The Greatest Showman #1305 – Checkerboard Layout

The North American continent, visible on the other side of the Atlantic, is shrouded in darkness at this hour. In the early morning in Los Angeles, night falls and the city falls silent. Only the night owls and partygoers are awake, while the rest of the city sleeps. The chirping of cicadas signals the arrival of dryness and stillness, while the rhythmic sound of snoring fills the quiet air, playing a gentle symphony of sleep.

Los Angeles is not New York, after all.

The relentless ringtone of Andy Rogers' phone jolts him from the sleep he had just fallen into. Irritation and anger rise within him, but as an agent working around the clock, he suppresses it. It's just part of the job. No matter how exhausted, no matter how frustrated, Andy picks up the phone, steadying himself.

His eyes squint through the haze of sleep as he checks the caller ID. He sighs in protest, gritting his teeth, before Renly's voice comes through with a light chuckle. "It's the first time I've wondered what Andy Rogers looks like without his work mask."

Andy's breath catches. He shakes his head helplessly, sitting up straight and rubbing his temples, trying to clear his mind. "Unfortunately, you didn't get to see it. I didn't plan to let you invade my private life." He adds a half-joking tone, "What's going on? I could fall back asleep at any moment. Hurry up."

Despite his exhaustion, Andy straightens up, knowing that with Renly's personality, this must be something serious. Renly would never call unless it was urgent. Even though the time difference was an issue, Renly had still made the call right away. This in itself spoke volumes.

"I need to get Diesel out." Renly cuts straight to the point, no pleasantries.

Andy pauses for a moment, his mind slow to catch up, then asks, "Completely out?"

"That's the goal, but don't rush it." Renly's voice is calm, but a chill runs through Andy's spine, as he knows that when Renly speaks with that tone, things are serious.

Renly continues, giving a brief summary of the situation, "I suspect there's an issue with the 'Norton Show.' You should ask around to see what happened. But the pressure from the program seems to be more about reinforcing Diesel's standing in the industry."

Andy chuckles darkly, "Ha. Three years ago, I didn't take Diesel seriously. Even now, after all this time, he's just gone back to his old ways."

"What's your plan?" Andy asks, cutting through the conversation and focusing on the issue at hand.

Renly raises an eyebrow slightly, surprised at Andy's straightforwardness. "You're a freak," Andy says with a light laugh, "You care about nothing but acting. You've never fought for anything, never cared about anything—except for your friends."

Andy gets straight to the point: "When you make up your mind, it means this is serious. I'm with you 100%, no matter what. Diesel, or any top actor, I'm in."

Renly's tone lightens slightly. "What if it was Robert Downey Jr.?" he jokes.

Andy falls silent for a beat, a cold sweat breaking out despite knowing it's just a joke. Renly's smile is barely visible through the phone line as he continues, "Let's give Diesel a warning. If we keep silent, he'll think we're resigned, and that'll just embolden him. If we can rein him in, fine. But honestly, 'Fast and Furious' without Diesel? It's a little lonely."

Andy chuckles lightly but remains silent, sensing Renly's teasing nature.

Renly shifts the focus back. "Before, Marvel Studios sent out an invitation. They wanted me for a superhero role."

"Are you interested?" Andy asks, intrigued.

"That's not the focus right now," Renly replies, steering the conversation back to Diesel. "Paul told me Diesel has been talking to Marvel Studios lately. He seems interested in being in a superhero movie."

Andy nods. "That's not entirely wrong, but Diesel's image doesn't align with Marvel's superhero aesthetic. He's not right for the role of a hero, but he could still fit into a superhero movie."

Renly nods in agreement.

This situation mirrors the past. Diesel had, in Renly's previous life, voiced Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy, a role that had become an unexpected fan favorite despite his limited line—"I am Groot." Diesel, known for action roles, had struggled in comedy but found success in the voice role.

Now, Renly plans to cut off Diesel's path, making a bold move that could shift things in his favor.

Renly, despite the time difference, calls Andy in the early hours because every moment counts. The preparation for Guardians of the Galaxy is nearing its final stages. According to Paul, and Renly's own knowledge, they're about to make decisions. It's time to act.

If they miss the opportunity, things could get complicated. But with Disney and Marvel Studios involved, Renly still has leverage. He needs to move quickly.

"Got it." Renly nods as Andy affirms his understanding. "You'll first talk to Lucas Hunter, try to replace Diesel with Paul. Paul's voice for Groot fits better. Then, you contact Marvel Studios or Disney, but make it clear that I'm willing to collaborate—but only if Diesel is out of the picture."

Andy gives a sharp nod. "Understood."

Renly takes a deep breath, his voice calm. "What's your bargaining chip? Playing a superhero?"

Andy presses on. "Are you willing to compromise?"

Renly laughs. "I don't think Marvel would offer me a superhero role. They want cost-effective actors, and I'm not cheap anymore."

He pauses, his mind calculating. "But I'd consider signing for a project, but only if I get to choose the script. That's my offer."

Andy's curiosity piques. "What if they ask for Boom Drummer?"

Renly's expression turns nonchalant. "Then they'd need to work with Andre Hamilton."

Andy's understanding is instant. "Got it. I'll get started."

After the call ends, Renly sits back, his expression relaxed, as though the phone call had no weight on him at all. He's never been a gentleman, nor an angel, after all...