don't wait for me, it's not a happy ending.

With Eric's biggest dream to become a film producer, the first suggestion was to begin the journey somewhere else, on the opposite side - as an actor. Eric's career didn't start with a loud bang or whatever one might expect from an already famous last name; he wanted to earn all the points himself, prove that he didn't need the preferential treatment. He didn't ask his parents to help him get a certain role or into a particular project, but he did appreciate a fistful of advice based on their own experience, a few invaluable dos and don'ts for an easier start, all the nuances he hadn't learned in his acting classes.

His first role was in a romantic comedy. The main character's secret lover meets a tragic end and dies at the beginning of the movie over a silly misunderstanding. The few lines Eric had been entrusted with, he delivered with the right mix of humor and desperation, making the small appearance memorable. With his looks and charm, he quickly got a role in another movie of the same genre, then another one, until he proved he could easily shoulder a story himself as the male lead. Eric's father suggested getting a manager, having already found a suitable candidate. His career gained momentum, and although he was proud of the nominations and awards he earned, he didn't necessarily appreciate being labeled a romantic lead and wanted to prove he was far more versatile than that.

The first opportunity struck almost immediately, and he took it, ignoring the media predicting a disaster and his inevitable failure. The role of an eccentric Spanish American detective, Jack Castillo, wasn't the first step into the crime genre, but it was unprecedented for Eric to have no female co-star to highlight his strengths. A sneak peek on social media revealed his new character's look, which was so far from the usual, it released another avalanche of hateful comments... But Eric didn't back off. Instead, he let the negativity fuel him, working hard to make the detective a real rather than likeable or unlikable person. Soon, everyone was comparing this case to Heath Ledger's Joker, all but apologizing for their lack of trust in Sanders' talent and potential.

While more awards flooded his shelves and even more diverse offers filled his inbox, Eric's private life had gone from a dream come true to a shattered one when he discovered his wife's infidelity; a heartbreak they miraculously managed to keep private. As if reading Eric's mind and his need for a secret emotional outlet, his manager suggested accepting a controversial role of a murderous stalker that allowed him to use a pinch of what he had learned on the romcom sets, and give it an entirely new flavor. A challenge he needed in order to erase his lover label for good and open the door that had remained stubbornly closed until then.

🖤 @innxcentfaces

Nodding her head to his unspoken question, so much of their communication done through looks and expressions, entire sentences passed between them with micro-changes in their expressions and postures. It was part of what she loved to much about him, he understood her like no one before.

Didn't you say you had a surprise?

Everything around them was green, and green is a calming, relaxing color... He looked at Aggie and begged to argue - today, white was far more calming. Eric smiled to himself at the thought.

Of course, you remembered, he signed with a chuckle. His smile turned a little mischievous at the thought that she would never guess what surprise he had for her. "Any guesses?" What an easy way to get some suggestions for later straight from the source.

she doesn’t have any particular dislike for eric as a person, he’s never done anything to her. but she doesn’t appreciate weakness, and she has no pity for people who get everything they want. and all that was before they started comparing credentials. she’s not sad to have lost ownership of the theater, she would have hated directing a bunch of miserable dopes. but it wouldn’t have hurt to ask her.

“you really are all positives today!” first the ex and now the stench of rotting flesh. he really knew how to make a girl’s dream come true! so much for the happy groom, once that first wedding was done once it was done forever she guessed. always to be compared to the next girl who was tricked into saying yes. “you know i love a good show.”

sitting in the audience with a small smile on her face at the exasperation she and her paramour held in mutual contempt they could play nice for an hour or so, but it begged the question: why? “are you enjoying the party?” she’s not sure what she’s trying to seek out, she already has a few barbs which might find themselves well placed. “it is for you.”

"I swear I am all positives; what used to be a sarcastic comment three years ago is merely a fact now," he said in self-defense, but there was some truth in her observation; he didn't feel like elaborating.

On how he was hoping he was the man Aggie saw in him, on how he wished she could have a wedding like a damn princess she was. On how he tried not to show the pain that his parents would never meet Aggie. Rio. Ian. Emily.

Those thoughts kept coming to him like icicles when he least expected anything to disturb his peace and happiness, even if they didn't shatter them.

EVAN PETERS FILMOGRAPHY