The Greatest Showman #1265 - Pick 1

Renly had always been a maverick—picky about his choices, about his work, and about the people he worked with. If any other agent had been in Andy Rodgers' position, they might have given up long ago. Renly's tendency to turn down lucrative opportunities, especially in commercial films, was almost unheard of in Hollywood. Most agents would have quit after the first refusal, but Andy had stuck by him through thick and thin.

It was because of Andy that Renly was where he was today.

So, when their brokerage contract expired, after all the turbulence and noise surrounding Renly's career, Renly didn't hesitate. He renewed the contract with Andy, knowing that Andy was the one who truly understood him.

"It's my honor to have you as my agent," Renly said sincerely.

Andy hesitated slightly, caught off guard by Renly's sincerity.

Truth be told, Andy had been feeling uneasy. After the success of Edge of Tomorrow, followed by Gravity and Drunken Country Ballads, Renly had begun to take the reins in choosing his own projects. Though Andy respected Renly's decisions, it was a form of indirect negation of his own guidance. Still, Andy accepted the renewal without protest, though it left him with a lingering sense of doubt.

"After Drunken Country Ballads, I had plans for you, Renly. Your long break... it was supposed to be a time to rest, to recharge." Andy's words carried a hint of regret, but also resolve.

But then, Boom Drummer came out of nowhere.

Andy glanced at Renly, his brow furrowing. "You mean..."

Renly nodded. "Yes, I'll take the break I originally planned. Boom Drummer is just a recommendation. Damien Chazelle is talented—honestly, I admire the project—but I'm not taking it on right now. I need time."

Andy breathed a quiet sigh of relief, but his confusion only grew. "Are you sure? I thought Boom Drummer would be perfect for you. Why pass it up?"

Renly chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Andy, do you want me to take the role, or are you just trying to steer me into commercial films?"

Andy's smile faltered. He stared at Renly for a long moment, realizing how difficult Renly truly was as a client. "You do realize how complicated you make my job, right? One wrong move, and everything's off-track."

"Yes, I know," Renly replied calmly.

Andy exhaled, rubbing his temples. "So, what's your plan with Boom Drummer? You're just recommending it, or are you involved as a producer?"

Renly looked puzzled. "What's the difference?"

Andy explained, "A recommendation is just making an introduction—you set up the opportunity, but the rest is on them. A producer, however, is a guarantor. Your name, 'Renly Hall,' has become synonymous with quality in Hollywood. Being a producer isn't just a title; it carries weight."

Renly nodded thoughtfully, understanding now. He thought of Steven Spielberg's influence, especially after seeing him at the Oscars the night before.

"If you get involved as a producer," Andy continued, "you'd see the project's progress firsthand. But it also impacts your reputation. The quality of the work, the director—all of it reflects back on you. You're not Spielberg yet, Renly."

"I believe in Damien Chazelle," Renly said, his voice steady. "I believe it's going to be a masterpiece."

Andy raised an eyebrow, surprised. "You're that confident?"

"Or maybe you think I'm some idealistic champion of independent film?" Renly teased, a playful smile curling at the edges of his lips.

Andy nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "You've always been that way. Joel and Ethan Coen—they keep hoping you'll come back to Park City and help the Sundance Film Festival grow. Drunken Country Ballads was just the start. They need more voices like yours."

Renly considered Andy's words carefully. "I'm an actor. I don't have the bandwidth for industrial exhibitions or to push agendas. I want to show my support with actions, not politics."

Andy chuckled. "You're a good example of what to do—like with Take Off and Drunken Country Ballads. Actions speak louder than words."

Renly's eyes softened as he reflected on the larger impact public figures had. Since his work with the Heather-Cross Foundation, he'd understood the weight of their every move—the responsibility of being in the spotlight.

"And yet, you're sounding more like Oprah Winfrey than my agent," Renly teased, raising an eyebrow. "I thought you'd want me to take some big commercial film and make you rich in the process."

Andy shot him a look. "I do want you to take the big roles. But I also want you to protect your brand. You're not Daniel Day-Lewis, but you're getting close. You're more than just an actor now—you're a brand."

Renly laughed at Andy's straightforwardness. "Alright, so which project would you recommend if I decide to take something on now?"

Andy didn't miss a beat. "Well, if I had to recommend something, it would be Star Wars."

Renly froze for a second. "No hesitation? No second thoughts?"

"None." Andy said it with such certainty that Renly was taken aback. "Renly, you're British, you don't get it. Star Wars is the American cultural touchstone. It's a symbol of a generation. After thirty years, it's more than just a film—it's a part of the fabric of society. Every actor wants to be part of it."

Renly raised an eyebrow. "But you want me in Star Wars because you're a fan of it, right?"

Andy's excitement was palpable. "Look, I know Star Wars isn't about the actors anymore. The franchise itself is bigger than anyone. But I'd still love for you to be in it. Even if it's just a cameo, it's an honor."

Renly laughed. "That's the first time I've seen you geek out over something. You wanted to sign Harrison Ford because of Star Wars, didn't you?"

Andy flushed with embarrassment. "Yeah, when I first met Harrison, I was like a giddy fan. Don't tell him that, though."

Renly smirked, remembering Harrison Ford's iconic roles in Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark. He thought about the $936 million box office for The Force Awakens in 2015. "But you know I'm not about to join Star Wars, right?"

Andy rolled his eyes. "Of course not. You're not going to be a Jedi."

Renly shrugged. "For me, the most culturally significant works aren't Star Wars. Maybe it's Doctor Who, or Sherlock Holmes..." He kept the real answers to himself, thinking of The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. "But I'm an actor. I'm open to anything. Who knows? Maybe I'll join the Jedi ranks one day. May the Force be with you."

Andy laughed. "I know you're being polite, but… may the Force be with you."

Renly smiled, thinking that if anything, Andy's enthusiasm was genuine—just like the fans who swarmed Star Wars for generations.