"Boss, A Wicked Ghost has already surpassed 500 million at the box office!" Zoroark said excitedly.
Edward didn't react much upon hearing that. Five hundred million? That was within expectations. For his horror films, this was a normal figure. So far, none of Edward's movies had ever earned less than a billion.
He had long since earned the title of "the billion-dollar director."
That said, horror films were naturally limited by their genre—it was hard to push the box office too high. Trying to surpass the highest-grossing Pokémon film in history would be extremely difficult.
But Edward had already figured out a solution. He planned to take on a big-budget film in a different genre to try and break the record of Pokémon League, which held the all-time box office record at a whopping 4.5 billion Pokédollars.
Pokémon League was a semi-autobiographical production about the League itself, with massive investment, featuring many former Champions and Gym Leaders playing themselves, along with dramatized versions of real historical events. It had earned its place as the number one box office hit in Pokémon film history. Even by the standards of Edward's previous world, this figure would be outstanding—many top-tier films there never even hit 3 billion.
"How's the auditioning process going for Season 2 of Sherlock Holmes?" Edward asked, setting aside the file in his hand and turning to Zoroark.
This was the thing he was currently most concerned about. It had been seven days since A Wicked Ghost was released, and while the box office was starting to taper off, surpassing a billion was no problem. It was time to start focusing on the next project.
"Extremely competitive. Boss, just from the Galar region alone, we've received tons of auditions from big-name celebrities and award-winning actors. Even Champion Leon wants a role," Zoroark said with a slightly stressed expression.
Galar, being one of the major regions in the League, was home to many celebrities, including both a Best Actor and Best Actress who were considered top-tier in the entertainment world.
And yet… one Sherlock Holmes series had drawn them all in.
"What about the auditions that made it through the first round of screening?" Edward rubbed his temples, not too surprised by this situation. After all, Sherlock Holmes was the highest-rated series of all time. And since the setting was heavily inspired by Galar, it made sense that all of Galar's celebrities would want to compete for roles.
It reminded him of how the explosive success of Harry Potter had once caused every actor in the UK to dream of even a tiny cameo role. Now Sherlock Holmes was doing the same.
"Still a huge number. We've already invited some respected industry veterans to help with the auditions, but even after screening, there are still over ten thousand qualified candidates," Zoroark said with a sigh.
It had barely had time to play any games recently—most of its hours were spent managing the casting chaos.
Everyone knew that Director Edward only cared about acting skill, not connections, status, or looks. So naturally, all the actors who believed in their own talents rushed to apply. And the ones who made it past the first round were all top-notch performers—no weak links.
Edward couldn't help but roll his eyes.
What kind of hellish situation was this?
Even after filtering, they still had ten thousand actors? Did he look like someone who needed ten thousand A-list talents just to shoot one Sherlock Holmes season?
Unless he used all of them as extras, which was both unrealistic and expensive. Just the cost of boxed lunches would be massive—though Edward wasn't exactly short on funds.
After all, even before filming started, Sherlock Holmes Season 2 had already secured record-breaking sponsorships. Galar's League Film Department had thrown five hundred million at Edward and given him access to Galar's most luxurious train for filming.
In short, he had more than enough money to sign Best Actors and Best Actresses just to play minor roles.
Still, Edward valued casting logic in his projects. Sherlock Holmes had roles with strict age and personality requirements. Some veteran actors might be technically amazing, but a woman in her forties couldn't convincingly portray a youthful teenage girl—no matter how good the makeup was, it just wouldn't feel right.
"Keep filtering. Strictly. I want nothing less than perfection. Pick out the actors with the best acting skills and those who best match their roles," Edward finally said. There was no other choice but to keep eliminating and disappointing people.
Zoroark nodded and was about to leave to carry out the order when Edward stopped it again.
Edward realized that this approach might be too ruthless.
The casting team at Ghost Film Pictures was no joke. Daniel, now a great actor himself, was helping, along with several other revered industry veterans. Anyone who passed their screening was already top-tier talent.
To put it in academic terms: all these actors were valedictorians of their cities.
But Edward wasn't just looking for valedictorians. He wanted national champions.
These candidates had all met the basic requirements for genius—but Edward wanted exceptional geniuses.
Yet… it still felt a little heartless to toss them all aside.
"Tell the planning department to come to my office," Edward tapped his fingers against the table.
He had decided to do something big.
Those who passed the initial round of screening were undoubtedly skilled. Some were likely even hidden gems. Edward decided to use this opportunity to launch a reality show.
He would invite famous directors, seasoned actors, and actresses to create a talent show focused purely on acting.
It would be similar to those types of programs from his previous life—but with no scripts, no favoritism, and no behind-the-scenes deals. Just a bunch of pre-screened, high-level actors.
From that pool, the judges would select the best of the best, who would be offered contracts to star in Sherlock Holmes Season 2.
As for those who didn't make the final cut—no worries. The big-name directors watching from the judge's table might still take a liking to some of them and offer roles in future productions. Their paths wouldn't be blocked.
Zoroark quickly went off to summon the planning department, and Edward gave them a brief rundown of his idea. The planners immediately began fleshing out the program details—and called in the legal team as well.
After all, signing TV contracts with thousands of actors was no small legal feat.
"Everyone who passed the preliminary screening and is willing to participate in the show—make sure they're paid. Estimate the total cost—I'm setting aside 500 million for their appearance fees," Edward said without hesitation.
After all… he had way too much money.
More than he could ever spend.
(End of Chapter)