The Greatest Showman - Chapter 785

For the Grammys, there was no doubt—they wanted Renly to take the stage.

Part of the reason was the overwhelming success of Don Quixote. With six Grammy nominations and its astonishing reign atop the Billboard charts, the album had become a cultural phenomenon. It proved that indie music, often overshadowed by mainstream commercialism, could rise to prominence through sheer artistic brilliance and grassroots support.

In an era dominated by fast-consumption internet culture, independent musicians found both expanded opportunities and growing challenges. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Yahoo played a crucial role in Don Quixote's rise, distinguishing Renly from the typical internet-sensation archetype like Justin Bieber. His work was a testament to musical artistry rather than just viral appeal. Was this a fleeting moment of brilliance, or the beginning of a lasting trend?

Either way, Renly's presence at the Grammys was significant.

Another reason was Renly's growing stature as an actor. Unlike the Golden Globes, which embraced an entertainment-first approach, the Grammys held firm to their artistic integrity. However, to stay relevant, they had made certain compromises—inviting pop idols and celebrities to attract wider audiences. With Renly's rising fame, propelled by Crazy Love and I'm Fighting Cancer, along with his double Golden Globe nominations, his involvement at the Grammys was an undeniable ratings boost.

The Grammys needed a focal point. Even with big names like Adele, Bruno Mars, and Kanye West on board, securing Renly—an actor transitioning into a formidable music force—was a perfect move to maintain credibility while amplifying public interest. Whether he won or not, the organizers hoped he would not only attend but also perform.

The Negotiation

"What? If I refuse to perform, they'll ban me from attending?" Renly joked.

Andy, his manager, chuckled but didn't have a solid counterargument. Next to him, Roy narrowed his eyes and interjected, "Want me to handle negotiations? Andy, you seem hesitant."

Andy, primarily focused on Renly's film career, shrugged. "By all means. I've been swamped lately."

Indeed, the Berlin Film Festival was a crucial opportunity. Unlike Cannes and Venice, Berlin was a key gateway to the European artistic community. For Hollywood, European actors, directors, and producers played an integral role, and their recognition held significant weight in award-season lobbying, especially for the Oscars. A strategic approach to the European vote—similar to targeting racial or industry-based voting blocs—could yield substantial benefits.

One of Andy's top priorities was positioning Renly for long-term success, and Transcendence, directed by Tony Kaye, provided an opportunity to gain traction in the European circuit. While its final cut remained uncertain, leveraging Kaye's reputation could open important doors. The workload was immense, and delegating Grammy negotiations to Roy was a practical move.

Roy nodded. "I'll start by reaching out to Teddy Bell."

Andy gestured appreciatively. "Let me know if you need anything."

Then, turning back to Renly, Andy got to the point. "Awards season is under control. But I came here for something else—an audition."

Renly leaned forward, intrigued. "For what?"

Andy didn't hesitate. "Les Misérables."

A Classic Challenge

Victor Hugo's Les Misérables had left an indelible mark on literature since its 1862 publication. Theatrically, it had captivated audiences worldwide, becoming one of the most enduring musicals alongside The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, and Cats.

The story, set in 19th-century France, followed Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread to feed a starving child. After his release, he sought redemption under a new identity but was relentlessly pursued by the dogmatic Inspector Javert. The narrative intertwined personal struggles with grand revolutionary movements, making it a powerful reflection of history and human resilience.

Adaptations, however, had always been a challenge. While the West End's 1985 version remained a gold standard, many later attempts struggled to breathe new life into the classic. The 2012 Hollywood adaptation, despite an all-star cast featuring Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, and Russell Crowe, faced criticism. Director Tom Hooper's decision to adhere rigidly to the original script and stage performance format left the film feeling like a recorded play rather than a cinematic masterpiece.

Though it secured eight Oscar nominations, much of its acclaim was tied to individual performances rather than the film as a whole. Anne Hathaway's powerful portrayal of Fantine earned her an Oscar, while Jackman's theater background lent credibility to his role. Still, the film's overall reception was mixed, with critics lamenting its failure to translate Hugo's depth onto the screen.

Even on Broadway, a 2006 revival had failed to break new ground. While it lasted over a year and attracted audiences, it failed to earn major Tony recognition. The West End version remained unchanged since its 1985 debut, making any new adaptation a daunting prospect. Taking on Les Misérables was like challenging Hamlet—a feat many hesitated to attempt.

Yet, that was precisely the project Andy had brought to Renly.

Renly raised an eyebrow. "So, they're making another adaptation?"

Andy smirked. "And they want you to audition."