January 2010, Broadway Theater, Manhattan, NYC
"You're a fucking genius!" James Cameron said enthusiastically, pulling me into a tight hug inside my dressing room. "I died laughing just now. It was so good. I'm telling all my industry friends to come watch this as soon as possible."
"Thank you, Jim," I said with a grin once he finally let me go. "But the credit mostly goes to the writers and the director. I'm just an actor in this show."
"And you played your part perfectly," James countered without hesitation. "As a director, that's the one thing I expect from my actors, and I'm sure that's exactly what your playwrights are thinking right now. I don't like saying this to actors to not hike up their egos, but you are the best actor I have had the pleasure to work with, and not just because of your acting ability."
I nodded gratefully, still riding the high of the performance. Praise like that from a director of Cameron's caliber was enough to make my day.
"And you're one of my favorite directors," I shot back.
Though I won't put him at the top of my list. Stephen Daldry, with whom I have worked on multiple projects by now, including multiple of my music videos, is easily the best director with whom I work perfectly. Mostly because, despite making multiple acclaimed movies, Daldry didn't have even an iota of arrogance, something Jim had in abundance.
"By the way," James added, lowering his voice slightly, "congratulations on your engagement. That photo you posted on Twitter with Scarlett was a genius marketing move. Online attention around [Avatar] has increased significantly because of it. As you know, we've already earned more than $1.7 billion globally, and if things keep going like this, it won't be long before we break [Titanic]'s record as well."
I shook my head. "Thank you, but it wasn't any strategy. I posted it because I wanted to. And because the guys at Twitter wanted me to put up something eye-catching as the first photo on the platform."
"It worked," James said with a grin. "Everyone's been talking about it."
"I know," I replied, lifting my phone and turning the screen toward him. The messages app icon was plastered with a small red 99+ symbol. "See? My phone hasn't stopped buzzing since that photo went up. My voicemail is also full."
James chuckled good-naturedly. "I'm so glad I'm not you right now. I'd hate answering that many messages. Though I probably would've had my assistant deal with it."
That wasn't a bad idea. I could easily ask Benji to reply to the generic messages that just said "Congratulations" or something along those lines.
"Your mother's been in contact with me," he said suddenly, changing the subject. "About directing the [Game of Thrones] pilot."
"Oh?" I asked, genuinely curious. "I recommended you to her. How's it going?"
"It's going great," he admitted. "I love the fact that I don't have any restrictions and can take it to whatever level I want. With [Avatar], I had to stick to a PG-13 rating. I've been meeting with the other writers on the series, including George Martin, and we're ironing out the complete script for season one before we begin casting. I'm even considering directing more episodes than just the pilot."
"That's great!" I said, unable to hide my excitement. I was genuinely glad that James Cameron's involvement in the series was working out so well.
"I do have one apprehension, though," he continued. "I don't know how many people will watch it if you make it a Netflix exclusive."
"They'll watch it," I assured him. "The story's too good not to. And with the right push during awards season, I'm damn sure we can pull in a much larger audience for the second season onwards."
He shook his head. "That's not what I'm worried about. I'm worried that if the first season doesn't get enough viewers, sooner or later, you'll be forced to cancel it, even if it turns out to be a masterpiece. Something similar happened with [Dark Angel]. I created a great show, but it flopped because there weren't enough viewers to justify its high costs."
[Dark Angel] was a show created by James Cameron in the early 2000s, starring Jessica Alba in the lead role. I'd watched it back then, and it had been a great show that was cancelled far too early for exactly the reasons James had just mentioned.
"I get you," I said with a nod, leaning back slightly against the makeup counter. "But that's the risk of making anything in our line of business. Some things work, some don't. You can't really help it."
"But here we can," James countered immediately. His expression sharpened, the director in him clearly switching on. "Remember the last time we talked about the show? I suggested that you play a major character so we could market it to the masses. After working on the script, I've got the perfect character in mind for you. You'd only need to appear in the first half of the season, which leaves you free to work on whatever other projects you want."
My curiosity spiked instantly.
"Which character is that?"
"I actually shortlisted three for you," he said with complete sincerity. "You could've played Jon Snow, or Robb Stark, or maybe even Joffrey Baratheon. But all of them run for multiple seasons, which I'm sure you won't accept. Out of the characters who die early, three would be perfect for you. Viserys Targaryen, Khal Drogo, or Renly Baratheon. For an actor of your caliber, playing Drogo would be a waste. Though if you're interested, we can still make it happen. As for Renly, I'm not sure you'd be comfortable playing a gay character, especially since this series will definitely have some graphic scenes around Renly."
I'd never really thought about playing a gay character before. I wouldn't mind it in principle, but far too often, straight actors took on those roles for prestige, awards, or optics. I'd already had enough of that kind of validation, and I didn't feel like kissing a man just for another trophy. On top of that, there were plenty of talented gay actors who were constantly sidelined by the industry. I'd much rather see one of them get the role.
"You're right," I said after a moment. "Not Renly. He's not a big enough character until the second book anyway, so it doesn't make sense for me to take that role."
James nodded in agreement before continuing, "Viserys is the character I think would suit you perfectly. He's vile, he's mad, and best of all, he's irredeemable. When he dies, I want people to celebrate it, even though it's you, their beloved superstar."
"You want people to hate me for eternity?" I joked.
"People didn't hate you after the Joker," he shot back. "In fact, your portrayal of the Joker is considered one of the best villain performances of the twenty-first century. But the Joker was still a comic book character, complete with his quirks and idiosyncrasies. This time, I want to completely change your image as a villain. I want to show the world just how far you can push true villainy with this character."
He paused briefly before adding, "And if you agree to any of these roles, we can schedule it so your entire character arc is shot together. A few months at most."
It was a solid, viable plan, and it showed just how invested James was in [Game of Thrones]. Under normal circumstances, I would've declined playing a supporting character in a TV show, even if it was one of my favorite stories ever written. But this time, there was a reason I couldn't afford to say no.
Netflix was still in its infancy. There was only one thing that would make it grow into the powerhouse it became in the original timeline, and that was strong, exclusive content. It started with shows like [House of Cards], [Orange Is the New Black], and [Stranger Things] in the original timeline. As of now, none of Netflix's shows are exclusive. If I wanted to change that, I needed people watching [Game of Thrones] religiously. And for that to happen, the show had to succeed at all costs.
My presence alone would draw a massive amount of attention to the show and Netflix subsequently, and for that reason alone, I was more than willing to do it.
There was just one thing I had to make sure of before I agreed.
"I'll play Viserys," I said after a moment of thought, "but you'll have to enhance my character. Or at least give me more screen time. In the books, Viserys exists almost entirely through Daenerys's point of view. It shouldn't feel that way in the show."
"Certainly," James agreed without hesitation. "I already planned on doing that. As I said, I'll take his cruelty a step beyond what even Martin wrote in the books. I'll make you the most hated character in the show."
I wasn't sure if I should be happy or worried by how eager he was to get me on board.
He took his leave soon after, leaving me alone in the quiet dressing room as I began changing out of my Mormon costume. The buzz from outside had faded, replaced by a calm stillness. Today was the final day of previews. The response had been so overwhelmingly positive that we'd decided to end them early and move straight to the premiere. Preview tickets were sold at half the usual price, and even the media avoided attending until opening night. It made sense to capitalize on the momentum of the positive word of mouth.
I sighed as my thoughts drifted to my beautiful, pregnant girlfriend, who was probably changing backstage at her own theater right about now.
I picked up my phone, ignored the flood of messages, voicemails, and missed calls, and dialed Scarlett directly.
She answered on the second ring.
"Hey, babe," I said cheerfully. "How're my two most important people in the world? The little one giving you any trouble yet?"
There was silence on the other end before she sighed. "I'm fine. Or at least, I will be. I think."
I frowned instantly. "What happened?"
"I… might've gotten sick while I was on stage."
My jaw dropped.
"You barfed on stage?" I asked after a moment.
"Of course not!" she said defensively. "I ran backstage in the middle of the scene, and that's where I… barfed, as you put it. It was horrible. The entire cast and crew saw me like that, and I'm so embarrassed right now."
"You've got nothing to be embarrassed about," I said firmly. "It's natural. Women go through this."
I didn't say it out loud, but I knew this wasn't ideal. If everyone saw her throwing up, rumors were inevitable. And with our engagement being announced today of all days, the gossip would spread even faster. By tomorrow, people would be speculating about everything, from our relationship to the timing of it all.
"Thankfully, it was just a preview," Scarlett said, relief clear in her voice. "The audience didn't mind when we paused the scene for a bit before continuing. I guess I'll have to see my doctor tomorrow so it doesn't happen again."
"Alright," I agreed. "Let's go together. We can even get an ultrasound and take a look at the baby."
"Won't we need an appointment for that?" she asked, worry creeping into her voice.
"Babe," I said slowly, "people like us don't need to wait for appointments. Doctors will scramble to make time for us. Trust me."
"Okay," she said after a moment. "Let's go tomorrow and see if they can give me something to deal with this sickness."
(Break)
"Can you see it there?" the doctor asked, pointing at the screen while spreading the cool ultrasound gel across Scarlett's belly. "Right there. That's your baby."
I squinted at the screen, leaning in slightly, but all I could make out was a tiny dot among several indistinct shapes. It could've just as easily been one of Scarlett's organs for all I knew.
"I don't see it," Scarlett said anxiously. "Where is it?"
I decided to take a chance and stepped closer to the monitor. "It's that dot that stands out from the others." I glanced at the doctor for confirmation, and she gave me a discreet thumbs-up.
Once she spotted it, Scarlett covered her mouth, emotion washing over her face. I moved closer and pressed a gentle kiss to the side of her head.
"We made that together," she whispered in awe, her eyes filling with tears. "And I can't believe I almost…"
"Shhh," I said softly. "Don't think about could-haves and should-haves. Focus on the future. You need to stay happy for our kid."
She took a deep breath, wiped her eyes, and nodded. "You're right."
The doctor, an older woman in her fifties, watched us with a warm smile, looking every bit like a proud grandmother.
"I can't tell you how much it delights me to see a happy young couple like you," she said earnestly. "Honestly, I don't understand what all the fuss is about, or why my assistants were going crazy over you two. But seeing you together, I can say one thing for sure. You're going to make excellent parents."
"Thank you," Scarlett said gratefully, speaking for both of us.
I looked at the doctor with curiosity and asked, "You really have no idea who we are? You didn't even wonder after we made such a last-minute appointment?"
"You do seem familiar," she said, pointing at me. "But no, I don't really know. My job is to help the patients who come here. When the hospital's CEO called and asked me to take good care of you both, I didn't think much of it because that's what I always do for all my patients. Are you actors, perhaps? I don't mean to offend you. I just don't watch much television or many movies."
I chuckled and nodded. "Yes, we are actors. Don't worry about not recognizing us. I actually like it when that happens. It's refreshing."
"True," Scarlett agreed with a small smile. "Ever since I started dating this guy, it's become almost impossible for me to go unnoticed."
"So you're like Tom Cruise of this era?" the doctor asked curiously.
"He's bigger," Scarlett replied conspiratorially.
I laughed and shook my head. "I don't like comparisons. Tom is Tom, and I'm me. Let's leave it at that. Now, what about those sickness meds we talked about?"
The doctor slipped back into her professional mode, calmly explaining which medicines Scarlett needed to take and at what times of the day. Scarlett looked slightly overwhelmed by the flood of instructions, so I made sure to listen carefully and mentally note everything down.
(Break)
Jamie Bell: Congratulations, man! Never in my life did I imagine you'd be the first one among us to get engaged. I'm expecting a huge, grand party from you.
Emma Watson: Congratulations, Troy. I wasn't expecting this, but I wish you and Scarlett all the best.
Ryan Gosling: Woohoo! Paaartyyy! Man, I'll kick your ass if you don't throw one. Kidding. Congratulations to you and Scarlett. I think I was the catalyst in getting you two together on that Oscar night, so I deserve a special gift or something.
Michael B. Jordan: Dude! That's awesome. Congrats on the engagement. Feels like it's time for one last boys' trip before you get tied down.
Michael Jackson: Lots of love to you and Scarlett! I'm so happy for you today that I can't even put it into words. I'm already planning your wedding gift. You will invite me, right?
Bruce Willis: Congratulations, Troy! It's hard to believe the kid I worked with all those years ago is old enough to get married now. You're making me feel ancient. Let's catch up whenever you're in town and have some free time.
Steven Spielberg: Many congratulations to you and Scarlett! It's funny timing, because I was just thinking about a project with you when I came across the news. I'll be coming to see your Broadway show soon. Maybe we can talk then.
Alan Rickman: You changed my life in more ways than one, and today you're standing on the brink of changing your own. I wish you and your bride-to-be all the happiness in the world.
Toni Collette: I don't know why, but it feels like my own son is getting married. Congratulations!
Gary Oldman: My name might be Oldman, but today is the day I truly feel old. Well done bagging such an amazing woman. I met her once at some party and knew she was special. Don't fuck it up.
Christian Bale: Scarlett is a keeper, mate. Congratulations! I'm looking forward to the party, and I fully expect an invitation.
Jonah Hill: Wow, congratulations, man! I don't know if you're seeing this or if you've blocked me since you never reply to any of my messages, but just in case you are, I wanted you to know how genuinely happy I am for you and Scarlett.
____________________
AN: Check out my second story, 'Swimmer to Superstar (A Hollywood SI)'.
Link: www(dot)fablefic(dot)com