Wanted was showing clear signs of becoming a box office smash.
Compared to James McAvoy in the original timeline, Martin brought even more personal charisma to the role. Combined with the way he redesigned the action scenes to be flashier and more dynamic, the film was bursting with an energy that far surpassed the original's commercial potential.
It was only the movie's second day in theaters—and a weekend at that.
Moviegoers looking to catch a good film that day ended up, almost unanimously, buying tickets for Wanted. Fans of Martin and Jessica had already been mobilized by various fan clubs, organizing online and offline to show support.
By the end of opening weekend, Wanted had grossed $82.33 million in box office sales—vastly surpassing the original timeline's $51.12 million.
At the same time, Iron Man was nearing the end of its theatrical run, with a North American total of $343 million and a global box office of $644 million.
———
That day, right after work, Harold Brooks quickly packed up his desk, slung his bag over his shoulder, and bolted.
A coworker nearby caught sight of his rush and asked curiously, "What's the hurry? Hot date tonight?"
"No, no, nothing like that," Harold replied. "I'm heading out to catch Wanted. Been dying to see it, and I finally scored a ticket."
"Wanted, Martin Meyers' new movie?" The coworker perked up. "Is it good?"
"Come on, it's a Martin Meyers film. When has he ever made trash?" Harold shot back confidently.
"Fair point," his colleague chuckled. "Sounds like I've found the perfect weekend date idea with Taylor."
Harold fell silent, slightly annoyed. Great. Now he's just showing off that he's got a girlfriend.
"Anyway, I gotta run. Later!" he called, cutting the conversation short as he headed toward the elevators.
It was rush hour—elevator packed.
"Damn it."
Harold checked his watch, gritted his teeth, and muttered, It's only eleven floors. I'll take the stairs.
Without hesitation, he darted into the emergency stairwell. Once he got down, he didn't even bother retrieving his car. He worked near Melrose Avenue, one of LA's trendiest shopping districts, and there was a cinema just a few blocks away.
As soon as he entered the theater lobby, he saw a massive crowd inside. The ticket line alone stretched dozens deep.
"Thank God I booked online," he said with a grin.
At that moment, his eyes were drawn to a girl with jet-black hair.
A total knockout, he whistled inwardly.
The girl was staring intently at the Wanted poster on display in the lobby.
Harold glanced at his watch. Still had time. So he figured—why not take a shot?
"Hey, hi there! I'm Harold Brooks. What's your name?"
The girl turned her head and gave him a cold look.
But that aloof, slightly dangerous aura only made Harold more excited.
"Are you here to see Wanted too? It's a really good movie, getting great reviews. Martin Meyers always delivers. I already have a ticket—what showtime are you going to? Maybe we can watch it together?"
Kristen Stewart was instantly annoyed. Can he not tell I'm not interested?
"Sorry. I just want to watch alone."
"Ah… sorry to bother you."
Harold awkwardly backed away.
Once that annoying fly buzzed off, Kristen's gaze returned to the poster.
She had a secret. One even her parents didn't know—
She feared men.
Or more precisely, she feared intimacy with men.
From the age of ten, she found herself drawn to the scent and softness of other girls. She even started dressing like a tomboy on purpose—short hair, boyish clothes, to blend in better.
To cover up her secret, she'd even forced herself into a relationship—she met her first "boyfriend" while filming Speak. She was only thirteen at the time.
It was her first time falling in love. But the relationship only confirmed her truth: she couldn't stand physical contact with men—even if her boyfriend was gentle, delicate, and more puppy than wolf.
The romance didn't last. Her boyfriend couldn't handle the platonic distance and broke things off without a fuss.
But right as that ended, Kristen's career took off.
She starred in Gordon Kline's horror film Shadow Tide, earning a nomination for Best Newcomer at the International Young Artists Awards.
Then came the big-budget sci-fi adventure Jumanji 2: Galaxy Peril, directed by John Vignon and co-starring Tim Robbins, Keira Knightley, and a bunch of other A-listers. The box office was solid.
She followed up with a rebellious teen role in The Messenger, a horror film helmed by Hong Kong directors Peng Shun and Peng Fa.
That same year, she joined the romantic comedy In the Land of Women, starring alongside Adam Brody, Isla Fisher, and Meg Ryan. Kristen played "Lottie," a bright but anxious teenage girl uncertain about her future.
Also in the same year, she starred in the indie drama Cake Girl, portraying Georgia, a girl struggling with a rare autoimmune disease.
And then came Into the Wild, directed by Sean Penn, featuring Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, and William Hurt. Kristen played Tracy, a feisty music-loving teen, and earned both Best Supporting Actress and Best Newcomer awards at the 19th Young Artist Awards.
Her star was rising fast.
Then came the game changer.
Martin Meyers, the brilliant novelist, announced that his bestselling book Twilight would be adapted into a movie.
The news caused a sensation in Hollywood.
Twilight had been a publishing juggernaut since its release, consistently ranking among the top five bestsellers every year. By now, it had sold over 12 million copies worldwide, been licensed in over 40 countries, and stayed on the New York Times bestseller list for more than 150 weeks.
The influence it wielded was massive.
A bestselling novel being adapted to the big screen meant guaranteed box office returns. To any actress—whether a rising starlet or an established name—this was the golden ticket.
And the female lead, "Bella," was the crown jewel of the franchise.
To everyone's surprise, Meyers Studios announced an open casting call for the role, triggering a fierce competition among every actress under twenty.
Kristen Stewart was one of them.