Chapter 6 – The World Discovers John Wick
January 2014 – The Trailer That Changed Everything
The Lionsgate boardroom was packed that morning. Studio executives, producers, and members of the creative team were gathered, all anxiously awaiting a crucial moment: the screening of the first official John Wick trailer.
Jacob Stewart, sitting next to Chad Stahelski, felt his heart pounding in his chest. For the past few months, he had dedicated himself completely to the production, but now came the scariest part—the judgment of the public.
— Nervous? — asked Chad, giving a slight smile.
Jacob took a deep breath and nodded.
— Very.
Chad patted him on the shoulder.
— Relax. You gave it your all. Now it's time for the world to see it.
The head of marketing at Lionsgate, a man named Marcus Hill, stood up and adjusted the projector.
— Gentlemen, after months of hard work, we present the first trailer for John Wick.
The room went dark, and the video began.
The Trailer
The screen lit up with a dark and rainy New York City.
Melancholy music played in the background while a narration echoed:
"Time passes... and you think you're free."
The images showed a man in a black suit sitting in his house, looking at a puppy. His face carried sadness, pain, a melancholy that only those who have lost everything know.
"But the past never lets us go so easily."
The scene cut to thugs invading his house. The sound of blows, breaking glass. The man's bloodied face on the floor.
Silence took over the screen before a new cut: the man digging into the concrete floor, revealing a hidden arsenal of weapons.
And then, the music changed.
The action began.
Gunshots echoed across the screen. The man, now with a cold and determined look, took down enemies with brutal precision. Impeccable fight sequences, breathtaking shootouts, electrifying car chases.
At the end, one of the villains looked at the camera and said:
— Who the hell are you?
And the answer came in a grave, relentless tone:
— My name is John Wick.
The screen went black.
The name John Wick appeared in sharp white letters.
"February 2014 in theaters."
The room erupted in applause.
As soon as the trailer was posted on YouTube and social media, it became an instant phenomenon.
Comments multiplied:
"What INSANE action scenes! This looks incredible."
"Who is this actor? I've never seen him before, but he has a badass presence."
"Old school action, no frills, no exaggerated CGI. I NEED to see this."
"This guy looks like a real killer! Who is he???"
The big question began to dominate film forums: Who was the protagonist of John Wick?
Jacob Stewart was not a well-known name. He had no film history, no prior fame.
Speculation began to arise.
"Could he be a stuntman promoted to protagonist?"
"Maybe he's an unknown European actor."
"This guy seems very intense. I need to know more about him."
That's when someone found the answer.
A user posted a link to an interview that the John Wick cast had recently given.
And that's when the internet went crazy.
The interview took place in a luxury hotel in Los Angeles, a few days before the trailer's release.
On screen, the interviewers were sitting in front of Chad Stahelski, Jacob Stewart, Ian McShane, Adrianne Palicki, and Willem Dafoe.
The journalist, a woman with red hair and a friendly smile, began by asking the question everyone wanted to know:
— Jacob, I have to ask… Who are you? Where did you come from? Because, honestly, you just appeared out of nowhere, and your performance in the trailer shocked everyone! Jacob took a deep breath and looked at Chad before answering.
— I… I'm not a traditional actor.
Silence filled the room.
Jacob continued:
— Six months ago, I was living on the streets of Los Angeles. I had nothing. No money, no home, no hope.
The journalist's eyes widened in surprise.
— Really?
— Yes — said Jacob, nodding. — One day, by chance, I ran into Chad Stahelski. He bought me lunch, we talked, and he gave me the chance to audition for this film.
The shock was evident on the journalist's face.
— That's… unbelievable.
Jacob smiled slightly.
— I know. And that's why, when I got this opportunity, I promised myself that I would give it my all.
Chad joined the conversation.
— I saw something in him that day. When he auditioned, I knew I had found my John Wick.
The journalist looked at the other actors.
— What was it like working with Jacob, knowing his story?
Ian McShane crossed his arms and smiled.
— At first, I was skeptical. But after seeing this guy on set, training harder than any actor I've ever seen, he completely convinced me.
Adrianne Palicki nodded.
— He became John Wick. I've never seen anyone work so hard.
Willem Dafoe smiled.
— This film wouldn't be the same without him.
The journalist looked at Jacob again.
— And now, you're about to be seen by the whole world. How do you feel?
Jacob took a deep breath.
— I hope they like the film. I put everything I had into it.
The interview ended, but on the internet, the impact was just beginning.
Videos of the interview spread rapidly, and the hashtag #WhoIsJacobStewart began trending worldwide.
Film forums were flooded with messages:
"Dude, this guy WAS A HOMELESS PERSON?! And now he's the protagonist of one of the most promising action films of the year?!"
"This sounds like a movie script… but it's REAL."
"I already wanted to see John Wick before, but now? Now I NEED to see it."
Even celebrities started commenting.
Actor Chris Evans tweeted:
This is the best story I've ever seen in Hollywood. Congratulations, Jacob Stewart. I can't wait to see John Wick.
Director James Gunn wrote:
Stories like this remind me why I love cinema. Talent can come from anywhere. Rooting for you, Jacob Stewart!
In less than a week, the John Wick trailer surpassed 30 million views on YouTube.
Jacob Stewart, a man who just a few months ago slept on cold sidewalks, was now a household name worldwide.
He watched everything unfold, still trying to process the speed at which his life had changed.
Chad approached him as they watched the numbers skyrocket.
— It seems the world has finally found you.
Jacob smiled, still stunned.
— And now, what comes next?
Chad gave a wry smile.
— Now? Now, you prepare yourself. Because the legend of John Wick is just beginning.
Jacob took a deep breath.
He was no longer an unknown.
He was John Wick.
And the world was about to discover what that meant.
Chapter 7 – A New Path
Late January 2014 – The Next Step
Jacob Stewart looked at himself in the mirror of the hotel room that Lionsgate had provided for him for the past few months. His life had changed in a way he could never have imagined.
Not long ago, he was sleeping on the streets of Los Angeles, penniless, hopeless, just trying to survive another day. Now, he was the protagonist of one of the most anticipated action films of the year, and the whole world was talking about him.
The John Wick trailer had been an absolute success, and the story of his improbable rise was all over the media. Interviews, articles, discussions on film forums—everyone wanted to know more about Jacob Stewart.
But with that attention came new responsibilities.
And that's why Chad Stahelski had asked to meet with him that morning.
Jacob adjusted the leather jacket he was wearing and went down to the hotel restaurant. Chad was already there, sitting at a table in the corner, drinking coffee.
As soon as he saw Jacob, he nodded.
— You look like someone who finally got a decent night's sleep.
Jacob laughed and sat down.
— After these last few months? I needed it.
Chad smiled and took a sip of his coffee.
— Well, I asked to talk to you because it's time to think about your future.
Jacob frowned.
— My future?
Chad nodded.
— John Wick hasn't even premiered yet, but the studio is already seeing potential for sequels. You'll probably be asked to continue in the role.
Jacob felt a chill in his stomach.
— Seriously?
— Yes. But that's not all. — Chad leaned forward, placing his cup on the table. — Hollywood is noticing you, Jacob. You need to be prepared for what's coming.
Jacob took a deep breath. The idea that he could have a real career in the film industry was surreal.
— And how do I do that?
Chad smiled.
— You need an agent. Jacob had never considered the idea of having an agent. He didn't even know exactly what one did.
"What exactly would an agent do for me?" he asked, crossing his arms.
Chad rested his elbows on the table and began to explain.
"An agent will manage your career. They'll negotiate contracts, ensure you receive offers for films, commercials, advertising campaigns... Basically, they'll guide you through the business side of the industry."
Jacob nodded slowly.
"So they kind of handle the business side of things?"
"Exactly," Chad replied. "And in your case, it's essential. You got into this business in a completely different way than any other actor. You don't have experience in negotiations, you don't have contacts, you don't know how to avoid pitfalls... A good agent will ensure you only get involved in projects that are truly worthwhile."
Jacob scratched his beard, thoughtfully.
"But how do I find an agent?"
Chad smiled.
"Don't worry. I already have a name for you."
Jacob raised his eyebrows.
"Really?"
Chad took out his phone, looked up a contact, and showed it to Jacob.
"His name is Richard Calloway. He's one of the best agents in Hollywood. He works with big names in action films. If there's anyone who can help you build a solid career, it's him."
Jacob looked at the name on Chad's phone, feeling the weight of that moment.
"And you think he'll want to represent me?"
Chad laughed.
"After the splash you made with John Wick? He'll be chasing after you. But, since you're still new to this, I made sure to schedule a meeting. He wants to meet you in person."
Jacob took a deep breath and nodded.
"Then I'll go."
Two days later, Jacob was sitting in a luxurious office in the heart of Los Angeles.
The walls were covered with posters of iconic films, and film awards were displayed on glass shelves.
The door opened, and a tall man in a well-fitting blue suit entered. He had neatly combed gray hair and a sharp gaze.
Richard Calloway.
"Jacob Stewart," he said, extending his hand.
Jacob stood up and shook the agent's hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Calloway."
Richard smiled.
"Call me Richard. Sit down."
Jacob obeyed, and Richard sat down opposite him, crossing his hands on the table.
"So, Chad called me and told me your story. I'd already heard of you, of course. Your interview went viral."
Jacob nodded.
"Yes... It was a little unexpected."
Richard smiled.
"Welcome to Hollywood. That's how it works here. Today you're an unknown, tomorrow everyone wants to know who you are."
Jacob took a deep breath.
"So... what do you think? Would you like to represent me?"
Richard tilted his head to the side, analyzing Jacob.
"You have charisma. You have presence. You have a story that inspires people. That's all great. But what really interests me is the fact that you've proven you're good at what you do. Your performance in the John Wick trailer caught a lot of people's attention."
Jacob felt his heart race.
"That's good, right?"
Richard smiled.
"That's excellent. But now comes the most important question: are you prepared for what comes next?"
Jacob hesitated for a moment.
"What do you mean?"
Richard leaned forward.
"Hollywood isn't easy. You'll have to deal with pressure, criticism, absurd expectations. You came from nowhere and now you're in the spotlight. If you're not prepared, it can crush you."
Jacob swallowed hard.
He had never thought about that. He had always been focused on surviving, on seizing the opportunity that Chad had given him. But now he realized that being a real actor involved much more than just acting well.
He looked Richard in the eyes.
"I'm prepared."
The agent smiled.
"Great answer."
He picked up a contract and placed it on the table.
"I want to represent you. If you want to pursue this career seriously, I'll be by your side."
Jacob picked up a pen, read the contract carefully, and after a few minutes, signed it.
When he looked up, Richard extended his hand again.
"Welcome to the game, Jacob."
Jacob shook his hand firmly.
"Thank you, Richard."
He knew that this was just the beginning of a new journey.
But, just like before, he was ready to give it his all.
[email protected]/SHADOWGHOST07
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