located near the bustling downtown area, was unusually crowded. Over a hundred international journalists had gathered in a large hall.

The seating arrangements consisted of long tables lined up with journalists seated and prepared with cameras and laptops. In front of them stood a raised platform with a long table that could seat about ten people.

There was a noticeable buzz in the air.

“Cinematic Universe? There wasn’t even a hint about this before.”

“That shows just how secretive Columbia Studio has been.”

“According to insiders, Columbia Studio is betting everything on this project.”

“They’d have to. A Cinematic Universe requires a massive budget. The stakes are high, so they’ll go all in with *Pierrot: Birth of a Villain*.”

“The beginning is always crucial. They’re sure to pour their focus into this, especially with a Korean director. You can practically smell the ambition.”

Familiar terms were being tossed around frequently, for good reason. This was a press conference organized by Columbia Studio. Though officially termed a press conference, it was essentially an extended briefing on the recently unveiled Cinematic Universe project—a move to sustain the buzz.

“So, who is playing the role of Henry Gordon, the protagonist of *Pierrot: Birth of a Villain*? The actor must have been chosen already. Will we find out today?”

“Columbia Studio said that this character will be the first major villain in the Cinematic Universe. It must have been hard to choose the right actor.”

Names of potential leads echoed among the crowd.

“Who do you think it’ll be? Tom Brando? Jack Gable?”

“They’re good, but Chris Hartnett is the top contender, I’d say.”

“What about Kang Woo-jin?”

“······Honestly, I think his chances are the lowest.”

Mentions of Kang Woo-jin were interspersed among the chatter.

“Even if Kang Woojin has made waves internationally with *Virtuous Evil*, would Columbia Studio really entrust such an important project to him? He’s the least experienced among them.”

“Just being in the running for this role is an achievement for him.”

“True. Still, I’m putting my bet on Chris Hartnett. His acting, reputation, and clean image make him a solid choice.”

At that moment:

-Swish.

More people entered the platform at the front of the hall. Among them were the head producer of *Pierrot: Birth of a Villain*, several key staff members, three executives from Columbia Studio, and—

“······”

An Gabok, with a solemn expression. The key members of the *Pierrot: Birth of a Villain* production team were met with a barrage of camera flashes from the over one hundred journalists present.

-Click-click-click-click!

The hall was soon awash with blinding flashes.

“Hello.”

The head producer greeted the gathered reporters before continuing.

“Before we begin, we have an announcement to make.”

Murmurs spread throughout the room as the journalists’ eyes widened slightly. The head producer pressed on, unaffected by the commotion.

“Recently, the lead actor for the role of Henry Gordon in *Pierrot: Birth of a Villain* has been confirmed. We’d like to introduce him first.”

The reporters’ eyes lit up, as if they’d struck gold. This was an unexpected revelation.

*“Who is it? Chris Hartnett?”*

*“Chris Hartnett seems the most likely, but it could be Tom Brando or Jack Gable. Anyway, coming here was a great call.”*

*“Just reveal it already!”*

*“Who is it? Who’s going to be the first villain in the Cinematic Universe?”*

The producer turned to the right and gestured.

“Please come up.”

The actor everyone had been waiting for was about to be introduced.

And then—

-Swish.

A man with a composed expression stepped up to the platform. His black hair and brown blazer stood out.

“······”

The sight of the man, whose aura exuded cynicism, made the eyes of the journalists widen further.

“Huh?”

“What?”

“······?”

Their expressions turned blank with confusion. But the dark-haired man—

No, Kang Woo-jin—

“Nice to meet you all.”

—sat next to An Gabok and introduced himself in fluent English, his tone low and steady.

“I’m Kang Woo-jin, the actor playing Henry Gordon in *Pierrot: Birth of a Villain*.”