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RSS Feed"Pirates" premiere is a wild carpet ride
The most popular ride at Disneyland Saturday was the red carpet for the world premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.”
And the longest. The red carpet was over 1,000 ft. long, rolling down Main Street, snaking by Fantasyland and ending at Adventureland. But for hundreds of international TV, radio, internet and print reporters and thousands of fans who'd come to see “Pirates” stars Johnny Depp, Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom, the carpet ride became pretty disappointing by the end of the night.
Fans staked out coveted spots along the carpet when the park opened at 6:30 a.m. The press arrived at 3 p.m. to prepare for celebrity arrivals from 5-6. But by 6:30, only a few non-famous guests came wandering in.
Since the premiere invite stressed ‘pirate garb,' there were more eye patches, head bandanas, gold earrings, skull 'n crossbones, puffy shirts, and pirate hats - not to mention dark sooty Jack Sparrow eyeliner - than you could shake a saber at.
Early on, the throng of fans – most wearing Disney's pirate mouse ears (gold hoop earring in one ear) – were hopeful and enthusiastic, shouting, screaming, holding up banners and photos of Depp and Bloom and ‘We Love You Johnny!’ posters. They were only too happy to jump and scream to create B-roll color for the camera crews and applaud the professional Disneyland pirates who were singing, playing accordions, juggling balls and knives and walking on stilts up and down the carpet. 
There was a pre-party with grog and grub at the Blue Bayou and Café Orleans for the premiere guests. They could also ride the new Pirates ride that features characters from the film (Jack Sparrow, his nemesis Captain Barbossa and the squid-faced Davy Jones) and then fill three huge red, yellow and green bleachers to view the film scheduled to be shown on an outdoor screen at around 9 p.m.
But by 7:30, the fans out on the carpet were getting hungry and hoarse, children began whimpering and even the seasoned press was turning surly.
“We’ve been standing here 5 hours and we’ve not seen a single lead actor from the film,” groused a KTLA reporter. “This is insane. Why would they make us stand out here this long?” Even a befuddled German reporter asked, “Is this normal?”
“Is Johnny here?” reporters pestered the nervous Disney publicists. “Where’s Keira?” "Has anyone seen Orlando?” "Will they talk to us?”
“They’re here,” one publicist promised. “Johnny’s doing the new Pirates of the Caribbean ride and they’re taking photographs. But he’ll be here. Just be patient.”
So reporters relaxed and chatted up non-Pirate people to kill time. “Entourage” star Kevin Dillon told press that his fans scream “Drama!” and “Viking Quest!” wherever he goes. Director James Cameron, who has a cameo on “Entourage,” plugged his new film “Avatar,” a sci-fi flick set on another planet that will be released next year in 3-D HD. But he admitted he’d probably do better with a real “Aquaman” since it’s gotten built-in buzz from the show.
Jon Voight stammered when a reporter asked if he’d seen his new grandchild. The answer was “No” but he’s, um, “very proud of Angie and all the work she's doing.” And he hasn’t sent a baby gift. And he’d really rather not talk about it, if you don’t mind.
Holly Robinson Peete was very popular with press because she actually knows Depp from his “21 Jump Street Days.” “Who would you like to have a pirate adventure with?” queried a TV reporter. “Well, not Johnny. He’s a friend. Unlike every other woman in the world, I just don’t feel that way about him,” Robinson-Peete explained.
Marilyn Manson – dressed not like a pirate but like Marilyn Manson – was also a hot interview once word spread on the line that he actually knows Depp, who may star in a movie he’s making about Lewis Carroll. “I’m just here to see Johnny. He’s my friend. He’s a real pirate. I’ve got absinthe in my boots and I’m a pirate, too.” 
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed autographs, talked to a few TV reporters and tried to ignore the smattering of loud “boos” from the crowd. Inexplicably, his wife Maria Shriver wore a Dolce & Gabbana T-shirt emblazoned with Michelangelo’s David wearing a sequin fig leaf.
Finally, around 8 p.m., a few actors who actually appear in “Pirates” made their way down the press line. Bill Nighy, who plays the octo-pussed Davy Jones, said it was surreal having to play piano with his face tentacles. Vanessa Branch, who plays the wench Giselle, revealed how much fun she had slapping Depp in all three films.
All three? ...
Photo Credit: Keira Knightley faces what Disney called the longest red carpet in the world.
WireImage/Lester Cohen
Photo Credit:
Johnny Depp signs autographs for fans at the Disneyland premiere of "Pirates."
WireImage/Lester Cohen
Photo Credit: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver walk the "Pirates" plank.
Wire/Image/Gregg DeGuire
Seems the third “Pirates” is already shot. The actors have shot their scenes and there’s just location filming left. The film crew will be home in a few weeks, which is how long this red carpet was starting to feel.
Composer Hans Zimmer just tried the new updated “Pirates” ride and called it “a thrill” to hear snippets of his “Pirates” score during it. Disney chairman Dick Cook revealed plans to update the ride again for the premiere of the third "Pirates," as yet untitled, skedded for May 25, 2007. 
At 8:15 p.m., frenzied screaming came from the carpet entrance. Down the line, cameramen on step ladders reported seeing Depp, Knightley and Bloom’s heads. The actors are posing for photos, zig-zagging down the carpet, talking to TV crews, then running over to shake hands and sign autographs for fans. That’s why it’s taking so long.
But it's getting late, almost 9 p.m., and the very real fear is that the film's stars will be yanked away by publicists and taken into the party so the film can begin.
“One question! We only have time for one question!," a Disney publicist warns reporters as Knightley is ushered by. The actress tries to break the palpable tension. Told she looks comely in her white chiffon Chanel frock, she wrinkles her nose. “Comely? I look comely? That sounds a bit rude,” Knightley says with that winning grin.
When she's asked to translate 'snogging' for another reporter, she laughs, “Snogging is kissing in British!” “What do you like best about Australia?,” shouts an Australian journalist. “I don’t know. I’ve never been!" Knightley chirps as she’s yanked away by the pub.
Bloom’s publicist pulls him past a pack of frantic reporters thrusting microphones and tape recorders. A TV reporter shouts the same question she’s asked everyone, “Who would you like to have a pirate adventure with?” Bloom grins and shouts, “The giant squid!,” as he disappears down the carpet.
Desperate reporters, sensing doom, start to break ranks. Mutinuous USA Today, People and Us Weekly scribes climb over the metal bars and run down the carpet to try to talk to Depp, who is surrounded by Disney pubs, his personal pub, Robin Baum, and roughly two dozen black-suited security guards wearing headsets.
"If you have movie tickets, go in and take your seats,” warns a stern guard. "We’re taking him in. The movie has to start!”
The carpet has become a mob scene. Guards are getting nervous. Reporters are pleading with publicists. Cameras keep flashing. Fans are screaming, "Joooohnnnyyy!" Suddenly the situation implodes as the guards surround Depp and rush their celebrity charge down the carpet.
Reporters and cameramen have to run ahead of the Depp Delta Force, as if trying to outrun a molten lava flow. “Keep moving! Keep moving! Keep moving!,” the guards shout.
Just a few frenzied minutes later and it’s all over. Depp is gone. After waiting for six hours, disgruntled reporters pack up and leave. And countless disappointed fans only got a split-second glimpse of Depp’s fedora.
The good news? Fans can get more Depp on the revamped Pirates of the Caribbean ride. There are three amazingly life-like animatronic Jack Sparrows: one hiding at the dunking scene, another popping up from a barrel and the third counting his treasure on the ride.
If only they’d made one that signs autographs and gives interviews.
Photo Credits: Is it real or is it animatronics? Depp and his look-a-like animatronic double face-off on Disney's new Pirates ride.
WireImage/ Lester Cohen
"I was there at the premiere. It sucked to say the least! The park supposedly opened at 6:30 a.m. We entered the park at 7 a.m. to find all of Main St. taken over by fans who must've spent the night prior. We ended up finding a spot in front of the castle (where the radio stations were set up). We rotated throughout the day, holding our little spot, suffering through extreme heat and humidity. By 3 p.m. everyone stood up so we too stood up or we would lose our precious spot near the red carpet. We stood for the remainder of the evening! People began to walk the carpet...people we could care less about. Who were they anyway? Was it necessary to watch them parade by? How ridiculous! Every now and then, a "famous" person would come by. Thank God for the comical, juggling pirates who kept us entertained. Dusk came...no Johnny...no Orlando. Our legs and backs were aching. We were thirsty and I feared one of my kids might faint from heat exhaustion. I had to hold back a group of rude young teen girls who insisted on pushing me throughout the night, thinking I could actually go somewhere; we were trapped! The night grew darker and we had NO LIGHTS! The crowd chanted, "WE NEED LIGHTS! WE NEED LIGHTS!" We couldn't see a bloody thing. The radio staff were actually facing their desk lamps towards the carpet to give us light. How pathetic. To top off the 14 hour ordeal, by the time Johnny & Orlando made it to us (after 9 p.m.), they were surrounded by security and practically ran by us. My daughter was distraught. I wanted to cry for her. We went with the purpose of seeing Orlando Bloom; her crush for the past 5 years. We barely saw Johnny who quickly whisked by us and we NEVER saw Oralando. He was somewhere in the midst of the mob that surrounded him. I heard that they spent a lot of time with interviewers so towards the end, they had to speed it up since they were late for the premiere of the movie. We appreciate Kiera Knightly who so graciously stopped and gave autographs and posed in pix with some fans. We could barely walk back down Main St. we were in pain and dehydrated. We returned to our SUV utterly dissapointed. What a waste of $60 per person. "
I was EXACTLY where you were!!!! Almost approximately, and I cannot agree with you more. Where were you positioned behind the barriers? I was right up against it, I had to put my foot on the other side of the barrier because I was worried I would either get trapped against it or I would fall over. Everyone standing up at 3:00 was such a bad idea.
Posted by: Michelle | July 18, 2006 at 10:02 PM
I was one of the many fans that lined the carpet that day. I got there at roughly 5:30 in the morning and rushed to a good spot behind the barriers when the park opened, so yeah, I stood there for about 15 hours waiting for people. I was kind of disappointed on how Orlando and Johnny just kind of rushed past us (I was right in front of the castle near the middle/end of the carpet), but I did manage to get Keira and Kevin McNally's autographs and a few others. That was a very long day. Very chaotic, but I agree with an earlier post... at least it was at Disneyland where you could go to a bathroom or buy refreshments.
Posted by: Michelle | July 18, 2006 at 09:59 PM
How do you get tickets to the premiere? I'm seriously dying to know. I was searching the whole internet and I didn't find one thing on how to buy tickets! WHAT AN OUTRAGE!!!
Posted by: Angel Neill | July 16, 2006 at 11:46 AM
I didn't go to the premiere beacause I live in Florida, but I wish I did. After hearing most of these stories, it sounded kinda bad; when I heard other stories, they said it was awesome because they saw someone famous, got an autograph, and got to take a picture with them. Remember guys, the celebrities are people too. lol. But I heard the Sprouses were there too and I was like, "OMGOSH! I wanted to be there so badly." I have a huge crush on the Sprouses, haha. Anyway, congrats if you went! And if you didn't, I feel your pain. :)
Posted by: Angela | July 15, 2006 at 07:38 PM
I wish I had of been there... I love johnny Depp so much and Orlando Bloom.... My friend went there and said that he didnt turn up for soooooo long.....
Posted by: Alaina Gaines | July 14, 2006 at 01:14 PM
HEY! FIRSTLY if u live in the US at all your lucky! My friends and I live in Australia and we would die to see any of them at Disney!
Posted by: mia | July 13, 2006 at 05:19 AM
I didn't go to the premiere but I love Johnny Depp and I think Pirates 2 was awesome..I cant wait to see the next one. I have always admired Johnny and I think that his character Jack Sparrow is by far his best.
Posted by: Adrienne | July 07, 2006 at 10:14 PM
I attended the premiere and even though I knew it would be a long hot day, I made the choice to stand there to meet the man in films, that I admire the most, Johnny Depp. It really wasnt much different from any other premiere that I have been to other than in my opinion, if you have to be stuck in a place for 16 hours, Disneyland sure isnt the worst. There were bathrooms, refreshments, stores to cool off in and I feel Disney did a great job controling things. I did stand for 16 hours, but I got to meet Johnny Depp, get an autograph and speak to him. Disney tried to entertain us with the pirates doing tricks and singing, Souvenir pins and map, pirate mickey ears. Much more than you get at most premieres. Johnny spent hours signing and spending time with his fans. I admire him for his kindness towards his fans and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Posted by: Terrie | July 05, 2006 at 10:19 PM
YOo how was it. u saw tha nicca jack sparow. YOO hes mad funny. eyy whas better disney land or disney world?? ima move 2 california soon. ima hit yall niccaz upp LMAAO stay upp
Posted by: YOoOoOoo | July 05, 2006 at 05:23 PM
Wow I am surprised at how you all want to blame Disney for the fact that you sat there for 6 or 16 hours. Your Choice as well as mine. I sat around the corner hoping that I would get to see them as well. I saw Mr. Depp and never saw Mr. Bloom. I was tired and dissappointed that I didn't sit up front but I choose my seat and stuck with it all day. We got a lot of pictures and autographs from other stars. We knew that when it was getting later that we may not get to see them.I had already heard that Mr. Depp was with Make A Wish Families for 5 hours, How Great is that? I am a Special Edcuation teacher and know what it means for any child who is ill or has special needs to get even the smallest of their wishes to come true, and for him to do that for all that time is outstanding. Now can I say oh he should of been on that red carpet for me and cut his time with them. No I sure can't, CAN YOU? This is something he has done for years worked with Make A Wish, ever since he has been a star, So good for him. Now I didn't see him but for a few seconds and it really didn't change my life, but I bet it did for those families he spent the time with, I bet they had one Great painless day and smilies on their faces that their families can hold on to for when their days are not that great. He was trying to do as much as he could and please the press as well as fans, he is one man and if you know the press you know how they can take up a persons time. Disneyland stated that the park would be closing early for a Private Event, it did not say come all you fans and we will make sure you get to see the stars, Disneyland also didn't say here sit wait don't go anywhere eles. It was our choice to hang out and hope to see someone or go play for the day. And as adults we should say "This was my choice" but NO the world we live in today we always feel we are owed something. You get as much as you give, your glass can be half empty or half full. Mine will always be half full, life is to short, it is what it is. I sat 16 hours with a 16 year old young lady my God daughter Megan she never complained once even when they flew by I felt bad that I choose a seat that wasn't that great I wanted this for her, she said are you kidding this was a blast, we had fun, we played games, talked to the news, got a lot of pictures of stars and have pictures that no one eles who came to Disneyland on the 25th were able to get. Why? because it was all gone by the next day.Just the words are you kidding me made me smile, she ask if I wasn't here and it was just you would the day have been great for you? Yes!!, it would of been and it was. Well theres your answer she said.So you see We were all at the World Premier of The Pirates of The Caribbean. COOL. And as for me and Megan we would do it again in a heart beat,yes we would choose different seats and if we were one of the lucky ones so be it, if not I know we would have a GREAT time. As for all the people at Disneyland who were behind the secens: Thanks for all your hard work and for making yet another GREAT memory. Fondly Gail V
Posted by: Gail V. | July 03, 2006 at 09:28 PM
hey this movie is really cool
i hope there is way more episode's
from roxy angel
Posted by: roxy angel | July 01, 2006 at 06:15 PM
SATURDAY WAS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!! me and my friend looked for places to sit and there was like tototally no room at all!! so this kind enough to be girl let us sit with her. we waited and waited. then we finally started seeing people coming down the red carpet. i was just taking picture with some of the famous people. when i heard someone say " orlando said i was awesome!" and thats when i knew johnny depp and keira were coming along too. i was crying when i got just a little glimpse of johnny. me and my friend screamed just to get him to get over here. luckily for us there was a news reporter like 2 feet from us and so we screamed and he was getting closer to us giving everyone hugs. when i saw him come towards me i grabbed him and gave him a great big hug. i was so amazed. i wanted to take a picture with him but he was geting pulled away by his body guards, luckily for me my friend got a video of me huggin him. im so glad i got to meet johnny depp. it was my dream to meet him since the thrid grade :]
i guess dreams do come true
Posted by: FRIDA | June 27, 2006 at 09:05 PM
I was at the Pirates of the Caribbean 2 Premiere I was sitting in the sun for 16 hours waiting for Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom. It was not 10 o clock untill they came and they were almost jogging down the carpet I was so upset.I saw many girls eyes getting.I did not even see him for 4 seconds but Orlando Bloom was kind enough to wave to us as he was getting rushed down the carpet. All I wanted was a good picture and a autograph from both of the stars.I was fortunate enough to get a good picture of Keira Knightley and a autograph from her.I hope for the next year's premiere that I can get a autograph and a picture from both stars.
Posted by: rebecca | June 27, 2006 at 04:39 PM
Governator and Maria Shriver looked HOT together. Although, I really think that Maria should've worn a more decent t-shirt.
Posted by: Cathy Viviano | June 27, 2006 at 01:32 PM
I waited for 16 hours and just saw Johnny for 2 seconds I did not even get a chance to take a picture. he should have at least been there to pose for pictures. I was really disapointed we never saw orlando either and it was pitch black so I dont think any of the pictures I did get came out. sigh.
Posted by: Tracy | June 27, 2006 at 12:49 AM
I was there, but I did NOT wait at the red carpet all day. I arrived around 11am, enjoyed walking around Disneyland and went on rides, ate a late lunch around 3:30pm, then finally joined the crowd a little after 4pm. We took up a spot towards the end of the reporters/journalists lighting, only a few rows of people back from the barricade. Not too shabby for last minute. I am so over wasting an entire day to see a person-though I did waste a few hours that night. Since I was at the end of the lights, I was one of many who only caught a quick glimpse of Johnny and Orlando-who were hidden among a throng of security and publicists, not to mention Marilyn Manson was only a short hop in front of them so we NEVER knew they were right behind him til it was too late.
Girls were crying, confused and betrayed. For whatever reasons they were running late,the guys only signed and did photo ops in the front. Its understandable they ran out of time. I wont lie, I was definitely disappointed I couldnt catch a pic or two of them before they walked away so fast, considering I really wanted to see them as well. But hey, it wasn't their fault, not even Disneylands fault.... they're just people. sh!t happens. there will be more movies that they're in, they will be at more premieres. just be happy you can say, I WAS THERE. =)
Posted by: Brianne | June 26, 2006 at 06:42 PM
I find it difficult to believe that sane people spent hours standing in the hot sun to get a momentary glimpse of a celebrity. I find it even more difficult to believe that those people are saying that Disney handled this poorly. Don't they realize that Disney didn't orchestrate this whole thing for THEIR benefit? Disney wanted, and got, publicity for the film.
As for Johnny Depp arriving late and being whisked away; if you have ever watched the awards shows he ALWAYS arrives late and is whisked away!
Posted by: Disney Regular | June 26, 2006 at 04:13 PM
I was lucky to attend the Red Carpet. I had booked our Disney vacation months before learning of this, and didn't think we'd get to be a part of it.
We were lucky enough to get a personal wave from Orlando Bloom; and were disappointed that Johnny Depp was whisked so suddenly down the Red Carpet.
But it was still a great time. To be part of a World Premiere, and to receive the button and map that were done for ONE DAY ONLY, those are great souvenirs!
I think it's sad that so many people are disappointed; but it comes with the territory. I never thought my daughter would make eye contact with her crush, but that made the entire trip worthwhile. Even if that hadn't happened, just being in the excitement was great.
Why are so many people down on Disney and security for doing their job? I'd like to see any of us "ordinary folk" plan such an event without a hitch. I think it turned out great. Celebrities have their "ordinary" side, too, so if Johnny wants to spend his time with families instead of cameras, good for him! If Keira wants to sign autographs instead of chat with reporters, good for her! The point is, atleast we got to see them in person, which is something millions of millions of people will NEVER get to do. That's worth standing around for.
Posted by: Mj | June 26, 2006 at 01:53 PM
Would like to set the record straight - my husband was at the premier working behind the scenes and 2 thing I would like to say:
1) JOHNNY DEPP WAS SPENDING TIME WITH 5 MAKE A WISH FAMILIES BEFoRE THE PREMIER, SO I AM SURE THAT ATE UP A LOT OF HIS TIME THAT THESE "REPORTERS" FELT JIPPED OUT OF - SO TAKE THAT and
2) SOME MORON CASTMEMBER AT DISNEYLAND DID NOT RECOGNIZE ORLANDO BLOOM AND HE WAS DENIED ACCESS INTO THE PARK AT FIRST - WHICH OF COURSE TOOK UP A LOT OF SAID "PHOTO-OP" AND REPORTERS INTERVIEW TIME - THEN, OF COURSE, IT WAS PANDEMONIUM WHEN THE MISTAKE WAS REALIZED
So, next time reporters want to whine and cry foul - they shold get some of their "molls" to find out what's really going on!
Posted by: V. Adrian | June 26, 2006 at 12:28 PM
I WAS THERE!! BUT I WAS REALLY DISAPPOINTED. I DO NOT BLAME JOHNNY,KEIRA, OR ORLANDO, I BLAME DISNEYLAND BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T ORGANIZE THE PREMIERE WELL. IN OTHER WORDS DISNEYLAND SUCKS!!!
Posted by: YANET ROBLES | June 26, 2006 at 11:18 AM
I'm amused that so many people would waste their entire day( and night!) to catch a momentary glimpse of a movie star. I'm an avid film fan, seeing 4-8 films a month. I enjoy the actors for the roles they play, not for what they look like in real life or for their scrawl on a slip of paper. I won't put down the poor saps who hobbled out of Disneyland in pain and dehydrated,but just sit back and relax in air-conditioned comfort when I actually go to see Pirates in the theater....that's the way you're supposed to see those stars!
Posted by: Patty | June 26, 2006 at 10:36 AM
It all worked out exactly as my evil plan predicted!!
80% of the people in the park were jammed around the red astroturf in the heat and humidity, and I didn't spend more than 40 minutes in line for SINGLE ride on a hot July day--something I can't ever remember happening before! Space Mountain, 20 to 30 minute wait times all day long (I rode 3 times at that rate!) , Star Tours and Buzz Light Year virtual walkons, Indiana Jones, 35 minutes without the horrible Fast Pass system and the virtually the entire queue inside the amazingly designed and well air-conditioned building, all of Fantasyland under 10 minutes. :) :) :) I rode every single open ride before 6, there were very, very few misbhaving teenagers in the lines, and I had more than plenty of time to park bounce to DCA to half a dozen rides before the poor, misplace Electrical Parade.
Hey, if the promise of celebrities walking on astroturf down Main Street does all that for the rest of the guests, I say have a movie premiere every week!
Posted by: Sheryl | June 26, 2006 at 10:22 AM
Maybe Lex Luthor had something to do with the premiere going haywire - or maybe it was simply a case of Disney overproducing and mis-managing the event? Interestingly, the premiere for Superman Returns - considered the biggest challenger to the "Pirates' Box Office Booty" - went flawlessly and rewarded the people who most deserved the attention: the fans.
Posted by: Matthew | June 26, 2006 at 09:26 AM
i think that johnny is an inspiring actor and is probably one of the best if not the best. his role in pirates is the best he is so funny and a pleasure to watch he is also brilliant in edward scissorhands it seems like he is really lost in thit movie he plays it so real
Posted by: karen flavin | June 26, 2006 at 09:03 AM
I was there for seven grueling hours on Saturday and it was a sad day for the Unmagic Kingdom.
Disney owes an immediate apology to its paying customers and Johnny Depp -- and maybe even to those disgruntled journalists -- for putting on such an amateur and unorganized display of incompetence.
Walt would not be pleased and I'm selling my Disney stock. Shameful!
Posted by: theRealIssue | June 26, 2006 at 08:58 AM
I love what you wrote . You did a very creditable writeup of what
should be termed a publicity disaster. You made it sound like it was fun to
be there but oh, it must have been so tiring for the patient press to
wait so long for stars, particularly for the lead Depp to show.
But then
there was the Exciting ride down the Red Carpet being chased by Depp
and his guards. I wonder if that made up for the long wait sufficiently?
Posted by: Nicki | June 26, 2006 at 08:34 AM
I was there at the premiere. It sucked to say the least! The park supposedly opened at 6:30 a.m. We entered the park at 7 a.m. to find all of Main St. taken over by fans who must've spent the night prior. We ended up finding a spot in front of the castle (where the radio stations were set up). We rotated throughout the day, holding our little spot, suffering through extreme heat and humidity. By 3 p.m. everyone stood up so we too stood up or we would lose our precious spot near the red carpet. We stood for the remainder of the evening! People began to walk the carpet...people we could care less about. Who were they anyway? Was it necessary to watch them parade by? How ridiculous! Every now and then, a "famous" person would come by. Thank God for the comical, juggling pirates who kept us entertained. Dusk came...no Johnny...no Orlando. Our legs and backs were aching. We were thirsty and I feared one of my kids might faint from heat exhaustion. I had to hold back a group of rude young teen girls who insisted on pushing me throughout the night, thinking I could actually go somewhere; we were trapped! The night grew darker and we had NO LIGHTS! The crowd chanted, "WE NEED LIGHTS! WE NEED LIGHTS!" We couldn't see a bloody thing. The radio staff were actually facing their desk lamps towards the carpet to give us light. How pathetic. To top off the 14 hour ordeal, by the time Johnny & Orlando made it to us (after 9 p.m.), they were surrounded by security and practically ran by us. My daughter was distraught. I wanted to cry for her. We went with the purpose of seeing Orlando Bloom; her crush for the past 5 years. We barely saw Johnny who quickly whisked by us and we NEVER saw Oralando. He was somewhere in the midst of the mob that surrounded him. I heard that they spent a lot of time with interviewers so towards the end, they had to speed it up since they were late for the premiere of the movie. We appreciate Kiera Knightly who so graciously stopped and gave autographs and posed in pix with some fans. We could barely walk back down Main St. we were in pain and dehydrated. We returned to our SUV utterly dissapointed. What a waste of $60 per person.
Posted by: Nancy Amarin | June 25, 2006 at 10:07 PM
It's ashame that these things get so bungled. They need to make a fake Depp so it won't be so rushed next time. The regular people never get to meet the actor and everyone is disappointed. I don't like it at all.
Posted by: Jason Thompson | June 25, 2006 at 08:11 PM
I don't know where you wre positioned on the red carpet, but I watched the premier via the MSN Live Webcast and Johnny Depp was all over the place signing autographs for fans along the way. He also gave an interview to MSN. Dish Diva who did the interview for the MSN broadcast said things were going slowly because Johnny was stopping frequently to sign autographs. Although the webcast was originally scheduled to run 1 1/2 hours, they said they were hanging in there (and obviously improvising) until they interviewed Johnny. He arrived after 2 hours and 15 minutes minutes into the webcast. Thank you MSN letting all of us be there!
Posted by: Cindy | June 25, 2006 at 04:05 PM
I would've wished to see a photo of Bill Nighy appearing, and maybe a little more report on other things than Johnny not turning up for so long. Well, one has to be glad you noticed that fantastic Bill Nighy at all.
Posted by: Becca | June 25, 2006 at 12:19 PM