The Greatest Showman #1500 - Open and Aboveboard

After a brief round of introductions and pleasantries, everyone settled into their seats.

Jake Gyllenhaal, with his bright and expressive eyes, looked slightly confused, as if trying to make sense of the situation. Despite their introductions, he still couldn't quite grasp what was going on today.

Andre smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Jack. Before I arrived here today, I had no idea what was going on either. And Eaton, well, he's just as lost as you. You're not the only one. I've known Renly for over fifteen years, and I still can't figure out what he's up to half the time."

Jack chuckled heartily. "Really? I thought I knew Renly pretty well. Isn't he just an actor? The level of dedication and focus he has is admirable. I was just watching him on set, and... wow, the strength and determination he brings is incredible."

Andre and Renly exchanged a brief look, and Andre now understood what Renly meant. Jack, it seemed, was another one of those endlessly passionate, energetic individuals—just like Renly. Negotiations with someone like Jack wouldn't be too difficult.

"If you're going to compliment me, you'd better wait until I'm not in the room," Renly joked, a mock-serious expression on his face. "Otherwise, it just feels awkward when the subject's sitting right here. You need to find a better balance."

Andre and Eaton were used to Renly's dry humor, but Jack couldn't help but laugh.

Renly raised his eyebrows, a sly smile playing at the corners of his lips. He exchanged a look with Andre and Eaton before cutting to the heart of the matter. "Jack, the reason I invited you here today is to discuss something important. I hope you don't mind that there are a couple of unfamiliar faces around..."

"No, of course not." Jack interrupted Renly with a smile, clearly not bothered.

Renly nodded, keeping his tone serious but open. "Actually, there's a role I want to recommend to you."

Jack paused for a moment, before laughing lightly, as if realizing something. He waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, come on, you're just messing with me, aren't you? Jessica and I were just talking on set the other day, joking about the idea of finding a job in the most random places..."

But as Jack spoke, Renly's expression remained calm, and it dawned on him that this was no joke. "Wait, you really mean it?"

Renly smiled and gave a light, encouraging tap on Jack's shoulder. "It doesn't matter how it came up. The reason I'm recommending you isn't because of friendship or some obligation. It's because I genuinely believe you're the best fit for the role. Nothing more."

Jack's face shifted into a more thoughtful expression. "Ah, I get it now. That makes sense." His expression softened, a simple honesty in his features.

Renly then reached for the "Nightcrawler" script sitting on the coffee table, placing it in front of Jack.

"This script was written by Dan Gilroy. I first came across it through an agent, and it struck me immediately. It's in a style that's becoming more common, but the energy it conveys is something special. As much as I'd love to take it on, after thinking it over, I believe you're the one who's truly suited for it. I'd rather see it in the right hands and let it shine."

Jack listened intently, eyes narrowing as he processed Renly's words. He wasn't hasty, taking in the details carefully.

After a few moments, Jack spoke up, genuinely curious, "Could you give me a brief rundown? What's the story about?"

Renly smiled and nodded, starting to describe the script's premise, elaborating on the character of Louis. Jack, initially quiet, became more animated as they delved deeper into the character, asking pointed questions about the motivations, the structure, and the larger themes. The conversation began to flow freely, with Jack offering his own insights. They were soon so immersed in the world of Nightcrawler that the outside world seemed to disappear.

When Renly and Jack had first met in Berlin, their conversations had followed a similar rhythm—diving into film and performance with open enthusiasm. And today was no different.

Because Jack hadn't read the script yet, they focused more on the philosophical elements of the character and the social realities that it reflected. This, in turn, illuminated the deeper layers of the script, giving both of them a clearer sense of Gilroy's vision—at least, the way Renly and Jack interpreted it.

"Wow," Jack muttered in awe. "Are you sure you want to offer this to me?"

Renly grinned. "Honestly, I think this project is perfect for you. The way the media has been behaving lately, the script feels like the perfect counterpoint. Plus, I think you'd do an amazing job bringing such a dark character to life. I can already picture the performance in my head."

Jack's face lit up. "It's a really compelling character, isn't it?" His excitement was palpable, though he worked hard to keep it under control. "Thanks for the confidence, Renly."

Renly met Jack's gaze, his tone serious now. "Are you serious about this? You really want to do it?"

Jack hesitated for a brief moment, then nodded. "Yes. I mean, I am interested. From what you've said, it sounds like a great project. And honestly, you're right. After hearing the way you describe it... I'm hooked."

Renly leaned back, watching Jack with amusement. He had known that this would be the response, and Jack's honest enthusiasm was exactly why Renly had pursued him for the role.

"Even if you regret it later, it's too late," Jack added, only to laugh at himself. "Sorry, I had to say it."

Renly raised an eyebrow, glancing at Andre and Eaton. "Allow me to introduce you properly," he said with a hint of amusement. "Jack, this is Eaton, our stylist. He's new to the team, so he's still learning the ropes. And this is Andre, the founder of Sisyphus Pictures. He'll be handling the investment, production, and distribution for Nightcrawler."

Jack's eyes widened in realization. His expression morphed into one of surprise—then he caught himself, covering his mouth with his hand, realizing he had been too expressive.

"I apologize," he said, slowly sitting back, clearly trying to regain composure. The expression on his face said it all.

Andre extended his hand with a warm smile. "Nice to meet you, Jack."

"Don't worry," Andre continued, "Renly set this whole thing up today, and both Eaton and I are still getting up to speed on the project. But I trust Renly's judgment, and I'm excited to be working with you. We're all in this together."

Jack shook Andre's hand, a little in awe. "Wow, this is an honor," he said, still trying to process everything.

Renly, unfazed, gave a small shrug. "Welcome to the team, Jack."