The Best Movie Actor In Hollywood!

Chapter 559

When it came to tugging at heartstrings, Hollywood was unquestionably the world's leading film industry, and Matthew knew a thing or two about it. Since the "Transformers" team had paid him a handsome fee, he had, of course, come well-prepared.

Facing the hundreds of reporters gathered there, he recalled:

"You've probably heard that I grew up in the slums of Texas. The best toy I ever got as a kid was a Megatron model. He was my greatest companion, a constant presence throughout my childhood."

Sensing that Matthew was far from finished, none of the journalists made a move to ask another question.

A sad look crossed Matthew's face. "But when I grew up, I abandoned my only childhood companion. I neglected him, forgot all about him. For me to be standing here now... it must be fate."

He turned to Michael Bay again, his expression brightening.

"So, I want to thank Michael! It was his invitation that reminded me I once had a companion like that, someone who grew up alongside me."

For some reason, the female reporter who had asked the question found herself thinking of her favorite childhood rag doll, and the day she had tossed it aside.

Many in the crowd were lost in similar memories, recalling their own favorite toys. Their stories were much like Matthew's. Toys, cherished at first, were soon outgrown, forgotten, and eventually discarded.

"They were my final connection to my youth, a farewell to childhood," Matthew said slowly, his voice surprisingly clear."Toys play an irreplaceable role in our childhood. We pour our emotions into them, giving each one a life and a personality of its own. They were the architects of our imagination, enriching our early years in countless ways. Yet, I doubt any of us ever thought to properly say goodbye to them."

Michael Bay suddenly realized Matthew's words were infectious; they were bound to stir emotions in the crowd. He was weaponizing the inner child that exists in everyone, striking a direct blow to a cherished memory that lay dormant in the hearts of so many adults.

Who didn't have a favorite toy as a child? How many of us grew up and threw away the toys we once treasured so dearly? Maybe they didn't seem like much at the time, but looking back on them as an adult, who didn't feel a pang of regret?

He clenched his fists. The millions of dollars he had spent on Matthew had not been wasted.

He should have known better than to just focus on the "boy meets robot" story; he should have built the entire campaign around Matthew from the start.

"Michael, I want to thank you again." Matthew's voice was filled with gratitude. "When I was in the recording booth and said the line, 'I am Megatron,' I felt like you'd given me the perfect send-off, a way to formally say goodbye to him. I'll use that memory to honor all the toys that brought me laughter and stayed by my side throughout my childhood."

At this, Matthew paused. A hush fell over the room as many of the journalists seemed lost in thought, as if remembering something from their own past.

Suddenly, a faint smattering of applause broke out from the press box. It grew as more and more people joined in, until soon, all the hundreds of journalists present were clapping together, their applause a collective response to Matthew's heartfelt speech.

Seeing the reaction, Michael Bay couldn't help but applaud as well. His gaze drifted unconsciously to Shia LaBeouf, the kid with powerful backing from Steven. If it weren't for Spielberg, how could he have ended up with such a worthless lead actor?

Megan was clapping too. Matthew really was the best in the business; with just a few words, he had stirred up so much emotion.

She still remembered the envious and jealous looks from her two friends when she told them she had spent the night with Matthew.

For some reason, her gaze also drifted toward Shia LaBeouf. It was true what they said—comparisons really brought out the flaws. Judging by his performance so far, she was lucky to have gotten away from LaBeouf.

The female reporter who had asked the question earlier, though not old, was a seasoned professional. She could vaguely sense that this had to be a publicity stunt, a marketing ploy. Yet Matthew seemed so sincere, his emotions so raw, that people couldn't help but be swept up in his feelings, wanting to join him on his journey back to childhood and bid a solemn farewell to those lost toys alongside him.

The feeling was particularly contagious.

Michael Bay shifted his gaze from Shia LaBeouf and turned to murmur something to the producer beside him.

The production team had pre-arranged this, asking Matthew to prepare a few words, but they never expected something this powerful. They could now seize on this momentum, leveraging his speech to maximize the appeal of his public persona.

Michael also remembered the first toy camera he had as a child—the one that had sparked his entire directing career. It was probably abandoned in the attic of his old house. He made a mental note to look for it when he got home.

***

The press conference ended on a nostalgic note.

Matthew signed a few autographs for some fans who had attended before heading to the green room backstage. Michael Bay followed him in almost immediately.

"That was brilliant," Michael exclaimed with a smile. "I'm regretting it now. This project should have been built around you from the start."

Matthew replied, "That's not something we get to decide."

Michael sighed. "True enough."

If the choice had been his, he definitely wouldn't have picked Shia.

"I need to discuss something with Tom DeSanto," Michael said, a hint of apology in his voice. "I have to go."

"No problem, I have to get going as well." Thinking of the upcoming premiere for "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," Matthew extended an invitation. "Michael, the premiere is soon. Do you think you'll have time to come?"

Michael immediately replied, "If my schedule allows, I'll definitely be there."

***

Matthew asked Bella to pack up their things, preparing to leave so he could pick up Alexandra Daddario from the Warner Bros. studio later. Helen had just secured a new job for Alexandra from Warner Bros.—the voice of Lois Lane in the DC superhero animated film, "The Death of Superman."

According to the director of the animated film, Lois is from Metropolis and Alexandra is from New York—it was a perfect fit.

He had also heard that Warner Bros. and DC were planning an animated film about Wonder Woman's origin story.

Matthew gave Bella the signal, but they hadn't gone far when the soft click of heels sounded behind them. It was Megan Fox.

"Hi, Matthew," she greeted him.

"Hi, Megan." Matthew turned to look at her and noticed that her appearance seemed to have changed slightly.

Making no attempt to hide her plastic surgery, Megan said directly, "I recently had my lips and nose done. What do you think? Aren't I prettier?"

Matthew gave a casual compliment, "You've always been beautiful. It was unnecessary."

Megan smiled and changed the subject. "'Pirates of the Caribbean 3' is coming out soon, right?"

Seeing Matthew nod, she added, "Can I come to the premiere?"

Matthew nodded cautiously. "Of course, I'll make sure they send you an invitation."

Megan smiled happily, then suddenly stepped closer and whispered right in Matthew's ear, "Why don't you come over to my place tonight? I have two friends who are dying to meet you..."

Matthew's heart skipped a beat at the suggestion, but he thought of Alexandra and shook his head. "Sorry, I'll have to pass. I'll have the team send you that invitation later."

***

In the following days, Matthew put "Transformers" out of his mind and threw himself completely into promoting "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End." His busy schedule even caused him to miss the reception celebrating Disney's acquisition of Pixar. The newly integrated distribution company also demonstrated its considerable power, securing a release in 4,300 theaters.

Just before the start of the Memorial Day holiday, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" held its star-studded premiere in Los Angeles.