The Greatest Showman - Chapter 802: Eager to Try

As soon as Peony Pavilion was performed, it lasted for four hours—long enough for time itself to change the faces of the audience.

In an era dominated by diverse entertainment options and fast-paced culture, patience is becoming increasingly rare. Today, even three-hour productions struggle to retain audiences, making the idea of a six-hour play seem nearly impossible. Yet, John was determined to take on this challenge—not only by producing such a lengthy performance but by directly competing with the ongoing classic Les Misérables. The sheer audacity of the idea was astounding. Even more incredible was that John had already begun preparations: negotiating with theaters, securing investment, handling copyrights, and discussing the creative direction.

In a world that constantly accelerates, his commitment was nothing short of admirable.

"So, what's next?" Renly didn't need to teach John anything—John didn't need his coaching.

John snapped out of his thoughts, lifting his head abruptly. "Next?" He paused, considering. "Next, we need to assemble a strong cast, create a compelling ensemble, and begin rehearsals. Ideally, the cast should have some level of popularity and audience appeal. But personally, I prefer to bring in fresh talent. The West End is full of seasoned performers, but it could benefit from some new blood."

Like film, theater constantly struggles to balance commerce and art. Choosing between established stars and emerging actors remains a difficult dilemma. Every art form has faced similar challenges in the Internet age, and theater is no exception.

John's eyes landed on Renly. He didn't speak. Instead, they shared a silent exchange before John's lips curled into a slow smile. "So, what do you think? Are you willing to join this project?" It was the second time he had asked—the first time, Renly had left him without an answer.

"I know you sent in your audition tape, and that was a signal," John continued. "But I mean, after hearing the full scope of this madness, are you still up for it? Marius or Enjolras might not challenge you enough. Jean Valjean is the obvious choice. You know it. I know it."

He leaned in slightly. "But if everything moves forward, you may have to step away from Hollywood for at least six months—possibly even a full year." He smirked, amusement glinting in his eyes as though watching an unfolding drama.

It was common for British actors to return to the West End to refine their craft. However, as film actors, they couldn't afford to commit years to a single play. Even professional stage actors rarely remained in a role for more than two or three years.

The current Les Misérables production in London replaced its cast every one to two years, with a maximum tenure of three years. John's implication was clear: if Renly took on Jean Valjean, he would be committing at least a year—rehearsals alone would take three to eight months.

Renly chuckled. "I'm not a rookie anymore. Intimidation tactics won't work."

He leaned back. "For me, there's no problem. The decision is yours. Quite the contrary, actually—I can't wait to take on the challenge. The real question is, are you ready for this?"

Jean Valjean's story spans over 30 years, from youth to old age, witnessing historical upheaval. Condensing such a journey into a six-hour performance was a daunting challenge for any actor.

And John wanted to hand that responsibility to a 22-year-old?

In some ways, this would be even more challenging than the film version. But as Renly had said, the decision was in John's hands. As for himself, he was prepared to defy the impossible.

"I thought you'd miss Hollywood," John teased, eyes narrowing. "You know, the headlines, the buzz. The moment you step back into the West End, all that attention drops."

Renly shrugged. "Who's to say I'm not missing the stage right now?"

John was momentarily caught off guard but quickly recovered, nodding in understanding. "To be honest, I can't think of a more suitable candidate."

Renly had the skill, stamina, and dedication for the role. At the same time, he brought marketability and intrigue—qualities that made him the perfect choice. Moreover, John preferred working with fresh talent, performers hungry for the stage. His vision was to shake up the West End and open doors for new actors.

"Even if the role is trimmed down?" John asked.

Renly arched an eyebrow. "Trust me, I'd welcome other actors sharing the load of this six-hour epic."

John laughed. "Perfect! Then, I'll discuss it with the team today." He leaned back, finally allowing himself a moment of satisfaction. "Actually, I'm also considering casting a younger actor for Javert—not as young as you, but under 30. It would allow for a more dynamic performance and help with makeup transitions."

Aging a young actor into an older character was far easier than making an older actor appear youthful.

Renly lifted his teacup. "I should probably wrap up Edge of Tomorrow soon."

John gave him a questioning look. Renly smirked. "Just thinking out loud. Once you finalize things, they'll want another audition. I should be ready."

John nodded. "That works."

While John was eager to move forward, both he and Renly knew that many decisions still had to be made. Key roles like Éponine, Javert, and Enjolras were yet to be cast, and the creative team would likely demand more auditions. Even if Renly was the frontrunner, nothing was set in stone.

Neither of them mentioned the Les Misérables movie adaptation.

Because, at this stage, it didn't matter. If it came down to competition, the best work—and the best performance—would win. John wasn't competing against the film version or Cameron Mackintosh. His battle lay in the script, the investment, his creative team, and ultimately, the quality of his production.

Meanwhile, Renly was preparing for his next role while still fully immersed in Edge of Tomorrow.

As the conversation ended, a new chapter began—not just for Les Misérables, but for the West End itself.

At the same time, the 69th Golden Globe Awards loomed on the horizon. Last year, Ricky Gervais had set the event ablaze with controversy, offending numerous actors. Many media outlets condemned him for his sharp humor. Yet, after much deliberation, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association had once again invited Ricky back as host.

The Golden Globes needed headlines, even at the risk of upsetting some stars. It was also a sign of Hollywood's struggles—there were few hosts who could balance humor and propriety. It was another symptom of the industry's fast-food culture.

Regardless, with Ricky at the helm, the Golden Globes were bound to be a spectacle once more.