The Greatest Showman #1296 - Chicken Soup for the Soul

"So, this is what's listed on the calendar, right? The concert?" Graham asked with genuine curiosity, showing no signs of competing with Renly. Instead, he approached the interview seriously. "What's going on? From filming to planning concerts, this is really interesting."

Renly didn't seem to have any doubts, and for the first time, he opened up, talking about the project Drunken Country Ballad. "It's a work directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Throughout the filming process, we aimed to capture the texture of age and authenticity. All the tracks in the film were performed live, except for a trio."

"Renly, are you sure?" Ed looked concerned. "Didn't you just say that now's not the best time to discuss this project?"

"Hey, Ed! Let him talk, let him talk!" Danny interjected with a friendly pat on Ed's shoulder. He propped his chin up with both hands, wearing a playful listening expression that immediately elicited laughter from the audience.

Renly chuckled and shrugged lightly. "This is the benefit of turning down Marvel's invitation."

Marvel Studios has strict regulations on actor behavior to avoid spoilers, with actors' actions on various occasions heavily restricted. One wrong move could breach the contract.

Renly's comment reminded the audience of Thor and the upcoming Iron Man 3, and a ripple of "ooh" ran through the studio, followed by low laughter and whispers.

Renly, unfazed, continued, "Since all the performances were live, our set felt like a small concert. Unfortunately, for the sake of the film, the director couldn't record every moment. So, we used to joke that we should form a band and tour, which would've been a lot of fun."

"Ed's planning his own tour now, why don't you join in?" Graham quickly steered the conversation in another direction.

Ed nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely, you're welcome anytime. It would definitely be an interesting experience!"

Renly cast a knowing look at Graham but only paused for a moment before turning to Ed. "If the opportunity arises, I believe it'd be a great challenge, and I'd be happy to take it on. But for now, I'm ready to return to the set and dive into my next project."

"Oh? Have you already decided on your next project? Which director are you working with this time?" Graham asked, sensing an opportunity and pressing on.

Renly smiled. "Not yet. I just feel like the break has been long enough, and I'm itching to perform again. But no specific project is lined up yet. To be honest, I haven't even spoken to my agent about it."

"How long have you been off?" Graham pushed further, picking up the rhythm of the interview, while Ed and Daniel struggled to keep pace.

Renly remained unhurried. "Three months." The audience audibly groaned in sympathy, causing Renly to chuckle. "If you count the time I'll spend looking for the next job, that might extend to six months. So, I'm still technically unemployed. Directors, producers, and screenwriters, if you're watching, feel free to reach out."

Ed couldn't hold it in and burst out laughing. Daniel, sitting beside him, laughed too, inadvertently spraying saliva. Luckily, he wasn't facing anyone, so the mishap wasn't disastrous.

Graham couldn't help but smile, realizing he was losing control of the interview. Still, Renly maintained complete control of the direction of the conversation, expertly guiding the flow, never straying from his goals.

Renly's composure was beyond eloquence—it reflected an aristocratic grace, effortlessly exuding a calm confidence.

Without warning, Graham clapped his hands, prompting the audience's attention. They seemed confused at first, but Graham's gesture broke the tension, heightening the excitement. Only he, as the interviewer, truly understood the weight of the moment.

Graham, unflustered, continued, "Renly is becoming a unique icon of this era. Everything he does is inspiring, moving, and full of surprises."

Graham's words were interrupted when he noticed Renly's reaction. The actor's eyes were half-closed, chin slightly retracted, fingers tapping lightly—a clear sign that he was enjoying the praise, but it was all for show.

"Renly?" Graham paused, realizing that Renly was quietly soaking in the moment.

Renly raised an eyebrow but kept his expression mostly unchanged. "Why'd you stop? Keep the praise coming." Then, with a twinkle in his eye, Renly added, "I finally understand what it must've been like for Donald Trump—when everyone's singing your praises, it's really something."

Renly was subtly mocking both Trump and Graham's overly conventional compliments, showing humility in a playful, almost dismissive manner.

The crowd erupted in laughter, and the mood in the studio lightened once again.