If you're going to clash head-on, your weapons better be sharp! A film is like a ninja's tool, and if it's not forged well, you can't stand your ground. Without solid "weapons," Gilbert wouldn't be so confident.
The male lead was quickly settled. After CAA helped Stallone reject the project, the crew swiftly extended an invitation to Bruce Willis. Compared to the troublesome CAA, Bruce Willis, who was under ICM, was much easier to approach. In recent years, thanks to the "Die Hard" series, Bruce Willis had gradually climbed to the position of an A-list Hollywood actor. When he heard that Gilbert's new work had invited him, he was very interested and quickly instructed his agent to accept the offer.
Bruce Willis was keen, and Gilbert was straightforward; both sides had a pleasant discussion. After the contract details were ironed out, Bruce Willis signed his name on the actor's contract, becoming the second confirmed actor for the crew.
While the casting for the male and female leads went smoothly, selecting the young actor for the second male lead proved difficult for the crew. Audition after audition, but Gilbert still couldn't find the right person for Max. There was actually a suitable actor named Elijah Wood, but that kid was with CAA. Now that Gilbert had a feud with CAA, CAA rejected the offer, citing Elijah Wood's need to study. Gilbert was helpless; unless Elijah Wood himself agreed, he couldn't bypass CAA to invite Elijah Wood to star.
However, things quickly took a turn. Disney's child star talent show, "The Mickey Mouse Club," recommended a kid to the crew: thirteen-year-old Ryan Gosling. Ryan Gosling had been performing since he was a child, participating in school drama clubs and local dance troupes. What was rare was that the young boy also sang well, showing a versatile talent. So, after a series of auditions and evaluations, Ryan Gosling's outstanding performance won over the directing team and the two producers, successfully securing the role of Max, the second male lead.
With the main roles sorted, the other roles were easy, and they were quickly filled.
---
One evening, Gilbert returned to his apartment to rest after a busy day at the studio. Cameron Diaz, who had just finished shooting a film, also came back.
"Michelle, how did the audition for 'The Mask' go?" Gilbert was still concerned about Cameron Diaz's audition. Unlike her turbulent audition journey in his past life, the current Cameron Diaz had enough leverage. Listening to Gilbert, she went to contend for the female lead in "The Mask."
"It went smoothly. After a simple audition, I became the choice for the female lead!" Cameron Diaz helped massage Gilbert, not forgetting to brag, "I was the second actor confirmed!"
"That's good," Gilbert nodded, pleased with Cameron Diaz's obedience. Her willingness to listen to him showed that Cameron Diaz hadn't gotten a big head, and her entry into the ranks of A-list actresses wouldn't be far off.
"Oh, by the way," Cameron wrapped her arms around Gilbert's neck, straddling his lap, and asked, "I heard there's one role still unconfirmed, I was thinking..."
"That's just a supporting role. Are you interested in that too?"
"No," Cameron Diaz said, "Remember Sally? She's appeared in a few films and TV shows recently, but hasn't had much chance to shine. I thought since we're good friends, could you give her a chance?"
Gilbert hadn't seen Charlize Theron's name on the audition list. Getting onto an audition list wasn't easy; it involved many twists and turns. From what Gilbert understood, Assistant Director Anne Burton had used her position to, shall we say, "get acquainted" with a few young male actors. If you didn't, sorry, you wouldn't make it onto the audition list, not even getting a chance for Gilbert to see your name. Even Sophia Coppola, using her position, had gone on dates with a handsome actor.
Of course, Anne Burton and Sophia Coppola hadn't gone overboard; they hadn't affected the crew's normal work. Gilbert had merely warned them to be a bit more discreet. Such situations were commonplace everywhere, and Gilbert didn't see anything wrong with it. "Water too clear has no fish," after all! As long as it didn't delay work or cause unexpected problems, he was happy to turn a blind eye. Besides, the decision-making power for important roles wasn't in the hands of subordinates; Gilbert and the two producers had the final say.
The rich heiress role was considered important, so Charlize Theron probably knew she had no hope and simply didn't submit her resume. Instead, she took Cameron Diaz's route, seeking connections. At least Gilbert had heard of Charlize Theron's reputation in his past life. Compared to actors whose names he'd never heard, she was a guarantee, so Gilbert didn't refuse and readily agreed.
"That's great! I knew you'd agree..."
Cameron Diaz kissed Gilbert firmly on the lips, then leaned in close, whispering mysteriously in his ear, "Sally has a great figure, you know. Want to give it a try?" Having had a "three-person exercise" experience with Naomi Watts, Cameron Diaz said this without blushing.
Gilbert was tempted, but he said, "I'll handle you first."
"Hehehe, come on, you think I'm scared?"
Many words that night melted into a primal embrace.
---
The next day, a refreshed Gilbert notified Assistant Director Anne Burton to have Charlize Theron attend the audition. Cameron Diaz also told Charlize Theron.
Charlize Theron was delighted; this was a significant opportunity for her, so she was worried about messing up her audition. The carefree Cameron Diaz said, "Don't worry, Sally, I've already talked to Gilbert. As long as your audition meets the requirements, he'll definitely prioritize you."
Charlize Theron hoped, "I hope so!"
Soon it was audition time. Guided by Cameron Diaz, Charlize Theron had met with Sophia Coppola a few times beforehand, learning about the general characteristics of her audition role. On the day of the audition, Charlize Theron designed her look to highlight her long legs and height, while also emphasizing a proud and disdainful demeanor. Cameron Diaz advised Charlize Theron that if she didn't know how to act, she should just portray the personality of Gilbert's "ex-girlfriend," Gwyneth Paltrow.
With a reference point, Charlize Theron indeed found her direction, and her audition was excellent. "Very good, Miss Theron, your performance exceeded my expectations," Gilbert said.
After performing a small segment, Charlize Theron waited humbly, then replied, "These are just the characteristics I should display."
"Excellent," Gilbert exchanged glances with the directing team, "How do you feel?"
Assistant Director Anne Burton said, "No problem, Director, I think she's good."
"Sophia?"
Since she was the one who leaked the character's personality traits, Sophia Coppola naturally supported her: "She acted very well; I recommend her." Without Gilbert's permission, Sophia Coppola certainly wouldn't have told Charlize Theron the character information. Although she agreed verbally, Sophia Coppola secretly grumbled, She's clearly the actress he fancied, but he wants us to vouch for her, how hypocritical...
This role was a significant one, but clearly not _that_ important, so the role was decided on the spot, belonging to Charlize Theron.
When Charlize Theron walked out of the audition hall, she was still dazed until her agent asked her how it went. Only then did she react.
"Diana, I got the role!" Charlize Theron said happily.
Charlize Theron's agent couldn't believe her ears: "What did you say? Say it again..."
"I said, we got the role!"
"Oh my god, that's wonderful! God is finally looking out for us," the agent made the sign of the cross. She was just a small agent, and Charlize Theron was her only client. Charlize Theron getting a role meant her career was also about to take off. So, the two immediately went to celebrate, celebrating their entry into the Hollywood circle.