The Greatest Showman #1018 - Be Ingenious

"Welcome to the future world."

After passing through the metal detector and entering the black tunnel, Gavin was filled with endless curiosity. The tunnel buzzed with activity, teeming with stations and a steady stream of people. Yet, astonishingly, there was no overwhelming noise—only soft conversations that filled the air. The gentle hum stirred a quiet excitement, the kind that made your blood race.

The entire black tunnel was divided into two parts: overhead, stars stretched endlessly across the sky, twinkling like fragments of the vast Milky Way, while beneath, the stars flowed like a gently babbling stream. On either side, fluorescent green lights illuminated skeletal frames that seemed to pulse and collide with each other.

Some playful spectators were reenacting skeleton fights, mimicking their movements and poses, as others gathered around to watch in fascination.

Gavin, though a layman when it came to high-tech projects, could sense that the tunnel's technology was far from cheap. The experience was truly breathtaking—its visual effects were enough to make anyone's jaw drop. Compared to other attractions nearby, this was a technological marvel.

Across the street, Paramount's setup was immediately overshadowed. Though the garden party carnival theme of "Madagascar 3" was eye-catching, it lacked the innovation, impact, and buzz generated by Warner Bros.' immersive experience. Even last night's "Prometheus" premiere, while well-received, now seemed underwhelming.

The 20th Century Fox event had featured alien models from the "Alien" series, as well as replicas of the alien lair. Yet, despite appearances, it failed to stand out compared to the spectacle unfolding here. The premiere of "Edge of Tomorrow" had redefined expectations, with its unparalleled technology and creativity setting a new bar.

As Gavin walked through the tunnel, he noticed three paths that extended from north to south, from west to east. Each path led into a unique environment, yet all shared a similar theme: futuristic landscapes shaped by volcanic eruptions, raging seas, and planetary explosions. These paths converged at an intersection before finally opening up to Hollywood Boulevard, now transformed.

Despite his curiosity, Gavin resisted the urge to explore further and focused on his work. Walking out of the passage, he stepped into a completely altered world.

At the center was a red carpet, flanked by rubble, construction debris, and wrecked cars, creating the look of a war-torn battlefield. Soldiers in full armor patrolled the area, their serious expressions underscoring the authenticity of the scene. A crowd of onlookers kept their distance, but the soldiers remained unwavering.

At the end of the red carpet lay a fallen robot, resembling the Alpha alien from "Edge of Tomorrow", its body surrounded by broken military vehicles and soldiers. Visitors, some daring enough to climb onto the model, eagerly examined the details. The scene mirrored the movie's apocalyptic future, complete with soldiers maintaining order and a chaotic, immersive atmosphere.

Warner Bros. had managed to bring the world of "Edge of Tomorrow" to life on Hollywood Boulevard. It was a full-blown, high-budget experience—a level of commitment that clearly showed in the event's production.

Gavin had always known that Warner Bros. was a major player in Hollywood, but standing here, experiencing the magnitude of this premiere, it became evident just how far they were willing to go. The costs were astronomical, possibly exceeding $20 million, yet the payoff was undeniable. "Edge of Tomorrow" was now more than just another summer blockbuster—it had become a media spectacle.

While Paramount's "Madagascar 3" premiere boasted big-name stars like Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, and Jessica Chastain, and was backed by DreamWorks, "Edge of Tomorrow" had its own star power. Producer Frank Marshall had strong ties to industry heavyweights like Ridley Scott, Steven Spielberg, and Martin Scorsese. Despite the competition, this premiere was already creating its own buzz.

The red carpet was buzzing with reporters, but Gavin had made his choice—"Edge of Tomorrow" was where he wanted to be. His companion Eli Wallach from the Seattle Post greeted him, as they found their way to the reporter's area.

"Madagascar 3" had certainly drawn attention, but the excitement around "Edge of Tomorrow" was palpable. Gavin, though aware of the challenges the film faced, couldn't help but feel a sense of optimism. The premiere, as chaotic as it was, showed a level of ingenuity and spectacle that had surpassed his expectations.

Gavin glanced around at the press. It was clear—top media outlets were in attendance. And in that moment, it seemed like "Edge of Tomorrow" just might crush "Madagascar 3".