432 AS LUAN ESCANOR
[THE Great War] was a popular IP that boasted billions of reads. That’s why many people had been waiting for a live-action adaptation of it. Because of its popularity, many had expected that there would be an adaptation right after its last chapter was posted. But it had already been three years since then and no adaptation was still in sight.
Truthfully, whether it’s an animation, a movie, or a TV series, there had been many offers for an adaptation. But the problem was, the author – Pink Peach – rejected them all. The president of Plum Blossom Literature where [The Great War] was posted had a lot of headaches because of that.
The president truly wanted to push for an adaptation because it would help boost their site even further. But for that to happen, they needed the approval of Pink Peach. It was at that time that he truly regretted not pushing the other to sell them the rights for the novel when she was only starting as a new writer on their site.
Normally, a rookie writer would sell the copyright of their first work to get an advantage that a normal rookie wouldn’t have. It’s because those who didn’t sell their copyrights would not have any sort of promotions on the site. Which was tantamount to their work being literally invisible.
It’s like a silent agreement between literature sites and rookie writers. The writers would be promoted while the publishing site would get an extra fee from what they would earn from readers paying for the novel’s chapter.
At one glance, it would seem beneficial for both parties. But if one just looked closely, anyone could see that the writer’s side was the one at a disadvantage. Because what if their work became a big hit? All the things related to it would then be decided by the publishing site instead of them. Not to mention, all the royalties they could have gotten.
Pink Peach wasn’t really thinking of that when he declined to sell her copyright. She just didn’t like the idea that her creation would be owned by someone other than her. It’s like selling her child. So, how could she do that?
The people from the publishing site also didn’t think much about it. After all, the number of newbie writers that posted their stories on the site everyday was enormous. They thought that Pink Peach was just a dime a dozen. But they couldn’t be any more wrong than that.
After just a month after it’s serialization, it had already entered the top 50 novel rankings in the site. And after three months, it was already on the top 20. Half a year later, it sat firmly on the number one spot. By that time, the president of Plum Blossom Publishing could only gnash his teeth in silence.
…..
It’s not that they didn’t try to buy the copyright of [The Great War] from Pink Peach but the latter was very determined not to sell it. She even threatened to transfer her work to another site if they continued. So, what else could they do? If they made an enemy out of the other, they would be the only one who lose.
When the president thought that an adaptation would probably be only possible maybe after a decade, Pink Peach suddenly announced that she agreed to the proposal of Director Scott for a TV adaptation.
The president still couldn’t believe it at first. But auditions were held and the shooting was now even finished. So, could he still deny that fact? Even though they didn’t really earn anything from the adaptation, it would still be a great advertisement for their publishing site.
And now, the concept photos for the series had finally been revealed.
———-
The first concept photo was that of the protagonist, Caesar Warwick, played by Miguel Estrada. The concept photos of this ear were actually moving photos. Instead of being just a static picture, the character moved, showing a glimpse to what their character would be like.
So, on the concept photo of Miguel Estrada, he could be seen at first as wearing an armor and looking very dignified and full of justice. But as he swung his sword, his atmosphere slowly changed. Until only gloom and darkness surrounded him.
The next one was Chelsea Olson, followed by Lance Reid. Both were showing the nature of the character they were playing just by simple movements and facial expression.
The concept photos of the three proved why they were the leading actors for [The Great War]. Fans of the novel were very satisfied and thought that the production team selected them well.
The next one that was shown was Yujin Wells. He was wearing a white, loose long-sleeved top with a wide collar, showing an expanse of his chest. His long black hair was styled in a messy curl and a pair of golden hoops were dangling from his ears.
He had this playful smile on his lips that somehow still made him look sexy. But when the smile on his face disappeared, a somewhat somber and serious atmosphere surrounded him.
And finally, it was finally the turn of the character of Luan Escanor. Since he was a fan favorite, everyone waited with bated breath. They were excited and very nervous at the same time to know just who would play him.
Then, it finally appeared.
A black-haired young man wearing a simple priest’s robe. His pair of black eyes were full of infinite gentleness as if he could give forgiveness and salvation to any sinners. Like something pure and holy.
And then, as he raised his hand as if he was ready to give benediction, his simple robe became a gorgeous white robe with beautiful golden embroidery. His gaze was still gentle, but there was darkness lurking beneath.
That contrast made the image seemed creepy, but at the same time, one still couldn’t help but feel attracted to it. Like looking at some kind of forbidden fruit. You could feel that it was dangerous, but you stull wanted to have a taste.
Beneath the photo was the caption;
Astrid Townsend as Luan Escanor.