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"Whoa!"
"Kat!"
The scene got even livelier!
Several actors were laughing and scolding while drinking. Even Tadanobu Asano couldn't help but shake his head with a smile and take a sip.
Cassius tried to maintain his composure.
During his time as an extra, he had indeed accidentally stumbled upon some confusing multi-person scenes. He rubbed his nose and drank too.
Kat watched him drink, grinning like a cat that got the cream. Under the table, her toe seemed to accidentally brush against the side of Cassius's shoe before quickly retracting.
Cassius's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained impassive.
The favorability score above her head jumped to [55].
It was getting late, and many bottles were empty. Everyone, slightly tipsy and full of gossip, returned to their rooms.
Relationships had clearly gotten closer!
Cassius walked at the back.
He watched Kat and Natalie walking arm in arm ahead, whispering and laughing.
Chris had his arm around Jaimie's shoulders, still arguing about whether Kung Fu or boxing was cooler.
The desert night didn't seem so unbearable anymore!
He felt his pocket, where the exquisitely wrapped fruit candy Kat had secretly slipped him during the game still remained.
...
Filming in the New Mexico desert meant tough conditions, but occasionally there were unexpected surprises.
In the morning, the crew was filming the classic hammer crater scene.
Mjolnir had crashed into the desert, discovered by locals, attracting a crowd trying to lift it, but no one could budge it an inch.
Cassius, dressed in Fandral's costume, was waiting slightly further away.
He watched the crew busily setting up the scene, the hammer representing Asgardian power standing lonely in the sand.
Just then!
A small commotion rippled through the set.
Cassius looked up and saw a familiar figure walking over with a smile, accompanied by Director Branagh and several producers.
White hair, iconic glasses, kind smile...
Stan Lee!
The legendary Marvel creator, the famous King of Cameos!
Today he was obviously here for a set visit and, as usual, to leave his mark on the world he helped create.
The atmosphere on set instantly enlivened.
Whether actors or crew members, seeing this old man brought respectful and happy smiles to their faces.
Chris was the first to greet him, giving the old man a solid hug. "So glad you could come!"
Stan Lee patted Chris's back cheerfully.
"Look who it is! Our strong little Thor! How's staying in the desert treating you?"
"Except for a bit too much sand, everything is fantastic!"
Chris answered loudly.
Director Branagh introduced the main cast to Stan Lee.
When introducing Cassius, Stan Lee adjusted his glasses and looked him over carefully, his eyes full of curiosity and appreciation.
"Ah, you're that Fandral! I've seen some of your clips. Young man, nice moves!"
Cassius could clearly see the favorability score above Stan Lee's head was [50].
Being praised face-to-face by this legendary figure made him excited. He quickly bowed slightly.
"Thank you. It's my honor to participate in the world you created."
"Haha, this world chose you, kid."
Stan Lee waved his hand humorously.
Soon, the old man went to prepare for his cameo.
His role today was a passing truck driver. Seeing a crowd around a crater, curiosity drove him to try and see if he could pull that weird hammer out.
Filming started.
A group of locals tried in turns, using crowbars, ropes, and even trying to pull it together, but the hammer didn't budge.
The scene was filled with frustration after failure and incredulous gasps.
It was Stan Lee's turn.
He drove an old pickup truck, leisurely stopping by the crater.
Got out, adjusted his glasses, and looked at the hammer in the pit.
His face wore that typical expression of an American local seeing something strange.
"What is this, a meteorite?"
He muttered to himself, then said to the people nearby, "Make way, fellas. Let this old guy give it a try."
He went back to the truck, took out a thick tow rope, hooked one end expertly to the tow hitch at the back of the truck, and carefully looped the other end around Mjolnir's handle.
Stan Lee got back into the driver's seat, buckled up, made a "watch this" expression to the air, shifted into reverse, and gently pressed the gas.
The pickup's engine let out a dull roar, tires spinning in the sand, kicking up dust, but the hammer naturally remained immovable.
Stan Lee stopped the car, opened the door, got out, walked to the edge of the pit, and looked at the unscathed hammer.
Taking off his glasses and wiping them, he showed a helpless expression and shrugged at the camera.
"Well, looks like this thing isn't mine."
"Cut! Perfect!"
Director Branagh shouted loudly, leading the applause.
Applause and laughter rang out on set.
Stan Lee's performance was natural, carrying his unique sense of humor.
In just a few dozen seconds, he brought to life the image of an ordinary old man who didn't believe in the supernatural but ultimately admitted defeat.
The old man walked back cheerfully, accepting everyone's congratulations.
He clearly enjoyed the process.
In the following break, Stan Lee sat in a chair next to the director's monitor to rest.
Director Branagh played back some previously filmed clips for him, including the battles in Asgard and the scenes on Earth.
Stan Lee watched intently, nodding occasionally.
After watching some clips, Stan Lee said to Director Branagh:
"Ken, this young man was a good choice."
He pointed to Cassius on the screen.
Director Branagh nodded in agreement.
"Yes, Stan. He's willing to put in the work, and he improves very fast."
Their conversation wasn't loud, but Cassius wasn't far away and faintly heard some of it.
His heart warmed.
Being recognized by a figure like Stan Lee felt more exhilarating than receiving any paycheck.
At this moment, Stan Lee seemed to sense something. He turned his head and met Cassius's gaze.
The old man winked at him, gave an encouraging smile, and then reached out as if brushing nonexistent dust off his knee.
[Stan Lee Favorability +2, Current Favorability 52]
Just as he made this relaxed, casual little movement, an attribute orb glowing with soft golden light slowly dropped from him.
[Legendary Aura +10]
Gold!
Legendary level attribute orb!
Cassius's heart pounded violently, almost holding his breath.
He suppressed the excitement inside and immediately absorbed it with his mind.
A thick energy full of creativity flowed into his body.
This wasn't just about improving acting skills; it was more like a deeper understanding and resonance with the "soul of the character," making fictional characters real and believable.
This feeling was more profound than absorbing any purple or blue attribute orbs.
Stan Lee seemed completely unaware, continuing to chat and laugh with Director Branagh.
Cassius stood there, feeling the newly integrated legendary power within him.
Looking at the legendary figure who created countless heroes but was now wandering around the set like an ordinary old grandpa.
His heart was filled with respect and gratitude.
This location shoot in New Mexico was absolutely worth it!