They hadn't expected it, truly hadn't.
Originally, it was thought that once Gilbert returned from Mexico, the media would seize on the flop of Flipped to make things difficult for him and see how he'd react.
But Gilbert wasn't playing on the same field as the media. He went straight to announcing he was having a child.
The media had no choice but to follow Gilbert's lead, because compared to the empty hype of a so-called flop, the news of a pregnancy and a child was real.
Actually, given the usual attention directors receive, having a child wouldn't normally cause much of a stir in public opinion.
But Gilbert was different. Time magazine called him the most followed, most beloved, most famous and simultaneously the most controversial superstar director in history.
Variety magazine even coined a new term just for him: "Idol director."
Before Gilbert, no director had ever embodied both idol and filmmaker qualities. So that term was created entirely because of him.
Of course, the child's mother was no ordinary person either she was Naomi Watts, a current top-tier Hollywood actress and an Oscar winner.
Some have said that while Naomi Watts didn't quite reach the heights Julia Roberts did in the 1990s, she had already secured her place among the legendary actresses of Hollywood.
So this child's birth was destined to attract the attention of the entire Hollywood.
Still, it felt a bit like the guest overshadowing the host. It was supposed to be the premiere of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, yet all the media and fans were captivated by the pregnancy announcement.
The cast and crew inside the theater were already aware of what had happened on the red carpet. When Gilbert and Naomi Watts entered, they were showered with congratulations.
J.K. Rowling whispered to Naomi Watts, sharing her experiences as a mother since she had children herself.
Leonardo DiCaprio was busy promoting Gangs of New York and didn't attend. Cameron Diaz temporarily stepped away from her role as a producer to join the Gangs of New York team.
She was one of the lead actresses, and director Martin Scorsese took this project very seriously there's no way he would allow the female lead to be absent.
But Matt Damon did show up. That summer, he had also released a spy film. Jason Bourne became a classic spy character.
As soon as he arrived, Matt Damon congratulated Gilbert, "Congratulations, Gilbert."
"Thank you, thank you," Gilbert replied, overflowing with joy.
Matt Damon laughed and said, "Looks like when the baby's born, I'll need to prepare a big gift."
"Sure, I think the baby will definitely love it."
Receiving gifts like that made Gilbert feel especially happy.
After handling all the congratulations, the premiere officially began. Though still curious about the pregnancy, the media held back and followed the usual premiere proceedings.
The movie didn't disappoint. As a massively popular IP with a huge fanbase, Harry Potter displayed an unmatched charm on the big screen.
The three young leads gave outstanding performances, which thrilled many of their fans, and the film was well received by audiences.
During the post-screening interaction segment, fans poured out heartfelt messages, creating a very warm atmosphere.
As the film's producer, Gilbert also made a promise to fans of the series: "The story of Harry Potter isn't over. This is just the beginning.
I hope this film series can become a generational classic that accompanies kids as they grow up."
Many kids around ten years old were present at the premiere, which was right in the movie's target audience. Hearing this, the children were naturally delighted.
J.K. Rowling also added, "The later novels in the series are still being written, and I've discussed with Gilbert we're going to expand the entire magical world."
That was true. While writing the later entries in the series, Rowling had a few discussions with Gilbert.
Although Gilbert wasn't well-versed in literary creation, he had ideas.
When he shared them with Rowling, her eyes immediately lit up.
Indeed she could flesh out the entire magical world, tell stories from long before Harry Potter's time. Those were creative ideas.
This premiere was truly a joyous occasion for both hosts and guests. Everyone was pleased and happy.
However, something unpleasant happened afterward. After the interaction segment, there was supposed to be a reception to entertain the guests and media present.
Seeing that Naomi Watts looked a bit tired, Gilbert told the Harry Potter cast and crew that they would be leaving early.
But just as the two were about to exit the reception hall, a reporter suddenly went berserk. He charged straight at Gilbert and Naomi Watts, camera raised, and started taking rapid-fire shots.
Naomi Watts was startled, but thankfully Gilbert had quick reflexes and caught her in time otherwise, she would've fallen.
The reporter seemed completely unaware he had nearly caused an accident. After snapping photos, he fired off a barrage of questions: "Director Gilbert, what does this pregnancy mean to you?
Will you and Naomi Watts get married? What will the child's name be?"
His rapid-fire questions were so fast, it sounded like he was rapping.
The people around were stunned by the scene; no one had time to react. Gilbert, supporting Naomi Watts, looked furious.
If this had led to an accident, he wouldn't have minded seeing this reporter disappear from the face of the earth.
The assistant Anna, standing nearby, quickly responded, blocking the reporter while signaling security to drag him away.
As the reporter was being dragged out, he protested loudly: "Why are you removing me? I have the right to conduct interviews! You can't just throw me out!
Director Gilbert, answer my questions!"
All the other media members instinctively distanced themselves from the reporter. Even the ones who had spoken with him earlier now wished they could crawl into a hole and hide.
Who is Gilbert, after all? Is this reporter brainless? If you want to interview, at least know the rules. In Hollywood, people who don't follow the rules don't last long.
If this reporter had tried this kind of stunt on a regular celebrity, maybe it would have been fine no real consequences.
But this is Gilbert one of the most powerful figures in Hollywood. His influence isn't confined to Hollywood alone; it stretches deep into all of North America's high society.
Pulling a stunt like this didn't get him the content he wanted he just managed to offend Gilbert. What was the point?
Then again, that's just how it goes many people do absurd and irrational things in life. This reporter probably didn't even realize what a stupid move he'd made, but security had already escorted him out.
Gilbert helped the slightly shaken Naomi Watts into the car, his expression dark. He turned to his assistant Anna and said coldly, "Find out which media outlet that reporter works for. Tell them I don't want to see that reporter again not in Hollywood, not anywhere."
Anna's heart sank. She knew her boss was really angry now.
She immediately called on several of her subordinates some started making calls, others contacting people.
By the time Gilbert and Naomi Watts arrived back at the Melon Estate, Anna had the report ready: "He's from a gossip website. He didn't receive an invitation to the premier he snuck in."
Gilbert was extremely displeased. "Who was in charge of today's premiere?"
"It was Jack…"
"Tell him to submit his resignation tomorrow. If he can't even handle basic security, what's the point of keeping him?"
Anna didn't plead on Jack's behalf after all, this was a dereliction of duty. Fortunately, nothing bad had happened. Otherwise, resignation would have been the least of Jack's worries.
The more Gilbert thought about it, the angrier he became: "As for that gossip site, have TMZ acquire it. That reporter I don't want him to be able to find any job, anywhere."
Anna acknowledged the order and hurried off to make arrangements.
After putting down the phone, Gilbert held Naomi Watts's hand and asked, "Are you okay?"
Naomi Watts shook her head and said, "I'm fine. Just a little shaken."
She was very satisfied with how Gilbert handled things. If it had been up to her, she would've sent that reporter to sleep with the fishes.
After all, this was her and Gilbert's child not a single accident could be allowed.
.....
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