Just as Thane had suggested, James wasted no time in bringing Chris Columbus on board to start working on The Sixth Sense.
Chris, fueled by the movie's success and Thane's clear vision, dove into the project with genuine motivation. He carefully listened to all of Thane's ideas, respecting his creative direction and ensuring that every detail of the film met his high standards.
The roles that Thane had already decided on were quickly finalized, and casting began for the remaining characters.
Auditions were held nonstop, attracting countless aspiring actors eager to be a part of a film that was expected to perform at the same level as Home Alone.
To make the project even more attractive, many established actors agreed to reduce their usual fees in hopes of starring in a movie that had the potential for a box office smash. The buzz surrounding The Sixth Sense was undeniable, and it was clear that this would be a defining moment for everyone involved.
Chris worked tirelessly, embracing the fast-paced nature of the project, while the growing popularity of the film worked to their advantage.
With a clear focus and the energy of everyone involved, they set their sights on an ambitious release date: October 28, 1988, right before Halloween. The timing was perfect, ensuring that the movie would be a cultural touchstone as the spooky season took hold.
The shooting for The Sixth Sense kicked off soon after Thane celebrated his birthday on January 12, marking a new chapter in his journey. The excitement of the project didn't cause Thane to lose sight of his other goals, though.
In between his busy schedule, he kept up with his intense learning routine. He continued his studies in Occlumency, Finance, and Investing, making sure he stayed sharp in every area of his life.
On top of that, he began diving into Alchemy and Enchanting, knowing that these skills would be crucial for some ambitious plans he had in mind.
Despite the whirlwind of work, Thane was already well-prepared for the role of Cole. He had practiced his lines and scenes extensively, not just in the virtual set but also with his mother, Amelia, who had supported him every step of the way. As a result, he had no trouble slipping into character when the cameras started rolling.
In fact, his ability to evoke such raw emotion and soul-stirring performances put immense pressure on his co-stars. Many of them found themselves struggling to keep up, feeling the weight of Thane's powerful acting presence in every scene. But it only pushed them to bring their best performances forward, knowing that they were working alongside a prodigy.
Thane's rising fame brought a flood of invitations to various talk shows and public events. However, Thane remained focused on his priorities. He accepted just one invitation, attending the show alongside Amelia, not for his own fame but to help boost her popularity. The appearance was a success, but after that, he declined all other offers, preferring to stay out of the limelight for the time being.
In his free time, Thane shifted his focus entirely to preparing for his first singing debut. His passion for music had always been strong, and now, with a bit of time on his hands, he dedicated himself to honing his vocal skills and perfecting his songs. His commitment to his craft was unwavering, and he knew that this new endeavor would be just as successful as his acting career.
Thane had arranged to record two albums, each containing 10 songs. When he shared this with Amelia, she was left utterly speechless. On top of that, Thane had also written two albums for her, each with five songs.
"When did you even find the time to write all of these?" Amelia asked, her eyes wide as she looked through the 30 songs.
"Whenever I could find a quiet moment," Thane replied casually. "But let's not dwell on that, Mom. How about I sing a few? It'll give you a better feel for the music."
He paused, his expression turning thoughtful. "I know these songs will be loved by the audience, but I feel like my young voice is holding me back. I can't bring the true depth and emotion that they need—not yet, at least. That's why I want you to hear them. Maybe you'll understand what I'm aiming for and help me figure out how to make them better."
After a moment of silence, his expression turned serious. "I know that once I start my magical studies, I'll have very little free time. Any moments I do get will be spent with you and Dad. So, I thought it would be best to record all of these songs before 1991. Having these ready might come in handy later, for when we need them."
"You should just give it your best, sweetheart," Amelia said gently. "Try recording those songs and see how they feel to you. It might help you figure out which areas need improvement, and if waiting a bit longer for your voice to mature would really make a difference. After all, we own the record company, and I'll be able to judge the songs better once I hear them with proper instruments and tools like headphones. Sometimes, the raw recording can reveal more than you think."
She paused for a moment, offering him an encouraging smile. "And don't worry, baby. With your intellect and determination, you'll still have plenty of time for school, vacations, and everything else. You've always found a way to balance things beautifully."
Thane shook his head, his expression serious. "Mom. Haven't you ever wondered why I never ask you to teach me magic?"
Amelia raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued.
"Magic... it's such a fascinating subject," Thane continued, his voice soft yet certain. "I know that once I dive into it, it'll consume all of my time. It makes the impossible, possible. That's why I'm doing all this now. I've also been reading up on advanced materials for school. I want to continue my No-maj education by taking exams during summer vacations."
Amelia fell silent, contemplating his words. She realized the depth of his reasoning, and a quiet understanding settled over her. She knew that Thane was shouldering a great deal for someone his age, but the passion and determination she saw in his eyes left her no room to argue. Even if she tried to stop him, she understood he would forever regret it.
What she could do, however, was to be his unwavering support—someone who would be there for him every step of the way, guiding and caring for him through every challenge and triumph.
"You know, Thane, sometimes you're just too mature for your age," she sighed, pulling him into a hug.
Thane grinned, his voice muffled in her embrace. "You love that too, don't you, Mom?"
"I do, baby... I will always do," Amelia whispered, her hands gently running through his hair, her touch filled with all the love and care in the world.
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