Edgar was slightly surprised.
But on second thought, it wasn't all that surprising. Looking at it from another angle, maybe this was a good thing; Anson was starting to step into the role of producer.
"Are you serious?" Edgar still confirmed once more.
Anson wasn't joking. "Yes."
Edgar slightly raised his chin. "Of course. Whether they want to listen is another story, but hearing opinions is a must since you're Peter Parker."
In "Spider-Man 2," Anson wasn't a producer. For such a high-budget, large-scale project, it wasn't Anson's place to give opinions just yet.
Things need to be taken one step at a time; you can't become successful overnight.
A straightforward reply—
"Oh, by the way, the band's record release date has been officially set: March 31st. It aligns perfectly with your band's name."
Meanwhile, the producer had already met with Edgar to discuss alternative plans.
Additionally, the reason for creating the sequel, and the challenge the crew faced:
How to find balance among Anne Hathaway, Anson Wood, and Julie Andrews?
Next, it was up to Kate.
Michelle remained restless, like a geyser erupting at intervals—calming down and then exploding again. This back-and-forth was exhausting.
The news was kept confidential.
Especially from Michelle.
However, that didn't mean there wasn't a way.
"I've already informed Disney that your schedule might be tricky. Once the 'Spider-Man 2' crew starts filming, you won't be able to take on other work for the next three months."
"The Princess Diaries" is adapted from the original novel. The main storyline revolves around Mia's growth and every girl's dream of being a princess.
So, the crew continued with their routine, preparing for tonight's shoot, completely unaware that a storm was brewing.
"Sony Columbia requires me to clear at least four months for filming. I've discussed and negotiated with them; for now, it's just three months."
Blah blah blah.
Anson wasn't surprised.
"After all, the box office bonus is there, and we also hope the movie succeeds."
Anson shrugged slightly. "You can tell them I don't mind reducing my screen time."
"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" was still in the dark; no one knew about the changes except for Michelle and the producer. Until Kate made a decision, the crew would proceed as usual.
Although Anson didn't know the shooting process of "The Princess Diaries 2" in the previous timeline, "The Princess Diaries 3" took three years from proposal to development without any results.
"Oh, no, wait, I should say I don't mind keeping my role low-key. In the first movie, I didn't have much screen time anyway."
This meant that the crew had to start from scratch to create a new story. With the previous film already having a perfect ending, how could they find a new character arc in a teenage fairytale movie?
Every day of filming delay added to the production cost.
"Haha." Anson laughed directly. "That's a good idea; they should be very restrained then. The biggest problem is solved."
Edgar said, "How about I tell them you're charging by the minute—$100,000 for every minute you're in the movie—and let them decide?"
What happens next is in Kate Winslet's hands. They can only act based on her decision, so they need to be patient.
Turning around, Edgar noticed that Anson had already fallen back into dreamland, leaning crookedly on the sofa with a peaceful expression.
"This also means if 'The Princess Diaries 2' starts shooting, it either waits until after October or must start in March or April. They need to make a quick decision."
"I know you're willing to cooperate, and you want to be in this sequel. I've been trying to communicate, but Disney's efficiency..."
"You can share your ideas and suggestions with Sam or the producer so they know the male lead's thoughts on the character and plot."
After all, a teenager's worries are more or less the same.
Anyway, Anson hadn't seen this movie until he crossed over.
"Anson?"
Edgar immediately understood.
Edgar let out a small sigh. "I told them."
"Also, there are scheduling difficulties."
After discussing, Edgar got up to leave.
Edgar shrugged.
Even a big-budget production like "Spider-Man" can't afford delays, let alone a smaller production like "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," which can't handle much turbulence.
"I'll keep an eye on it and update you as soon as there's news."
Edgar added, "But it needs to be quick. Our schedule is tight."
Edgar opened his mouth, feeling a bit helpless, but in the end, he didn't wake Anson up—
"I'll handle the follow-up. I'll let them know you're not trying to interfere with their work; you just want the movie to be better."
Anson shook his head with a helpless expression. "You have to give something to gain something. You shouldn't be too greedy."
Anson spread his hands, looking as if he were complaining. "You tell me."
Turning around, Edgar quietly left, carefully closing the door.
If everything went according to plan, the next few months would be extremely busy—crazy busy. Every moment of rest would be worth cherishing.
"The script is still stuck; Disney's offer is still insincere."
Of course, they hope Kate will stay; it's the easiest option. But they must be ready if Kate decides to leave the crew; they'll have to race against time.
It's a tough challenge—a super tough one.
"Before entering the crew, the script kept changing, which is obviously not a good sign."
However, for those in the know, this was pure torture.
Anson nodded, letting out a hum.
"Warner Records is discussing the promotional schedule, but I can't decide. It has to be based on 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind's' filming schedule."
However, Edgar didn't hear a response and stopped.
Anson was just curious. "Is there still no trace of the script?"
"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" was like this; Charlie Kaufman was still busy.
As expected.
Of course, this was just talk; Edgar believed Disney wouldn't accept it. But the next time he met with Disney, he could throw it out as a joke to let them know where they stood.
"But the problem now is, you don't mind, but they can't let go."
"The project's progress remains worrisome."
However, the original author didn't write a sequel. "The Princess Diaries" concluded perfectly during filming, leaving no room for a sequel.
This brought a smile to Edgar's face. "'The Princess Diaries' is the same."
"One marks the end of summer, the other marks its beginning."
"If I'm correct, Sony Columbia probably wants a summer release next year. However, we haven't even joined the crew yet."
"... You rest. I'll look into the situation and stay ready."
Edgar said, "No."
The faster they react, the more effectively they can control the losses and chaos.
Everything began to operate like a race against time, running at high speed and with intense tension.