I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor

Translator: Dreamscribe

Cinematic Universe. In the definition of the film industry, it refers to various movies taking place within a single shared universe. While the characters and plots in each film may differ greatly, it ultimately signifies that they occur in the same world. Beyond movies, there are also similar productions in comics, animation, novels, and other media.

Naturally, if that's the case, the term ‘cinematic’ would eventually have to be omitted.

Regardless, the large-scale project 'Cinematic Universe', planned by Columbia Studios, has been present in the global film scene, including Hollywood, for quite some time. Numerous attempts have been made across various industries, and there have been many successful examples.

However, when focusing only on films, the number of successes has been relatively few.

There are several reasons for this, but the most prominent include the high level of difficulty in production, exorbitant production costs, issues with the cast, and the extensive time required for planning. Once a 'Cinematic Universe' begins, it is akin to operating an entire project simultaneously, not just a single movie.

In other words, one failed film cannot halt the project.

There are also challenges related to actors' contracts. If an actor playing a particular role is replaced due to some issue, the continuity is disrupted, and anticipation plummets significantly. However, it is impossible to dictate the whims of Hollywood actors, whose fees are sky-high. Despite these layered difficulties, a successful 'Cinematic Universe' can generate incomprehensibly massive profits and brand power.

Still, it is undeniably a difficult decision to make. No, it is almost impossible to attempt.

Columbia Studios, however, declared that they were planning or proceeding with such a 'Cinematic Universe'. Upon hearing this explanation, Director Ahn Ga-bok's first thought was:

'Huh- even for Columbia Studios- this is surprising.'

It was a mix of doubt and admiration. Deciding to pursue a 'Cinematic Universe' could determine the rise or fall of a film company in the coming year. Even for Columbia Studios, one of Hollywood's 'Big Five' major film companies, it was a bold move.

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had been stroking his wrinkled cheek, shifted the subject of his thoughts.

‘The first villain character to introduce our Cinematic Universe to the world, so that's why the title is 'Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain'. The Birth of a Villain, it is indeed a fitting title.’

The revised title of ‘Pierrot' was 'Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain', but to Columbia Studios, the movie 'Pierrot' was akin to the birth of their 'Cinematic Universe'. It also included the intention to introduce it to the global audience. Something along the lines of, 'We are embarking on a 'Cinematic Universe', and the first villain in this universe will be born in 'Pierrot'.'

Soon, Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had been lost in thought, asked the executives across from him. His English was not perfect, but communication was possible.

“Why are you informing me of such an important matter only now?”

It was a reasonable question. Director Ahn Ga-bok had already been confirmed as the overall director of 'Pierrot'. If the 'Cinematic Universe' was suddenly involved, the entire framework of the project would have to change. It meant the notification came too late. The bald executive among them answered this.

"We apologize, but there is a reason. Initially, it had not been decided whether to include ‘Henry Gordon’ from ‘Pierrot’ in our ‘Cinematic Universe’ or to keep it as a standalone film. The decision to make ‘Henry Gordon’ our first entry was made only recently.”

Contract issues, story problems, and more, these were challenges that also existed in past 'Cinematic Universe' projects across various industries. While the universe is shared, certain characters were excluded from the project. The bald executive continued to explain. His briefing, delivered in a fairly composed tone, lasted about ten minutes.

In summary, it went as follows:

Columbia Studios had begun work on the massive 'Cinematic Universe' project several years ago and had already developed various characters and scenarios besides 'Pierrot'.

“As per the plan, we aim to present films centered around individual characters who share the same universe. Ultimately, we are envisioning a project where all these characters converge in a single film.”

At that moment, Director Ahn Ga-bok gasped internally. He couldn't even imagine how much the production costs would be for a film featuring all those characters. Still, he asked the executive,

"Then, will ‘Pierrot’ also be included in the movie where all those characters are combined?"

"Of course. Consider that as the conclusion of Season 1 of our ‘Cinematic Universe’. Naturally, there could be changes depending on the circumstances, as we are still in the planning stages of the project. Because of this, our Columbia Studios has both great expectations and concerns about ‘Pierrot’."

As Director Ahn Ga-bok quietly listened to the explanation, he thought,

‘Huh- should I be happy about this?’

He felt both honored and burdened. As an veteran Korean director, he had been entrusted with the inaugural film of a massive project that would surprise all of Hollywood. This was an unprecedented situation, not just for Korea, but for all of Asia, and even Hollywood.

‘But if… Woojin ends up taking the lead male role.’

It would be like a Korean director and Korean actor firing the first shot of Columbia Studios' life-or-death massive project towards the whole world.

Perhaps. No, it would 100% go down in Hollywood history.

While Director Ahn Ga-bok was lost in an infinite loop of imagination, the bald executive across the table spoke again.

"You’ll gradually learn more details. We plan to share all the information that can be disclosed. Oh, and by the way, depending on the results of ‘Pierrot', you may be offered to direct other projects as well. So please, give your all to ‘Pierrot.’"

"......I plan to."

"Thank you. And as explained, since ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ is such an extremely important film, quite a large number of people will attend the open auditions and screen tests."

From the tone, it sounded like he was referring to high-ranking officials from Columbia Studios.

"As you’d expect, what you’ve just heard is top secret."

Afterward.

Kang Woojin once again boarded the train of a hellish schedule. Since Part 1 of 'Beneficial Evil' had already been cranked up, there was no filming going on at the moment. But that didn’t mean his workload had decreased. The non-filming-related activities were overwhelming.

With his concept on, Woojin thought to himself,

‘This feels, harder than when I was filming??’

In fact, shooting the project almost seemed easier. And it was for a good reason. The sheer volume of new commitments was staggering: increased commercials and photoshoots, interviews, radio appearances, various parties and events, SNS-related shoots, recordings and filming for the 'Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego' YouTube channel, promotions and marketing for currently released films, and so on.

On top of all that.

『'Kang Woojin' donates 200 million KRW to underprivileged children in Jinju, also attends charity event.』

There were also small schedules that arose amid the heavy New Year's atmosphere. For example, attending donation-related events in Jinju or participating in New Year’s special broadcasts. On top of that, he couldn’t neglect communication with his fans.

『[Issue Pick] Kang Woojin does not forget to connect with domestic fans before his Hollywood debut, hosting New Year’s fan meetings and signings.』

In addition to the New Year’s fan meetings and signings, there were many other events. Naturally, these required traveling back and forth between Korea and Japan.

Time melted away.

If there had been ongoing film shoots, those would have taken priority, allowing him to cut back on other commitments. However, at present, Woojin was handling all of it. Of course, Choi Sung-gun wasn’t the one pressuring him to do it. In fact, all of this was Kang Woojin’s own request.

He had a strong desire to clear up as much of his schedule as possible before the 20th.

The only consolation was.

‘Ah- it’s exhausting. For now, into the void space, go.’

He had the cheat item, the Void Space. No matter what, the hellish schedules left him with no time to breathe, and the days passed by in a blur. Before he knew it, ten days had gone by, and the date for Woojin’s departure to LA was fast approaching. Meanwhile, the two films released as end-of-year and New Year’s gifts in Korea and Japan showed no signs of losing momentum.

Despite the release of new films, 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger', which maintained its hold on the #1 advance ticket sales, was causing a stir in Japan and Korea alike.

[Audience Count as of January 9, 2022]

[Daily Domestic Box Office]

1. The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger / Release Date: December 21, 2021 / Audience Count: 620,132 / Cumulative Audience Count: 10,810,338

And 'Leech', which became a massive hit at Cannes and in Korea and was now continuing the momentum of 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' in Japan.

『[Movie Talk] Japanese release of 'Leech' surpasses 10 million viewers!』

Both 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' and 'Leech' surpassed 10 million viewers in their fourth week of release. The films’ buzzworthiness, quality, and the holiday seasons of Christmas and the New Year all contributed to this success. Of course, both films received rave reviews from audiences. In Korea, 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' drew continuous praise linked to Kang Woojin, and the same was true for 'Leech' in Japan. The cross-release schedule allowed audiences to immediately compare Woojin’s contrasting performances, which played a significant role.

Additionally, the daily box office results were more than enough to send the film industry’s media into a frenzy. Together, the total audience for both films had already surpassed,

『Kang Woojin’s 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' and 'Leech' surpass 30 million combined viewers in Korea and Japan! How much higher will they go?』

Over 30 million viewers.

Meanwhile, in Korea, at DM Production.

The large conference room of DM Production, which was working with Netflix to launch 'Beneficial Evil' globally, was bustling with people.

Seated around a ㄷ-shaped table were all familiar faces.

Kim So-hyang, the Executive Director of Netflix Korea, along with Netflix executives, DM Production staff, the key staff of 'Beneficial Evil', and the writer of 'Beneficial Evil', Choi Na-na.

And,

“Okay- then next.”

PD Song Man-woo, who had just shifted the meeting topic. His appearance was noticeably different from before. His cheeks had hollowed, his skin had grown rough, and dark circles had deepened under his eyes. He seemed to have poured his soul into the editing of 'Beneficial Evil' Part 1.

Noticing his concerning state, writer Choi Na-na, who adjusted her round glasses, asked him cautiously,

"Um, but PD-nim. Are you really okay??"

Taking a sip of the canned coffee in front of him, PD Song Man-woo forced a faint smile.

“I’m not okay.”

“Ah- eh? What? Then, you should at least go to the hospital for treatment.”

“I’ve already been to the hospital.”

PD Song Man-woo tapped his forearm a couple of times with his index finger.

“I’ve already had several rounds of IV drips for recovery.”

He was referring to IV fluids meant to restore his condition. However, it seemed to be such a routine part of his life that he found it unremarkable.

“This is nothing. I’ve filmed until I was on the brink of death before. Don’t worry about me.”

He was being sincere. Back in the days when the drama market was more rough, there were times when he had stayed up all night for as long as a week. Soon, brushing back his rough hair, PD Song Man-woo shifted his gaze across the table to Kim So-hyang.

“Unless I collapse, the editing for 'Beneficial Evil' Part 1 won’t take more than three weeks.”

This meant two weeks for editing and one week for finalizing. In other words, the processing of 'Beneficial Evil' would be complete within January. Hearing this, Executive Director Kim So-hyang clasped her hands together and nodded.

“Yes, I trust you, PD-nim. There won’t be any issues with the official launch on February 3, then.”

“That’s right. Even if I die. No, even if I’m dead, it’ll be finished on time.”

In truth, the launch date for 'Beneficial Evil' had already been confirmed for February 3. The reason this had not yet been publicly announced was to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances. By withholding the announcement, it would be easier to adjust the schedule if any issues arose before the launch. However, PD Song Man-woo was a professional and a heavyweight in the drama industry.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

He was not the type to make amateur mistakes.

“We managed to save a lot of time by editing concurrently during the Part 1 shoot. There will be no problems with the February 3 launch. So, how are the promotion and marketing schedules looking?”

Executive Director Kim So-hyang answered right away.

"Everything's ready, both domestic and overseas. From warm-up YouTube videos for media coverage and SNS events designed to hook public opinion. Once we start, it’ll be like a bombardment. By the way, when will the first teaser be completed?”

The first teaser that would announce 'Beneficial Evil's' confirmed launch date and official debut. That would be the starting point of 'Beneficial Evil's' promotion and marketing. PD Song Man-woo stroked his beard and answered.

“Hmm- considering the high level of international interest in 'Beneficial Evil', and with Woojin-ssi and Miley Cara being major topics right now, this is the perfect time. I'll send over the first teaser in a few days."

As the meeting that continued for several dozen minutes afterward was wrapping up, PD Song Man-woo spoke to the attendees and Kim So-hyang, who were tidying up.

“It’s not fully finished yet, but how about taking a look at a portion of 'Beneficial Evil' Part 1 before you leave?”

He said this quite casually.

“Think of it as a pre-test concept.”