The Best Movie Actor In Hollywood!

Chapter 635

Compared to the previous year's "I Am Legend," Warner Bros.'s promotion for "Hancock" held no major surprises. The two films were released in completely different time slots, and a blockbuster slated for the summer season naturally has an edge.

After pouring a fortune into marketing, news about "Hancock" took the North American audience by storm.

"'Hancock' is hitting theaters, and Matthew Horner is the main event once again!"

Promotional messages like this were simply everywhere. Anyone who paid even the slightest attention to movies couldn't escape the news about "Hancock."

Moreover, countless articles appeared, lauding the Warner Bros. project.

Naturally, the primary focus of the praise was Matthew, the film's lead.

The Los Angeles Times, reporting on the upcoming film, wrote that Matthew Horner, currently Hollywood's top moneymaker, was an undeniable box-office guarantee for "Hancock," adding that the film was vastly different from the typical superhero movie.

"He's a superhero, but he's also an alcoholic. He can be dangerous when he gets drunk. We wanted to break the genre mold and bring audiences something completely new."

The cast and Warner Bros. promoted the film tirelessly, and even director Peter Berg, who didn't have the most stellar resume, became a focus for some media outlets.

Peter Berg was the quintessential Hollywood hustler: from production assistant and extra to supporting actor, leading man, director, and screenwriter, he had done it all, working his way up from the very bottom. As a seasoned actor, writer, and director, Peter Berg moved effortlessly between theater, film, and television.Charlize also graced the cover of the latest issue of CQ magazine, and in an exclusive interview, she remarked that many people go to therapy because they can't cope with everyday problems, suggesting they need an hour a week to stay mentally healthy. As for her own therapy, she revealed, it was acting.

"But I suppose I don't have that many problems to talk to people about."

In the interview, Charlize expressed that she considered herself luckier than others. While she acknowledged having some talent, she felt there were many more talented people who never had the same acting opportunities. "I've been really lucky," she reflected. "For instance, teaming up with Matthew Horner on 'Hancock.' It doesn't come out until next month, but so far, the feedback and word-of-mouth from all sectors has been quite good."

From the producers and distributors to the cast and crew, from the director to the star—everyone was doing their part to make headlines and generate buzz.

In this day and age, for a film to sell well—regardless of its quality—it first has to be a film that can generate hype.

Therefore, when Matthew and Charlize appeared together at a promotional event, the reporters' questions, intentionally or not, inevitably turned to the nature of their relationship.

After all, everyone knew they had once been engaged.

Facing a throng of reporters, Charlize spoke candidly.

"It was inevitable that Matthew and I would star in a movie together; I always thought we would make a perfect on-screen pair. We talked through a lot of ideas, just to find a project that gave us both enough room to shine."

After a stretch of otherwise friendly questions, one reporter cut in with a sharper one: "Mr. Horner, Ms. Theron, you two were once engaged, but then you called it off. Why didn't you go through with the marriage?"

Matthew was about to answer, but Charlize cut in ahead of him.

"I was the reason for that."

The reporter pressed, "Could you elaborate on that?"

Charlize glanced at Matthew first, sharing a brief look with him before she spoke. "Because I've never held any illusions about marriage. Marriage is no guarantee that love will last, and it's hard enough to maintain a long-term relationship as it is."

"Perhaps it has something to do with my own unique experiences." Charlize had faced many struggles in her past, issues she was now able to address openly.

"As you know, I grew up in South Africa, surrounded by racial conflict. And when I was fifteen, my mother shot my father, who was an alcoholic and constantly abused both her and me."

Feeling a pang of concern, Matthew nudged her foot with his.

But Charlize shook her head slightly, dismissing his concern, and continued, "I had my parents as role models, but they were a bad example. Still, I can use that example to learn what not to do."

Matthew could see that Charlize was emotionally composed and knew she would be fine.

"But even though we broke off the engagement, Matthew and I are still good friends," Charlize added. "We both know we'll keep this friendship until the day we're old and can no longer recognize one another."

At that point, Matthew could only agree. "Yes," he said. "I hope this friendship lasts for the rest of our lives."

He had expected their past relationship to be a constant topic of speculation while working with Charlize, but he hadn't anticipated that she would address it in such a perfect and fitting manner.

Her statement was well-received, and marriage is always a hot topic in contemporary society.

The cast's promotional blitz continued, rolling out some conventional tactics. For example, Warner Bros. and director Peter Berg successively announced that given the excellent early reactions to "Hancock," plans were already in motion to film and produce a sequel.

On top of that, Matthew's own promotional efforts proved to be the most potent of all.

Countless articles appeared on the official fan site managed by Phyllis Beretta. From there, they were strategically disseminated across other websites in a coordinated operation, creating an intense media blitz.

Nicknames like "The People's Idol" and "Box-Office Juggernaut" were showered upon Matthew.

Thanks to the film's early buzz, it wasn't difficult for Warner Bros. to secure a release in 4,200 North American theaters for "Hancock."

Once the Independence Day holiday weekend kicked off, the film was set to explode onto the North American summer box-office scene.