The Greatest Showman #1330 - Nodding Doll

President of the Barriere Group?

If Renly remembers correctly, the Barriere Group is a family-run business involved in high-end hotels, restaurants, leisure, and entertainment. They've been rising for over a century, with most of their operations still focused in France. The current head should be from the third or fourth generation.

Renly himself had no direct connection to the Barriere Group, but if you ask Andre or Arthur, they'd likely have more details.

Renly nodded slightly, signaling his understanding. "When the party invitations arrive, be sure to mention that Arthur Hall will be joining us in Cannes. And by the way, Andre Hamilton might come, too."

Arthur Hall, Renly's brother.

Andy was aware of this, but hearing it directly from Renly gave him pause. Did this mean London's high society was finally beginning to reveal its true colors? Andy found himself mulling over the meaning behind Renly's words.

"Andre was the intermediary at Madison Square Garden last time," Renly added, seemingly catching onto Andy's thoughts.

Andy flashed a knowing smile.

In recent months, Andy and Andre had exchanged numerous messages related to Boom Drummer. They had heard rumors about Hollywood but had never received confirmation. Now, with Renly's comment, Andy's thoughts began to solidify.

"Why are you so sure there will be party invitations?" Andy asked, curious.

Renly gave a small smile. "Because that's how connections work. You give, you receive. The exchange of benefits is an objective truth. In that sense, high society isn't all that different from Hollywood."

Andy considered this carefully. "Actually, when you think about it, society as a whole operates the same way."

Renly raised his hand and pointed at Andy. "Welcome to France." Seeing Andy's confused look, Renly added, "When you start discussing philosophy and society, you're officially starting to think French."

It was a playful rant.

Andy laughed.

As they leaned against the balcony railing, admiring the brilliant blue sky, Renly suddenly remembered something and became serious. "By the way, I owe you an apology about Boom Drummer."

Andy didn't immediately respond. He stared at Renly, processing the words, before cautiously asking, "You mean agreeing to play the role without consulting me first?"

Renly nodded. "Yes, that's exactly what I meant. But this won't be the last time."

Andy's sarcastic tone immediately brought Renly back to the conversation earlier at the private club entrance, and the déjà vu made him smile even more.

Andy smiled back. "I understand. Honestly, after seeing Damien Chazelle's short video, you were the first actor I thought of for the role. I couldn't think of anyone else more perfect for it."

Renly noticed the playful glint in Andy's eyes. "Not just because you're my entertainer, but because... because Andrew is you. That role—it needs you. You are the soul of that character. As for Weiss, you're more Andrew than anyone else."

Andy was being earnest, but Renly's constant smile made the whole moment feel lighthearted, almost like a stand-up comedy routine.

"Andy," Renly teased, "you're so serious. You'd be better off with the 'laughing tiger' approach, the kind that pulls people into a trap without them even realizing it."

Andy gave Renly an amused look, paused, then smoothly shifted the conversation. "We've settled on the compensation—twenty percent of the box office dividends. With you starring and producing, we can keep the budget low and invite other actors."

"Twenty percent," Renly raised an eyebrow. "Andre's still a businessman. I thought it'd be at least thirty."

Andy just smiled at Renly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Renly knew immediately that his playful comment had been seen through, but he didn't mind. He smoothly changed the subject. "For the role of Mr. Fletcher, I'd love to bring in J.K. Simmons if possible."

"Who?" Andy was clearly confused.

"He's the father in Juno and the newspaper boss in Spider-Man," Renly explained, eager to clarify. "He's the kind of actor you might not be able to name off the top of your head, but you'd recognize him instantly. He's a blue-collar kind of actor—solid, dependable performances. He's worked with the Coen brothers in Burn After Reading and No Country for Old Men, and with Jason Reitman in several films. His performance in Prison Storm on HBO was outstanding."

Andy still didn't seem to recognize the name. "Are you serious?"

Renly chuckled. "Yes, I'm serious."

Renly believed Simmons was the perfect choice for the role of Fletcher. His portrayal would bring a chilling, bloodthirsty edge to the character—a necessary quality that Renly felt was missing in many actors. Hollywood had thousands of actors, but not many had the stamina to push through and succeed. Simmons had that grit.

Once Renly's position was clear, Andy seemed to understand, his smile growing. "I knew you'd be perfect for this project. Not only did you step up as producer, but this is the first time you've actively picked the actors."

Even with Edge of Tomorrow, Renly had never been involved in casting decisions.

Yet, Renly didn't view this as a sign of change because of Boom Drummer; he believed it was simply the right time. His perspective was shifting, and he was open to exploring new possibilities. Boom Drummer was just the beginning.

Renly didn't object.

Andy, sensing Renly's good mood, ventured, "Remember that thing you mentioned about Vin Diesel? There's some progress. Marvel Studios is working on something. If my sources are correct, it's a project called Guardians of the Galaxy."

"But I've never heard of these superheroes. Are you sure it's worth pursuing? It could flop. Marvel doesn't seem confident, and Diesel might not be able to reinvent himself."

The industry was skeptical. After the success of Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America, people assumed Marvel would continue with its main roster. Instead, they chose the Guardians of the Galaxy, a lesser-known group, even among comic fans. Many doubted the film's potential, both within Marvel Studios and the larger industry.

"I'm sure," Renly replied. "It's not about success or failure. It's about making a statement."

"Understood," Andy mused, then shifted gears. "So, if Disney asks, would you consider doing voiceover work for one of their animated films? They're making two right now, and one's in its final stages. You interested?"

Renly nodded. "No problem. Voice acting is a stage skill. It could be fun."

Andy hesitated, sensing something off. "What about fairy tales? Disney's considering turning more of their classic cartoons into live-action movies, like Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella. Would you take part?"

Renly raised an eyebrow. "You mean Prince Charming?"

Andy nodded. "Exactly. Would you be interested? They might even change the script to focus more on the female characters."

Renly thought for a moment, then smiled. "Sounds like it could be fun. I could play a clueless prince. Wait, are they changing the script?"

"I'm not sure," Andy responded, unsure where the conversation was heading.

Renly nodded, savoring the moment. "Well, I'll wait for the script. Can't make a decision until I see it."

Something didn't feel right to Andy, but he couldn't pinpoint why. The conversation flowed easily, yet a sense of unease lingered.