[Scene: The Ellen DeGeneres Show set. The audience is buzzing with excitement. Ellen is standing by her desk with her signature mischievous smile. Sandra Bullock and Sarah Paulson are seated on the couch next to her, laughing and chatting.]
Ellen:
Okay, okay, you two. It’s been so much fun having you both on the show today. You’ve got the Bird Box connection, you’ve been in so many amazing projects together, and now… I think it’s time for a little fun.
Sandra Bullock: (laughs)
Oh, no. What’s going on here?
Sarah Paulson: (nervous smile)
I feel like we’re being set up for something…
Ellen: (grinning)
You’re not wrong. You see, Sandra, Sarah… You’ve both been in a lot of thrillers, but I’m not sure you’ve ever been in a real-life horror moment, have you?
Sandra Bullock: (playfully)
What do you mean, real-life horror? Are you seriously going to try and scare us?
Ellen:
Oh, you’ll see. But first, let’s take a look at something.
[Ellen turns to the screen, and a clip begins playing. It’s a short, harmless montage of Bird Box scenes, with dramatic music playing. The audience is laughing, and both Sandra and Sarah seem a bit more relaxed.]
Sarah Paulson: (laughing)
Oh, this is cute. What’s next?
[Suddenly, the screen flashes to black. There’s an eerie sound that fills the room, and a loud, ghostly scream echoes through the studio.]
Ellen: (grinning mischievously)
And… now this happens!
[A fake ghostly figure suddenly jumps out from behind the couch, causing Sandra and Sarah to both jump out of their seats, screaming loudly. The audience bursts into laughter.]
Sandra Bullock: (gasping and clutching her chest)
Oh my God! What the—!?
Sarah Paulson: (laughing and standing up quickly)
Ellen! What is that?!
Ellen: (laughing hysterically, wiping away a tear)
I told you! You both are always acting tough on screen. Let’s see how tough you are now!
[Sandra and Sarah, still recovering from the scare, start laughing. Sandra puts her hand over her heart.]
Sandra Bullock:
I did not sign up for this! I thought we were just talking!
Sarah Paulson: (still holding her chest)
I need a moment! That… was too real. I didn’t sign up for horror on this level, Ellen!
Ellen: (laughing)
It’s always a good day when you can scare Sarah Paulson. Look at that face — pure terror!
Sandra Bullock:
I’m just trying to breathe right now. I almost didn’t survive that one.
Sarah Paulson: (laughing and catching her breath)
We’ve been in horror films, and this… this was the real deal.
Ellen:
Glad you’re okay, but now we know who’s tough and who’s not!
[The audience continues to laugh as Sandra and Sarah try to compose themselves, still giggling.]
Sandra Bullock: (wiping away a tear of laughter)
I’m going to need a strong drink after that. Seriously, you got me good.
Ellen: (smiling wide)
Well, I’m glad you two survived. That’s the real horror. Thank you so much for being such great sports, you guys.
[The audience erupts in applause.]
