superstar: sings for everybody

The first one to approach him for a greeting was one of the veterans, Andy Serkis, a master of language imitation. Among his many talents were mimicry, posture work, and, of course, the method acting he had been perfecting for years—a lifetime of taking on roles, not always pleasant ones, now finally giving way to more rewarding parts, thanks to the success he had built since The Lord of the Rings. A great way to outdo himself.

–You're a great singer. – That was Andy Serkis' summary, visibly stunned by what he'd witnessed. And though it might not show, he loved rock music, constantly improving his piano skills as part of a rock band – Grug.

–Thanks. I hope we can work on the movie in the best way possible. – said Billy. His presence was striking, like a living piece of art. He always seemed ready to smile at the cameras. He was photogenic—each photo, each glance, felt like a powerful memory, a reminder that some people are simply blessed by God.

An idea sparked in his mind.

–Wanna trade? Music knowledge for acting technique? – Billy asked, smiling at the oddity of the offer, which he seemed to genuinely enjoy.

–I've got some ideas… –

–Great, we can exchange knowledge. I happen to know that no one can match me when it comes to music, and your skills could be incredibly useful to me. Maximize returns—one, two. – said Billy.

–Ahh, kid… things always take us somewhere unexpected. You're more open than people would assume of someone with your style. – Andy Serkis remarked. He looked like a villain, and his demeanor was something magical—open, calm, a bit shy. But he had made the first move. In truth, he admired the boy who rocked in his way, so '80s, so raw and genuine, with a vocal power that stirred emotions.

–Then I'll show you what I call my art. Many people don't embrace the use of special effects in acting, but I believe it's what pushes us to try new paths. – Andy replied.

–Then I'm ready to learn. – said Billy.

Scarlett was watching the practice closely. The boy's charm and calm demeanor never ceased to amaze her. He was now winning over the crew with that same magnetic pull that made her burn inside, as everyone sought to be part of his orbit.

–We'll practice later. I'll bring my piano. – said Serkis, shaking his hand with a wisdom that rang with eloquence.

–Sure, but just know—it's tough to sing while playing the piano, almost like prepping for a role. – Billy replied, in his usual rockstar vibe, long hair brushing just below his nose after six months without a cut, which he slicked back into place. He smiled slightly, wearing rings on most fingers, a silver chain with a pendant, a crisp white Armani dress shirt, black jeans, and leather boots that reached mid-shin.

–A new friend? – Scarlett asked.

He walked over and gave her a deep, powerful kiss, slipping his tongue in and making her close her eyes. The boldness made her want to ask for some discretion, but she felt his hands squeeze her behind, making her blush before he pulled away and flashed her a mischievous grin.

–We've got someone who can teach me physical movement, the method itself—acting now at my fingertips. I'll learn so much, maybe in a few months I'll be one of the top players in Hollywood, baby. – he said, kissing her again. – Shame you're leaving. We could've learned this together. Imagine doing a movie using that weird motion tech. –

–Would you teach me? She asked.

–Of course, love. What good is it if we can't do it together? – Billy said, smiling, their noses brushing together.

–Then learn everything you can so you can teach me. – said Scarlett.

–Are you kidding? You're a genius... you'll get it in five days. I'll record the lessons, and you can teach me after. – Billy teased, gently biting her arm. Their intimacy sparked a game of whispers—words exchanged again and again. That's how things were with Billy. He used every moment to create heaven when present, and hell when absent—dozens of photos with other women, outings, and behaviors that could drive any woman mad from the sheer lack of respect.

–Go now, you have a rehearsal. – She said, straightening his shirt and running a hand through his hair. – Make sure you're put together, so people don't start whispering, and try not to interrupt—it's good to keep a low profile when it comes to speaking. –

–When I'm done, shall we go to dinner? – Billy asked.

–Yes. I'll pack your suitcase in the meantime. See you at the hotel when you can. – said Scarlett.

…

Afternoons spent reading scripts often felt like a long monologue where everyone tried to get to know one another. Though they had already rehearsed once, this time it was a movement rehearsal—running routines in front of a green screen, which now occupied part of the many locations used to film the lost island and the ship. Luckily for Billy, the New York shoots were already complete.

–You need to run like this, and like this. – said Peter Jackson, demonstrating, while silently assessing how good the kid was. The first thing he noticed was Billy's boxer-like physique—solid and muscular.

–Can you make that jump? – One of the stunt coordinators asked. The "rocks" were foam mats or rubber cushions. Billy did several jumps while Peter checked the footage and admired the kid's look—he was camera-ready. Even Adrien Brody seemed outshone. Billy was a true action idol, his presence on screen magnetic.

They repeated the jumps and sprints over and over, even moving into a shallow valley enhanced with green screens, captured from different angles, enhancing the mysterious beauty of Skull Island. They ran through multiple sequences and positions, noting everything on paper to organize the opening of the series.

…

–The kid is unexpectedly good, with that polished charm that's more than just appealing. – said Peter Jackson, who was also a rock fan—his favorite bands were Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Curiously, he hadn't heard Billy sing yet, only had a few impressions from what played on the radio.

–Then it's settled. I'll ask Naomi to rehearse some dance steps for the ship scenes. – said one of the editing assistants, taking Billy to the dance coach who was teaching some classic period choreography—nothing strange or too out of the ordinary.

–Yes, and have Frank call me. He's the one who reviewed the kid's lines. We need to see what he's capable of. – replied Peter. Then, after a pause, he added, –I want his hair trimmed properly, parted to the side—no complaints. –

–All right… The kid has talent, but we still need to factor in Andy's work with Kong. At least for now, the challenge is syncing with Naomi. – said Philippa Boyens, who understood how tough it was to bring an entire world to life through tech. Much of it had already been mapped out in miniature sets and remote-controlled cars fitted with good cameras, so many small details integrated in special ways.

Peter had been working on King Kong for over nine years, trying to craft the perfect shots. Everything used was onscreen—there was no real King Kong, just top-tier special effects.

The model alone took 12 months to build. It was fascinating to watch Andy perform key scenes alongside the massive studio set. The shots were about to come to life—they were well-documented and thoroughly prepared for the premiere on December 5th.

…

–We're going to do this over and over for the next week, until everyone's got it. –They told Billy, who had just finished five hours of running, jumping, and perfecting the way he was supposed to fall, while others filmed their scenes separately, treating each take like its own journey.

–Thanks. – Billy murmured.

It was striking how Peter wanted to use every single shot in the movie, so much detail packed in. But there were still scenes that needed polishing.

...