The crew and creators assembled for their regular script reading session at the start of the new week. This gathering also served as a meet-and-greet for the crew and creators.
For promotional purposes, Warner Bros. arranged the reading to take place at their headquarters in Burbank.
As Bruce drove Martin to the location, they were met with more than a dozen reporters gathered at the entrance, their cameras focused on Elisha Cuthbert and Paris Hilton.
From the moment they disembarked the bus to their arrival at the Warner Pictures gate, the reporters trailed them closely.
Martin, about to step out of the car, asked Bruce, "How many reporters do you think will pay attention to me?"
Bruce, with a knowing smile, opened the armrest compartment and revealed a large pink water bottle, saying, "Buddy, I've brought your secret weapon for grabbing attention."
He handed over the eye-catching pink water bottle, suggesting, "Take it, declare yourself as the movie's lead actor, and drink lots of water. They'll definitely film you."
Martin expressed his gratitude with a nod and didn't respond directly. Instead, he observed that Paris Hilton had a girl accompanying her, albeit not as prominent as in her previous life, her curves still eye-catching in those tight jeans.
Scarlett's figure rivaled even Kim Kardashian's.
Martin leaned over to his friend, Bruce, and reminded him, "Hey, check out the entrance."
Bruce had already noticed and, lost in admiration, tapped his head lightly with the pink bottle, exclaiming, "Impressive!"
He then inquired, "Is she an actress too?"
Martin shared the truth, "She appears to be the personal assistant of the second female lead, Paris Hilton."
"Alright! Fantastic!" Bruce's enthusiasm was fully ignited. "I want in on this crew, and I want to head to Australia with you."
As Martin disembarked the car and approached the film company's entrance, several reporters recognized him from the crew's announcement and casually snapped photos of him.
Inside the office building's lobby, Martin swiftly located the conference room where three unfamiliar actors, alongside Paris and Elisha, were seated, engrossed in script reading.
Martin chose a seat next to Eliza, pulled out a chair, and greeted her, saying, "Hello, twin sister."
Eliza, upon turning to see Martin, found him sunny and handsome, an appealing sight. She gave a slight smile and thought, "Could you be my twin brother?"
Martin initiated introductions, "I'm Martin Davis."
Eliza responded, "Elisha Cuthbert." She studied Martin more closely, "You look familiar. Have we met before?"
Martin responded quickly, "Perhaps you've been to Atlanta or watched 'Zombie Stripper'?"
Eliza contemplated for a moment and then her eyes widened with recognition, "Zombie Machine Gun Dance!"
Martin beamed, "That's right, that's me."
Eliza, a bit embarrassed, admitted, "I've seen videos of your fan meetings online, but some claimed they were edited."
Martin assured her, "No, they were real."
Eliza confessed, "I might have been a bit presumptuous."
Martin playfully replied, "No worries, that's what siblings do."
Eliza inquired, "Have you ever seen the dance live? The zombie machine gun dance is gaining popularity in some nightclubs."
Martin affirmed, "When my sister makes a request, her brother has to comply." Leaning in slightly, he shared a secret, "I'll let you in on something: I'm a sucker for spoiling girls."
Eliza studied Martin once more, taking in his great physique and handsome face. She mused, "Brother, we've got an agreement then."
Martin affirmed, "Absolutely, we're siblings, and that's how we communicate."
Elisha added with a grin, "My brother's homework will be under my scrutiny."
Martin immediately switched to a playful tone, "What if your brother turns out to be a scoundrel?"
Eliza chuckled, "That's a problem we'll solve together."
Before leaving, Elisha remarked, "My sister will be checking my brother's homework."
Martin, in a joking manner, replied, "What if my brother is a pervert?"
Eliza left with a smile.
Martin passed his phone to Mene, requesting him to take a photo with Elisha. Once that was done, Mene returned the phone, jesting, "You're quite the ladies' man."
Martin looked at the group photo, stored his phone, and the two headed downstairs. As they emerged from the Warner Studios building, they saw reporters surrounding Elisha and Paris.
Mene sighed in envy, "When will I be in the spotlight like that?"
Martin speculated, "As Paris Hilton's on-screen boyfriend, right?" After reviewing the script, he knew Mene's role. "Once you connect with her, tabloid reporters will be shadowing her 24/7."
Mene pondered this and decided, "I don't mind the attention."
As they departed, Martin noticed a commotion outside a nearby nightclub called Grapevine Manor. Adrian, seemingly drunk and wearing a furious expression, appeared ready to brawl with someone. Tony, his hefty sidekick, was struggling to hold him back.
Martin wasn't concerned with the altercation and inquired, "Is this someone from the company?"
Across the street, there was another well-known nightclub named Grapevine Manor.
Right outside this nightclub, a seemingly drunk Adrian was on the verge of a fight with someone, his face filled with murderous intent. Tony, his burly companion, was struggling to restrain him.
Martin wasn't particularly interested in this incident and asked casually, "Is that someone from the company?"
Mene, who recognized Elisha and had a history with her, was equally surprised. He pointed to the empty seat on the opposite side and suggested, "Let's sit down and chat."
Martin complied, gesturing towards the seat across from him. "Take a seat, and let's have a conversation."
Mene knew Elisha and, even more surprisingly, saw the familiarity between her and Martin. He pointed at Eliza and inquired, "Is she your sister?"
Martin, intentionally winking at Elisha, replied with a sly grin, "Elisha and I are the most understanding twins in the world."
Mene immediately caught on. Some things were better left unsaid at this moment. He commented, "You managed to secure the role from behind, didn't you?"
Martin grasped the situation and quipped, "Classmate, we'll have to cooperate well this time."
Mene quickly adjusted and responded, "Yes, indeed! Let's work together effectively."
As more actors and actresses began to arrive, including the director Jaume Serra, whom Martin had tried to meet before but hadn't had the chance to see, the script reading officially began with Susan's arrival.
This was a Hollywood tradition because many actors, despite their talents, struggled with script reading, let alone comprehending the characters and themes. Dyslexia was not uncommon among well-educated individuals.
The script for "House of Wax" was a typical example of simplicity and lack of depth, hardly a remarkable piece. If it hadn't been initially developed and shelved in various Hollywood script libraries, it might have remained unnoticed for years.
Elisha shone in her leading role, followed closely by Martin's character, Nick , her twin brother.
The script's climax centered around the twins' showdown in a wax museum.
As the reading session concluded, it was nearly time to call it a day. Susan arrived and departed quickly, showing little intention of engaging with the actors.
Director Jaume Serra left without much interaction as well.
Martin, taking out his phone, asked, "Would you mind if we take a group photo? I'd like to update my blog later, and I've already thought of a title."