Chapter 68: The Global Premiere of The Matrix!

Chapter 68: The Global Premiere of The Matrix!

15th, 15:40.

The Matrix was finally hitting the screens today.

This was the scene of the global premiere in Los Angeles.

Buoyed by the preceding online promotional campaign, a massive crowd of film fans and reporters had gathered at the venue.

Some fans who failed to secure premiere tickets had still come to linger outside the perimeter.

Both the theater and the distributor had deployed security personnel to maintain order.

Amidst the bustling noise, the host's voice rang out:

"Ladies and gentlemen! The highly anticipated Warner Bros. sci-fi action film, The Matrix, global premiere officially begins!"

"Let us direct our attention to the red carpet—welcoming the film's director, Qin Feng!!"

Instantly, the fans turned as one toward the end of the red carpet, where the photographers' long lenses and heavy cameras also swung, aimed at the backdrop erected at the far end.

"Watch closely, Director Qin is about to appear!"

"I know! I've been following his Twitter for two months, but I've never seen him in person yet!"

"Huh? Where? He hasn't come out yet, has he?!"

"..."

At the same time, the film's majestic background music swelled, brimming with fighting spirit and adrenaline, pushing anticipation to its absolute peak.

A few seconds later, the music abruptly cut out.

"What's going on?"

"The music stopped..."

"What is this situation?"

Fans and reporters looked at each other in confusion.

Just as everyone was feeling lost, the music reverberated across the plaza once more, even more intense and blood-pumping than before!

Amidst the collective gaze, a striking figure stepped out from behind the backdrop.

It was none other than Qin Feng. He wore a pair of sunglasses, his long hair flowing, dressed in a sharp black suit over a crisp white shirt.

This was his very first premiere for a major sci-fi blockbuster independently directed in Hollywood, and he had never felt so confident.

It felt as though everything had already been rehearsed countless times in his dreams and in his mind.

With the sun at his back, he strode forward.

Swish—!

"Oh my god! Director Qin! Director Qin!!"

"Qin Feng! Qin Feng!!"

A section of the fans recognized him and began shouting his name at the top of their lungs.

Qin Feng wasn't a traditional movie star and didn't have an overwhelming multitude of personal fans yet, but being recognized by a portion of the crowd right off the bat was already enough to thrill him!

He smiled faintly, gracefully removing his sunglasses, and waved to the audience section.

"Director Qin Feng! We love you!"

A female fan shouted.

At that moment, more figures emerged from behind the backdrop.

The host did not dare to delay, loudly announcing:

"Please welcome the cast members of the film—"

"Please welcome the actor who plays Neo, Keanu Reeves!"

"Please welcome the actress who plays Trinity, Carrie-Anne Moss!"

Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss walked forward.

The sound of camera shutters firing erupted across the venue like gunfire!

Especially given that both stood tall and wore the black trench coats straight out of the film, looking utterly dashing and cool, minus the sunglasses.

The audience had all seen the trailers and promotional posters, instantly recognizing the iconic cinematic attire.

The two quickened their pace, coming to a halt directly behind Qin Feng, instantly framing the three of them in a single shot.

A breathtaking arrangement of handsome men and a stunning woman.

"Oh god! Mama save me! This is way too cool!!"

"Look! Carrie-Anne Moss is completely rocking that female action star aesthetic right now."

"Keanu! Keanu! I love you, Keanu!"

"Why do I feel like this Asian director is somehow even cooler than Keanu? What is wrong with me? Am I falling out of love with Keanu? I'm crying!"

Screams echoed continuously through the crowd.

Among the trio, Qin Feng, despite being the director, was the youngest. Yet, his aura was fully unleashed as he led the film's core team down the red carpet, radiating an immense sense of glory!

The host's voice continued:

"Please welcome the actor who plays Morpheus, Laurence Fishburne!"

"Please welcome the actor who plays Smith, Hugo Weaving!"

Amidst cheers, Fishburne and Hugo Weaving stepped out.

Fishburne smiled and greeted the audience section, where he also had a dedicated following.

Hugo Weaving walked along the outer edge, completely shedding his villainous persona as he frequently paused to take photos with fans and flash hand gestures, fueling the lively atmosphere even further.

By now, the Qin Feng trio had reached the center of the red carpet, signing their names on the background wall and posing for joint photographs with media reporters.

The host asked, "Director Qin, The Matrix is finally premiering today. Is there anything you'd like to say to everyone?"

Qin Feng accepted the microphone handed over by a staff member.

"I am genuinely thrilled. Our team has finally waited for this premiere day."

"I believe everyone will love our film. Whether it's the virtual world, artificial intelligence, or the kung fu showdowns, we are simply stunningly cool and utterly badass!"

"Wow~~!" the host exclaimed, "Hearing the director put it like that, I'm all fired up!"

"Mr. Keanu Reeves? Do you have anything to say?"

"I'm so glad Director Qin invited me to participate back then, and I'm thrilled to have joined this team. I hope everyone will love and support this movie, and enjoy my performance as Neo!"

"Thank you, Mr. Reeves! Ms. Carrie-Anne Moss, what are your thoughts?"

"I want to thank Director Qin for this opportunity. I deeply love the character of Trinity, and every single day on set was an absolute wondrous journey that I will never forget."

As the rest of the cast members came up sequentially, the host picked up the pace.

"Alright, let us give a round of warm applause once again to the film's director and two lead actors!"

Swish—!

The subsequent group arrivals featured the supporting cast, followed by the behind-the-scenes crew.

Leading the production team was Producer Joseph, followed by Executive Producer Stovall, Assistant Director Gloria, and other key department heads.

With the sole exception of Tony Jaa, who was far away filming in China and unable to make the trip, all other core creative members of the film were present.

The red-carpet ceremony lasted for over half an hour. Once everyone had completed the walk, it was time for the screening phase.

The attending fans and reporters entered the venue by ticket.

The main screening hall was the largest in the theater—exceptionally spacious and capable of holding 350 people.

According to tradition, the creative team sat in the front row.

Qin Feng sat in the center seat, with Joseph to his right and Keanu to his left.

Joseph remarked with emotion, "Qin Feng, the film is finally meeting the audience today. A heavy stone in my heart is about to drop."

Qin Feng replied, "Don't worry, Manager, the audience is going to love it."

Keanu Reeves turned his head over, "Director Qin, it's been a month. How have you been?"

Qin Feng smiled at him, "I've been great, Keanu. Feel free to reach out and chat whenever you're free; we can always be friends."

"Definitely, Director Qin."

The audience took their seats in an orderly fashion, and within minutes, the theater was filled to capacity.

The host stepped onto the stage to give a brief speech, the lights dimmed, and the film officially began screening.

The audience fell completely silent, fixing their eyes intently on the massive silver screen.

Green code flickered incessantly, and the story unfolded.

Trinity appeared first, immediately thrown into an intense action sequence. Surrounded and hunted relentlessly by Smith and other agents, she set the tone and pace of the movie right from the start.

The audience was completely engrossed, captivated by her valiant and heroic demeanor.

For over two hours, the viewers' emotions ebbed and flowed with the development of the narrative, occasionally letting out bursts of gasps and exclamations:

"Oh! What is that?"

"My god! The mechanical bug just crawled into his stomach!"

"What the fuck! How did they film this?!"