When it comes to selling nostalgia, Hollywood is undoubtedly the best in the global film industry. Matthew knew this well. Having taken the high fee from the "Transformers" crew, he naturally prepared meticulously. Facing hundreds of reporters, he recalled, "You might have heard, I grew up in the slums of Texas. The best toy I ever had was a Megatron model. It was my best companion, accompanying me as I grew up."
Seeing that Matthew hadn't finished speaking and no reporters were asking questions, he noticed that many had rushed over from the "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" event.
Matthew touched his nose, seeming a bit sad. "But as I grew up, I abandoned my only childhood companion. I neglected it, forgot about it. Time brought me growth, but brought it the fate of being overlooked."
He looked at Michael Bay again, saying emotionally, "So I want to thank Michael! It was Michael's invitation that reminded me of this childhood companion that grew up with me. It never despised me, yet I abandoned it."
For some reason, the female reporter who asked the question thought of her favorite doll from childhood. Where had she thrown it?
Matthew pressed his lips together, his voice trembling slightly. "Transformers and Megatron were my childhood companions. I never truly said goodbye to it; I just abandoned it in a corner."
Many people thought of their beloved childhood toys. What they did wasn't much different from what Matthew described. They treasured the toy when it was new, quickly got bored, and then didn't know where it ended up...
"This 'Transformers' movie is a farewell party to my childhood companion," Matthew said slowly but clearly. "Toys played an irreplaceable role in our childhoods. We infused our emotions into toys, giving each one life and abilities. They were once the shapers of our imaginations, enriching our childhoods. Perhaps no one thought of saying goodbye to their toys..."
Michael Bay suddenly realized that Matthew's words were highly impactful, likely stirring many people's emotions. He was using everyone's inner child as a weapon, hitting the most important things in many people's lives.
Who didn't have a beloved toy as a child? Who didn't casually discard their once-cherished toy as they grew up? Maybe it didn't seem like a big deal as a child, but thinking back as an adult, wasn't there a hint of regret?
He lightly patted his leg, feeling the money spent on Matthew was well worth it. He should have cast Matthew as the lead from the beginning, instead of Shia LaBeouf, who had nothing but a good godfather.
"Michael, I have to say thank you again," Matthew said, seemingly full of gratitude. "When I shouted 'I am Megatron' during the dubbing, I realized you gave me a perfect farewell, allowing me to say a proper goodbye to my childhood companion. I will cherish the laughter and the childhood memories it brought me."
His eyes were slightly red. "When I finished dubbing Megatron, I thought I had grasped something. But now I understand that some things are forever gone."
At this point, Matthew paused. The room was silent. Many reporters seemed lost in thought or memories.
Suddenly, applause erupted from the audience, growing quickly until the hundreds of reporters were clapping enthusiastically, responding to Matthew's heartfelt words.
They, too, had toys like Megatron in Matthew's life and had grown up without saying goodbye to their cherished toys.
Michael Bay saw the enthusiastic reaction and couldn't help but clap hard. His eyes unconsciously fell on Shia LaBeouf. If Shia had even a tenth of Matthew's wit, his future would be limitless.
Compared to Matthew, Shia was incredibly dull and foolish. Without Spielberg, how could he have been chosen as the lead?
Megan Fox was also clapping hard. Matthew Horner was indeed the best man in this circle. A few words from him had even stirred her emotions. Being with a man like this was something to brag about.
She remembered telling her two female friends about spending the night with Matthew, and their envious and jealous eyes.
For some reason, her eyes turned to Shia LaBeouf. Without comparison, there was no harm. Based on his previous behavior, she was glad to have gotten rid of him. Otherwise, she'd be a laughingstock for mentioning being with Shia.
The female reporter who asked the question was young but experienced. She could vaguely tell this was a marketing strategy. But Matthew Horner's passionate speech naturally drew people in, making them willing to reminisce about their childhood toys and say goodbye to them.
This kind of sentiment was particularly infectious.
Michael Bay's eyes moved away from Shia LaBeouf. He turned to speak softly with a producer. Shia was Spielberg's godson, not his problem. What mattered was the crucial "Transformers" movie.
The crew had planned to play on nostalgia and had asked Matthew to prepare. They hadn't expected such thorough preparation. The crew could build on Matthew's words to maximize his influence.
They quickly exchanged ideas. Michael Bay remembered his first toy camera from childhood, the start of his directing career. It was probably discarded in the attic of his old home. He decided to look for it next time he visited, to give it a proper farewell.
The media event ended amidst a wave of nostalgia.
Matthew signed autographs for some fans and then headed to the backstage lounge. Michael Bay approached him immediately.
"That was brilliant," Michael Bay said, smiling. "I regret not casting you as the lead from the start."
Matthew smiled. "That's not something we can decide."
Michael Bay sighed. "Indeed, it's beyond my control."
If he had control, Shia LaBeouf would have been kicked out long ago. Why keep him until now?
"I have something to discuss with Tom DeSanto," Michael Bay said apologetically. "I have to go."
"No problem. I have to leave soon too," Matthew replied, thinking about the upcoming release of "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End." He invited, "Michael, 'Pirates of the Caribbean 3' is about to premiere. Would you come?"
Michael Bay immediately said, "If my schedule allows, I'll definitely be there."
Seeing his assistant looking over, Michael Bay exchanged a few more words with Matthew and then left.
Matthew asked Bella Anderson to pack up. He still needed to pick up Alexandra Daddario from Warner Bros. Helen Herman had just secured a new job for Alexandra, voicing Lois Lane in the DC animated movie "The Death of Superman."
According to the director, Lois Lane in Metropolis and Alexandra Daddario from New York were a perfect match.
He also heard that Warner Bros. and DC were planning a "Wonder Woman" origin animated movie.
For some reason, Matthew felt a strange sensation, as if a poisonous snake was watching him. He looked back and saw Shia LaBeouf quickly turning away.
Matthew shook his head. Without Spielberg, Shia was just a small fry.
"Let's go."
Matthew called Bella Anderson, and they left the lounge. Not far away, he heard hurried high heels. Megan Fox caught up.
"Hi, Matthew," she greeted.
"Hello, Megan," Matthew replied, noticing her changed appearance.
Megan Fox, never hiding her plastic surgeries, said directly, "I recently had lip and nose jobs. Do I look prettier?"
Matthew casually complimented, "You've always been pretty."
"'Pirates of the Caribbean 3' is about to premiere, right?" Seeing Matthew nod, Megan Fox asked, "Can I attend the premiere?"
Matthew nodded lightly. "Of course. I'll let the crew know and have them send you an invitation."
Megan Fox smiled happily and suddenly stepped closer, whispering in his ear, "How about coming to my place tonight? I have two girlfriends who are eager to meet you."
Matthew was tempted but thought of Alexandra Daddario and shook his head. "No, thanks. I'll have the crew mail you the invitation."
For the next while, Matthew focused entirely on promoting "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," missing the celebration of Disney's acquisition of Pixar. As with the second film, Disney made a strong push both online and offline. The restructured distribution company showed its strength, securing over 4,300 theaters.
Before Memorial Day, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" had a grand premiere in Los Angeles.
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