Chapter 58 - [H:F.S.T.T.S] [057]

[Chapter 57. The Jewels of Monarch's crown.]

[TRL: 💌 A Special Thank You 💌

This chapter wouldn't have been possible without the incredible support of my amazing patrons. Your belief in my work gives me the courage to keep creating, writing, and dreaming bigger every day.

Whether you're here as a loyal Crew Member or helping shape entire stories as a Studio Head, your presence means the world to me. Thank you for being part of this journey!

🎬 Crew Members [At Chapter 87]—Mackenzie Whitemen, Guleid Abdi, ELJ29,Jose Newcomb,Руслан Мэнов, Jacob Hixson, Carlos Bihain, Chaosinacup and NighT-Mar3.

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From the bottom of my heart—thank you, all of you for supporting my dream and passion.

Now, let's get on with the chapter,

From yours truly — TheRamenLord.

Last Time on Chapter 056 of [From Shadows To The Spotlight] —

The room had settled now, and Alex tapped his pen against his glass. The sound was sharp, commanding attention.

"All right, everyone," he said, glancing around the table.

"Let's get this show on the road."

A hush fell over the room as scripts were flipped open. The first line was about to be spoken.

The journey of Spider-Man had officially begun.

Now Continuing —

~May, 1998–The Tonight Show with Jay Leno~

The Tonight Show studio was alive with energy. The audience roared with applause as Jay Leno, dressed in his signature suit, leaned forward in his chair, grinning.

Across from him sat three Hollywood heavyweights—Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and River Phoenix—fresh off the press tour for Saving Private Ryan.

The movie that was set for release in July, was already generating Oscar buzz, and MONARCH Studios was pulling out all the stops to ensure its success.

The applause finally settled, and Jay leaned toward Steven with a playful smirk.

"Steven, I gotta say, MONARCH really isn't holding back on the press for this one. Big marketing push, international tour, commercials everywhere—feels like Jurassic Park all over again."

Steven chuckled, nodding. "Yeah, Alex and MONARCH have really gone all-in on this. They're making sure people know Saving Private Ryan isn't just another commercial war film."

"They're treating it as something special, and honestly, it is special."

Jay grinned. "You know, it's interesting, because from what I've heard—MONARCH is making all these massive blockbusters, but at the same time, they're backing serious, artistic films like this one."

"How's it been collaborating with them once again?"

Steven adjusted his glasses. "Honestly? It's been great. Alex Masters, as a producer, is about as hands-off as they come."

"He'd swing by every few weeks, review footage, give a few notes—very insightful ones, I might add—and then he'd be off to his next project."

"He trusted me to tell the story the way I envisioned it, and trust me, that's rare in this business."

Jay raised a brow in surprise, acting as though these questions hadn't already been decided upon before. "No clashes? No fights between you two over any creative differences?"

At that, Steven laughed, shaking his head. "See, that question tells me you don't know Alex very well." He glanced at Tom and River, who were both holding back their grins to be polite.

"You see, the thing is.. Alex doesn't butt heads. He doesn't get into verbal spats or power struggles."

"He gives his opinion, lays out the facts, and if you don't agree with him, that's fine. But if you keep ignoring reality and it starts hurting the project?"

"He just simply fires you, pays out your contract in full, and starts all over."

Jay's eyebrows shot up, because he knew that it had to be true, to make a claim like that.

A claim that could be easily verified and contested by their rival studios was a mistake he knew a man of Steven's caliber would never make.

"Just like that?" He still asked in awe, an emotion shared by the studio audiences.

"Just like that," Steven confirmed with a knowing smirk. "Alex never compromises when it comes to filmmaking, but he also doesn't impose his vision on other artists."

"He hires directors because he trusts their ability to tell the story the best way possible. That's why so many filmmakers love working at MONARCH—the creative freedom is unlike any other studio."

Jay nodded, clearly intrigued. "So no studio interference, no suits telling you what to do?"

"None," Steven said simply. "MONARCH lets you make the movie you signed up to make. And that's why I'm here, promoting a war film that doesn't sugarcoat anything. No compromises."

"Though I would warn those who are of faint heart to refrain from watching it in the theatre. Some of the scenes can be overwhelming to people who scare easily or have trauma."

Jay was surprised as this wasn't in the script, and he decided to capitalize. "Steven, while I respect your care for the audiences, why would you say that yourself?"

"Wouldn't that just hurt the box office of the movie?"

"It might, but after showing the movie to various groups of test audiences and extensive talks with Alex and the other producers."

"We've decided it's better to play it on the safe side and warn the audiences beforehand about what they might be getting into."

Jay thanked Steven and studio for raising awareness about such issues and the audience murmured in appreciation, while Jay shifted his focus to Tom Hanks.

"Tom, you've done so many iconic roles, but this one—Captain Miller—feels different. A lot more raw, a lot more personal. How was it stepping into that character?"

Tom leaned forward, nodding. "This role was unlike anything I've done before. We weren't just acting—we were put through intense military training to really become these soldiers."

"It was about stripping away everything and making it feel real. The way Steven directed us, the way the script was written—it wasn't about heroics, it was about survival."

Jay turned to River Phoenix, who had been listening intently. "And River, you're playing the title role—Private Ryan. This is a big moment for you, right?"

River smiled, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, absolutely. I mean, working with Steven, Tom, and this incredible cast—it's been an experience like no other. Private Ryan is such an important character because he represents every young soldier thrown into war. It was a huge responsibility, and I just wanted to do it justice."

Tom nodded in agreement. "And he does. River's performance is one of the most heartbreaking things you'll see on screen this year."

The audience responded with applause, and Jay grinned. "Well, now I have to see it." He turned back to Steven. "So, for those living under a rock, give us the pitch. What is Saving Private Ryan all about?"

Steven leaned back, his expression turning serious. "It's about a group of soldiers sent deep into enemy territory to find and bring home Private James Ryan after his brothers are all killed in combat."

"But it's more than just a rescue mission—it's about sacrifice, morality, and the bonds formed in the face of war. It doesn't glorify anything; it shows war for what it really is."

Jay nodded. "And from what I hear, the opening scene—Omaha Beach—might be the most intense war scene ever put on film."

River exchanged a look with Tom and Steven before responding. "I don't think anyone will be prepared for that scene."

"We shot it over weeks in grueling conditions—real controlled explosions, real mud, practical effects everywhere. It was exhausting, but that's the point. We wanted to capture the sheer chaos and terror those soldiers experienced."

Tom added, "It's not just a battle scene—it's an emotional gut punch. You'll walk out of the theater feeling like you were there."

Jay let out a low whistle. "Damn. Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I'll be first in line when it hits theaters."

He turned to the camera with his signature grin. "Folks, [Saving Private Ryan] opens this July. If you love great storytelling, intense action, and breathtaking performances that'll knock your socks off, then make sure to not miss it!"

The crowd erupted into cheers as the camera panned across the three guests, all smiling as they soaked in the excitement. Another successful press stop in the books.

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~From the set of Spider-Man~

~J.K. Simmons' POV—A Dream and a Monster~

Simmons would've never imagined that he'd be here on the set of Spider-Man.

A blockbuster film. A MONARCH production. One of the most important supporting roles in a multi-million-dollar movie franchise. It felt surreal, like he had somehow wandered onto the wrong stage and no one had noticed yet.

For years, he had been a theater actor, grinding away on Broadway stages and small-time productions, taking roles with barely a handful of lines. It was steady work, honest work, but Hollywood? That had always felt like someone else's world. Like a distant dream.

And yet, here he was, cast as J. Jonah Jameson in Spider-Man.

He knew exactly who to thank for that. Brooke Shields.

They had done a few Broadway productions together, and when she made her return to Hollywood, she shined like the brightest star in the sky. They still kept in touch, but he thought it was out of feigned politeness or professional courtesy.

It came as a surprise to him, when she called him up one night, frustrated about being unable to find an actor for the role.

He had decided to humor her and leant her his ear as she explained what the role would be about, how it would evolve with each successive film and TV show, and he couldn't help but want to do it.

J.J. sounded like a character that had great depth and nuances, a role that would allow him to explore what it meant to be jealous and petty yet also steadfast in his beliefs, no matter how twisted they might be.

But he couldn't bring himself to ask her for the role, even though he felt like he would be perfect for it for, as he had done similar roles in plays before.

Thankfully he didn't have to, as she must've come to the same conclusion as him, and she insisted—no, practically demanded—that he audition for the role.

"You'd be perfect," she had told him with unwavering certainty.

He hadn't had the heart or the will to say no to her gracious offer, though a cynical and negative part of him had been convinced that he would bomb the audition. But somehow, someway, Alex Masters had seen something in him.

Now, J.K. found himself navigating the strange but thrilling world of blockbuster filmmaking.

Some parts of it were oddly familiar—the table reads, the rehearsals, the wardrobe fittings, and the process of adding details and nuances to a character to make it more real and lifelike. Those elements felt like home, reminiscent of the theater.

But then there were the other aspects: the mind-blowing special effects, the elaborate set designs, and the army of artists, technicians, and engineers who worked tirelessly day and night—in alternating shifts, obviously.. for Alex was a taskmaster, not a cruel tyrant—and successfully turned fantasy into reality.

And nothing embodied that transformation more than The Lizard.

Dylan Baker, a seasoned character actor with an almost unsettling talent for slipping into any role, had been sitting in the makeup chair for hours. When J.K. had first arrived that morning, Dylan still looked like himself.

But by the afternoon, he was someone—no, he had been turned into something else entirely.

The makeup and prosthetics team had sculpted something monstrous—an unsettling blend of human and reptilian features, with green, scaly skin stretched tight over sharp bone structure, piercing yellow eyes, and clawed hands.

The sheer craftsmanship of it all was breathtaking. J.K. watched as the artists added the final details, perfecting each grotesque detail with surgical precision. They had just finished the final touches as they heard hushed whispers as Alex strolled in.

The director had an effortless presence, commanding attention without needing to raise his voice. He didn't barge in with some grand declaration; instead, he approached the Lizard with quiet, focused intensity, circling Dylan like a sculptor examining his clay.

"Stand up for a second," Alex said politely.

Dylan rose to his feet, the Lizard now standing at full height. Alex studied him from every angle, scribbled a note onto his notepad, and finally gave a small nod.

"This is Lizard 1.0," he said simply. "Later versions will look even more monstrous. Bigger. Less human. By the final fight, he's going to be a mini-kaiju. Imagine Godzilla but smaller and more lizard-like."

J.K. wasn't sure what was more insane—the fact that Alex had just casually mentioned Kaiju in a Spider-Man movie or the fact that he could already see the vision forming in Alex's mind, like a painter adding layers to a canvas.

Andrew Garfield, the boy playing the role of Spider-Man, had been trailing behind Alex, taking in every word. The kid was eager—young but dedicated, constantly absorbing everything around him. He glanced at Dylan and then back at Alex, his brow furrowed in curiosity.

"How big are we talking?" Andrew asked. "And am I gonna have to act against a green screen for this?"

Alex turned to him with an almost amused expression. "Oh, don't worry. We've got a team of animatronics experts working on it." He gave a small smirk before adding, "It's going to be very real."

Andrew swallowed. "Okay… but how big are we talking about here?"

Alex paused, letting the anticipation build, then casually said, "Fourteen to fifteen feet. Give or take."

J.K. watched as Andrew blinked, processing that information. The kid's face went through a rapid cycle of emotions—shock, disbelief, and then sheer exasperation.

"…Fuck me," Andrew muttered under his breath.

Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "Language, kid."

J.K. bit back a laugh. He had no doubt now—this movie was going to be something special.

------------

~Keanu Reeves' POV–Bullets & Brotherhood~

The sharp bang of a gunshot echoed through the indoor range, the recoil biting into Keanu's palm as he emptied a magazine into the paper target ahead. He barely blinked, keeping his stance firm, exhaling steadily as he aligned the sights once more.

Another shot.

And another.

Each bullet found its mark with mechanical precision, a testament to the months of training he had undergone. This wasn't just another action role—this was something else entirely.

Behind him, Johnny Depp and River Phoenix lounged against the divider, watching the display with mild amusement.

Neither of them had any intention of stepping into a shooting lane themselves; they were just here to watch their friend do what he has begun to do best.

River smirked. "Damn, man. Since when did you become a fu**ing assassin?"

Keanu ejected the empty magazine, sliding in a fresh one with practiced ease before glancing back at his friends. "Since John Wick." 

Johnny raised a brow, crossing his arms. "Right, this is that new movie you're leading—the one MONARCH's backing?"

"Not just backing," Keanu corrected, stepping away from the shooting lane and setting the gun down on the counter. "They're creating it from the ground up. Alex himself is handling the stunt direction, action choreography, and editing."

River whistled lowly. "Damn. That's a hell of a resume."

Keanu nodded, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, and that's why this movie is gonna change everything."

Johnny exchanged a glance with River, intrigued. "How so?"

Keanu's eyes lit up as he leaned against the counter, excitement bleeding into his voice. "Because it's real. No more fake punches that even the audiences can tell won't land, wide-swinging haymakers, no more exaggerated 'Haiyah!' bullshit."

"The action in this movie is built on true combat efficiency—judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Krav Maga. Gun-fu. Real techniques performed by trained professionals."

"No shaky cam. No quick cuts to hide bad choreography. Just pure high octane combat."

River tilted his head. "So it's not just about looking cool?"

Keanu grinned. "Oh, it will look cool alright. Every hot-blooded guy who loves action movies is gonna eat this up. But it's more than that."

"It's about authenticity. It's about precision. It's about showing what a trained assassin would actually move like—no wasted motion, no theatrics, just lethal efficiency. It's gonna be visceral." 

River folded his arms, considering it. "And the story?"

Keanu exhaled, his expression softening just a bit. "At first glance, it's simple. A man loses everything and seeks revenge. But there's more beneath the surface—hidden forces, an entire underworld with its own rules, debts, and hierarchy.

"A secret society that operates in the shadows. It's not just about one guy's revenge; it's about the weight of his past, the price of violence, and the world he simply can't escape from."

Johnny nodded, rubbing his chin. "Sounds like there's franchise potential there."

Keanu smiled knowingly. "Alex thinks so too. He already has a full trilogy mapped out. If audiences love it—and mark my words they will—then who knows how far it'll go?"

River let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "You're really hyped for this one, huh?"

Keanu met his gaze, eyes burning with conviction. "I'm because I can't wait to see how it changes the game."

— To be continued...

{2,659 words}

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