Inside the theater, the lights dimmed, and the big screen lit up.
The long-awaited live-action Harry Potter movie had finally begun.
However, Jennifer Aniston, sitting in the darkness, seemed distracted. Martin's earlier words still echoed in her mind:
"Replace him. Tom Shadyac's style only works with Jim Carrey. Since we're not planning to cast Jim Carrey, why keep him around?"
"But we don't have a better director lined up. We wanted to approach Columbus, but he's tied up with your Harry Potter series under a three-film contract and doesn't have time for other projects."
Martin had paused to think, then suddenly said, "What if I direct it?"
Jennifer recalled her reaction vividly—it must have been a look of utter shock, perhaps even disbelief.
Martin: a genius writer, composer, singer, actor, and screenwriter, but she had never heard of him possessing any directing skills.
Then again, Jennifer remembered the detailed storyboards Martin had drawn that were once leaked to the media. With a competent assistant director, perhaps letting Martin direct wasn't entirely implausible...
Jennifer sank deeper into thought, and the more she considered it, the more feasible Martin's seemingly absurd suggestion appeared.
Moreover, having Martin as the director would add another major selling point for the film.
Having seemingly made up her mind, Jennifer stopped overthinking and turned her attention to the big screen, soon becoming fully immersed in the story.
As the first installment of the Harry Potter series, Warner Bros. and Meyers Pictures had brought in Chris Columbus, Hollywood's master of family-friendly films, to direct.
Columbus did not disappoint, successfully bringing Martin's magical world to life on the big screen.
In the original timeline, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone became one of Hollywood's most successful franchise openers, with Columbus playing a critical role.
Throughout the screening, children in the audience laughed, gasped, and squealed with delight.
Columbus expertly created an immersive atmosphere, balancing the film's predominantly dark and eerie tone with warm orange lighting, cozy firelight, and occasional blue skies, white clouds, and green meadows. These touches lightened the tension, ensuring young viewers could enjoy the movie without feeling overwhelmed.
The film's story was intentionally tailored to a younger audience: an abused boy discovering he's a wizard, embarking on an adventure without significant setbacks, and basking in the glow of personal heroism—elements kids love.
At the same time, the movie appealed to adults, making it a truly all-ages experience. Unlike the later installments that leaned toward darker, more adult themes, this first film struck a perfect balance.
When the film ended, Martin led some of the cast and crew onto the stage.
He had another role to play tonight: the event's host.
"Hey, everyone! Did you enjoy the movie?" Martin asked, immediately energizing the crowd.
"Yes!" a group of children shouted excitedly.
"Great! When you go home, make sure to recommend it to your friends, classmates, neighbors—tell them exactly what you just said!"
"We will!" the children responded earnestly, taking Martin's joke seriously.
Martin continued, "Alright, let me introduce the creators of this movie. As you know, because London also hosted a premiere, the Golden Trio couldn't make it to Los Angeles."
"Ohhh..." A collective sound of disappointment rose from the audience.
Martin smiled. "But don't be upset! Yes, the Golden Trio isn't here, but the person who created them is standing right here. Do I need to introduce myself?"
"Are you sure? Then who am I?"
Martin cupped his ear dramatically and leaned toward the audience.
The crowd erupted, their voices so loud it seemed they might bring the roof down.
Tobey Maguire chuckled from the audience. "Martin is perfect for events . He could have a successful career as a host."
"This guy just loves the spotlight," Leonardo DiCaprio remarked.
"True!" Tobey laughed.
Jennifer Aniston, meanwhile, couldn't help but think, Martin really has a knack for comedy. He's always been great at lightening the mood and engaging people.
Thanks to Martin's lively hosting, the Los Angeles premiere of Harry Potter ended on a high note.
Across the Atlantic in London, the premiere was equally successful.
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson received the loudest cheers and applause.
The three young actors were visibly excited, beginning to grasp the reality of their rise to stardom.
The next day, reviews for Harry Potter began pouring in.
"The magical world created in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone showcases Martin Meyers' boundless imagination... The film captures the wonders of Harry's journey into the wizarding world." – Los Angeles Times
"This movie is just the beginning, the first Chapter of the novel. More magical adventures will unfold over the coming years." – New York Daily News
"It's clear that the creators poured their hearts into this film. It's incredibly entertaining, filled with great imagination and talent." – Seattle Post-Intelligencer
"The film effectively retains the magic of the book while replicating its humor and charm." – The Washington Post
"An energetic adventure film, its atmosphere is haunting yet refreshingly unique." -Chicago Sun-Times
As a side note, due to Martin's blacklisting, Roger Ebert, the renowned old-school critic, had left the Chicago Sun-Times and entered retirement.
Among all the reviews, The Times of England offered the most profound insights:
"Harry Potter isn't just a story for children; it explores themes of family, friendship, courage, and responsibility..."
"Beneath the engaging story lies a deeper commentary on societal issues: discrimination between wizards, goblins, house-elves, and Muggles; the fascism embodied by Voldemort and the Death Eaters; education within families versus schools; and the bloodline hierarchies of Muggles, half-bloods, and pure-bloods..."
"It also touches on minority rights, as seen through centaurs, werewolves, house-elves, giants, and Veelas, as well as media influence, public opinion, and the tension between centralized power and regional autonomy..."