In the main hall of the shopping center's entrance, four or five reporters surrounded Matthew, bombarding him with questions of interest. Alexandra Daddario stood not far away, watching enviously but knowing she must wait until Matthew's interview was over before it was her turn.
"This film isn't just a repetition; it's an entirely new creative process!"
As the most famous person in the film, the press materials prepared for Matthew highlighted the project's prestige, "We don't want to compare our film with others; this is our version."
A reporter then asked, "I heard the crew redesigned the zombies?"
Matthew spoke as if he were one of the designers, "Yes! The zombies are agile and supernaturally strong. They have a shark-like sensitivity to blood and move in packs like wolves. Once a person is bitten and dies, they immediately turn into a new zombie."
"Miss Keira Knightley mentioned in a recent interview in England..." the question shifted towards gossip, "she talked about your relationship, calling it a very, very beautiful memory, suggesting that youth and impulsiveness led to your breakup."
The female reporter asked, "Matthew, is there a chance for a reconciliation?"
Hearing this, Matthew understood that the "King Arthur" crew was still leveraging their past relationship for attention, aware that the "1+1" gossip effect would definitely be greater than 2.
A reconciliation wasn't out of the question, provided there was sufficient benefit.
"Keira is a very nice girl," Matthew praised Keira Knightley before adding, "Though we parted ways, we've stayed in touch. We're still good friends. Let's see what the future holds."
Over the years, Matthew had become adept at handling the press, neither confirming nor denying a reconciliation while leaving room for speculation.
Such an answer was even more conducive to media hype.
He could already imagine the headlines in the tabloids over the next few days.
"Matthew Horner and Keira Knightley: Unresolved Feelings..."
Such news would certainly attract some attention.
As the questions continued to veer towards gossip, the publicist accompanying Matthew timely concluded the interview. After Matthew stepped aside, Alexandra Daddario was formally introduced to the media reporters.
"This is my first action film, and I didn't expect the physical demands it entails," Alexandra Daddario said somewhat nervously, trying to maintain her composure. "Once filming started, I began running, as if all I needed to do was run. It's something I've never experienced before in my previous work..."
While Alexandra Daddario was being interviewed, footsteps approached from inside the shopping center, quickly nearing the front hall. Matthew turned to see Jessica Alba, wearing flat shoes, emerging from the corridor into the hall.
This was the main exit from the shopping center, and many actors and crew members had passed by while he was being interviewed.
Matthew glanced at Jessica Alba, who noticed and immediately flashed a radiant, sweet smile, quickening her pace. She seemed to be heading his way, not through the center of the hall but towards where he stood.
Passing by the reporters and Alexandra Daddario, perhaps because she was walking too fast or because of her high heels, Jessica Alba suddenly stumbled and fell towards where the reporters were.
Thud—
Under Matthew's gaze, Jessica Alba fell to the ground.
"Ah—"
She cried out following the fall.
Alexandra Daddario's interview was instantly interrupted, with all reporters turning their attention to Jessica Alba on the floor, even Alexandra Daddario couldn't help but look.
"Are you Miss Jessica Alba?"
Being a child star and the lead actress in "Dark Angel," coupled with her name on the cast list, a keen reporter immediately recognized Jessica Alba, "You're Jessica Alba, the lead actress in this film?"
Several reporters abandoned Alexandra Daddario and crowded around Jessica Alba, with photographers snapping photos of her on the ground.
The flashing lights snapped the publicist out of his daze. Before he could intervene, Jessica Alba struggled to her feet, smiling and saying, "Yes, I'm Jessica Alba."
"Are you alright?" A somewhat conscientious reporter asked.
Jessica Alba shook her head, "I'm fine, just took a fall."
The reporters, no longer holding back, bombarded her with questions. The publicist had no choice but to assist Jessica Alba in dealing with the media.
Alexandra Daddario watched in disbelief, her face and eyes filled with grievance and incredulity, as if witnessing the most inconceivable event in the world.
She turned towards Matthew, who waved at her, and quickly walked over.
"How could this happen?" Alexandra Daddario's voice was almost tearful, her first media interview overshadowed just after answering one question, "How could she do this?"
Matthew consoled her, "It's okay, there will be other opportunities."
Alexandra Daddario looked at him expectantly, "Matthew…"
Matthew shook his head, "There's nothing I can do. We can't just barge in and interrupt the interview, right? That would make the crew unhappy with us."
"What should we do then?" Alexandra Daddario asked.
"Let's go," Matthew sighed, "We'll head back to the hotel."
He had seen actresses vie for attention before, but Jessica Alba truly opened his eyes today. The beautiful Latina always sported a sunny, sweet smile, appearing like the stereotypical happy-go-lucky American girl, but in reality…
Alexandra Daddario no longer wanted to watch and quietly nodded, "Let's go."
Matthew gave Jessica Alba, now the center of attention among the reporters, one last look, a reminder never to judge by appearances in this industry.
After this interview, Alexandra Daddario's impression of Jessica Alba completely shattered, leading to a swift decline in communication between the two actresses beyond work-related interactions.
Matthew didn't intervene further. He wasn't Alexandra Daddario's babysitter, and such situations were all too common in Hollywood. To survive in the industry, one must adapt.
Filming continued. After Helen Herman returned from Los Angeles to Toronto, Matthew left these matters to her. With an agent present, there was no need for him to worry.
The shooting was primarily centered around the shopping mall, focusing on Matthew as Sean Daniel had promised. This film had only one protagonist—his character—with all other roles serving to support or highlight his.
Even the nominal lead actress, Jessica Alba, was no exception, with a passionate scene between their characters yet to be filmed.
This was inevitably an R-rated film, with scenes of gore, violence, and soft-core elements, which are selling points for a zombie movie.
Per Sean Daniel's request and director Zack Snyder's design, Jessica Alba was initially to be fully exposed in this scene. Although she was open to a large degree of exposure, she refused to do nudity, leading the crew to redesign the scene.
Additionally, Jessica Alba's contract stipulated that the scene must be filmed with a closed set, excluding all but essential crew members, such as the director, cinematographer, lighting technician, and sound engineer, from observing.
Matthew had filmed such scenes before and was the first to see an actress request a closed set. In this industry, although actresses have strict contractual protections for such scenes, few really care. Most are willing to disrobe in
front of the camera without hesitation, with any reluctance typically found among new actresses, not veterans like Jessica Alba.
Through the course of filming, Matthew had gained some insight into Jessica Alba but didn't dwell on it. She hadn't encroached on his territory, and after this film, they would part ways, likely never crossing paths again. Who Jessica Alba was didn't concern him.
After clearing the set for shooting, Matthew and Jessica Alba had a brief exchange.
Matthew had no issues with such scenes, wearing only tight boxer briefs and chatting with Jessica Alba, who was draped in a robe. He suggested, "I think being relaxed is the best state. That way, we can get it right in one take."
"Mhm!" Jessica Alba agreed with Matthew's view, leaning in to whisper, "My sensitive areas are my neck, behind my ears, and my chest…"
"Direct stimulation works best for me," Matthew also shared.
The two quickly discussed the best methods to achieve the most realistic effect as per the director's vision.
This exchange indeed helped, as during the shoot, Matthew focused on Jessica Alba's mentioned sensitive spots, and she responded adeptly. Snyder's long take was approved in one go.
However, this had its side effects, with both Matthew and Jessica Alba clearly aroused.
Wrapped in robes and heading to the makeup room, they could hear each other's rapid breathing.
Matthew tentatively suggested, "There's a closed showroom in the furniture store ahead, wanna go?"
Jessica Alba looked at Matthew, then glanced down, hardly hesitating before responding, "Sure!"
(Note: Jessica's persona is inspired by Jennifer Lawrence, who famously fell during an interview, a move also made by Lawrence.)
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