[GodOfReader: Martin might help Morgan Freeman... Nope, no need to go into details since CHINA IS NAMBA WAN. PLEASE CAST YOUR POWER STONE TO ME!!!]
...
The two-minute break passed quickly.
Next up was the filming of the scene where Wesley practiced curving bullets.
After a few rehearsals of them running away, it was time to start the official shoot.
Fox pointed at a frozen slab of pork hanging in front of them and said to Wesley, "You need to make the bullet curve and hit the target behind."
The character Fox didn't require much acting—just being cool was enough. This kind of Vase-type role posed no challenge for Jessica.
"How is that even possible?" Wesley exclaimed in shock.
Morgan Freeman lifted the curtain and walked in.
"This isn't a question of whether it's possible or not. Do you know what the real issue is? If, when you were 25, someone had told you bullets only fly straight, and I gave you a gun and told you to hit a target, what would you do?"
Wesley looked bewildered.
Morgan Freeman internally praised his acting partner's excellent reaction, and continued, "Let your instincts guide you, kid."
Then, he raised his hand and fired.
Of course, here he was just mimicking the motion. In post-production, they would add in the special effects of the bullet curving around the pork and hitting the bullseye.
Martin displayed a look of shock and disbelief at just the right moment.
"Perfect! That's a wrap on this one!"
For director Timur Bekmambetov, this shoot was deeply satisfying.
Martin's acting was outstanding—it was basically a one-take success.
The rest of the cast also performed very well.
As for the female lead, while Jessica Alba's acting might not match the genius level of Martin or the veteran Morgan Freeman, for a role that mainly involved startling reactions, she handled it with ease.
Later that day—
Filming wrapped up for the day.
The production crew hosted a wrap party in the hotel dining hall.
Martin saw Morgan Freeman arrive with a young Black woman.
"Martin, this is my step-granddaughter, E'Dena Hines. She's a big fan of yours—can you give her an autograph?"
"Of course, no problem at all."
Martin agreed cheerfully.
The girl was fanning her cheeks with both hands as she spoke.
Her looks were best described as pleasant. After signing the photo and handing it over, Martin casually glanced at their faces. He couldn't see any obvious sign that Morgan Freeman had an improper relationship with her.
He was slightly curious, but not enough to bother using magic to investigate.
After snapping a quick photo with the girl, he returned to sit beside Jessica and Alexandra.
Chris Pratt came over enthusiastically. "Do you ladies want anything to eat? I can get it for you."
Martin chuckled and shook his head. "No need. We can get it ourselves."
Watching Chris Pratt walk away, Alexandra Daddario couldn't help saying, "I still don't like him."
Martin laughed. "Darling, you're allowed to dislike anyone. As long as I'm here, you don't have to suck up to anybody!"
Then he added with a grin, "Except me!"
The girls burst into laughter.
Jessica added, "Guys like Chris, stuck at the bottom rung of the acting world, have to scrape and claw their way up, just to get a single opportunity. And the sad part is, most of the time, they never even get close to one."
"What's this? Sympathy?" Martin asked.
Jessica nodded. "He reminds me of myself when I was younger. Back then, for the sake of getting a role, my mother had to humble herself and beg people all over town. My agent even wanted me to cozy up to powerful men—but I was only twelve at the time. I was lucky to meet you, Martin."
Her eyes were full of tenderness.
Martin affectionately stroked her head and said in a soft voice, "Alright. I'll give that kid a chance."
Then he added, "He's too slippery to be a close confidant, but he could make a decent errand boy."
...
After staying in Prague for over a month, the crew flew back to Los Angeles.
Most of the key scenes for Wanted were done—only a few minor shots remained, which could be completed in-studio.
Martin took time off to watch the final cut of Iron Man.
"What do you think?"
After the screening, Rober Downey Jr. approached him nervously.
Even though he believed the film had strong commercial potential, after so many years of being out of sync with Hollywood trends, he no longer had full confidence in his own judgment.
Martin gave him a surprised look. "It's obviously great. I directed it, remember?"
"Don't be such a smart-ass," Robert swore, though inwardly he was greatly reassured.
Martin then lowered his voice and said, "Robert, over at Marvel Studios, Avi Arad has already put together a complete plan for superhero films. Word is, if the first Iron Man succeeds, they'll roll out a roadmap that stretches over the next ten years."
Robert's eyes lit up. "Wow, sounds like I've got a stable meal ticket ahead—a long-term cash cow."
"Cash cow?" Martin snorted. "You underestimate Iron Man. This isn't some regular meal ticket—it's your golden ticket to join the ranks of the ultra-wealthy through box office sales!"
Avi Arad and Stan Lee also arrived.
Both men were extremely pleased with the final cut of Iron Man.
"Martin, I have to thank you. You've given Marvel Studios a true masterpiece," said Avi Arad.
"I love that final line—'I am Iron Man.' Wow, so badass. Robert, you really nailed it," said Stan Lee.
"Thanks for the praise!"
Donny beamed from ear to ear.
Avi Arad lightly tapped the table and smiled. "Now we can place even greater hopes on Iron Man. As long as this movie becomes a major success, we'll get the green light for the sequel, and we can also officially launch the entire Avengers initiative."
"The Avengers? Sounds like you've got a big plan!" Martin pretended to look surprised, as if this was the first time he'd heard of it.
Robert, on the other hand, was truly shocked.
Marvel's ambitions were massive!
At that moment, Stan Lee suddenly asked, "I heard DC is also working on a Justice League project?"
Martin didn't hide it—after all, it wasn't a secret.
"That's right. After the success of the Batman reboot, Warner will release solo films for Superman, The Flash, and Wonder Woman one after another. In the end, they'll unite all the major DC superheroes to form the Justice League. And those four—Batman, Superman, The Flash, and Wonder Woman—will be its core pillars."
[POWER STONE PLEASE!!!!]