Chapter 138: Heavenly Kings and Best Actresses Gather, Lineup Selected

"Director Wei, I am truly grateful. I never expected we would be able to collaborate so soon."

This year, Liu Tianwang could be called the industry's model worker. *The Warlords* had only just wrapped up, and he was already looking at joining the cast of *Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon* before long. He hadn't expected to receive a call from Wei Jin at this moment—a sci-fi blockbuster with a 400 million investment.

At this moment, Liu Tianwang's voice was somewhat excited; the low spirits caused by being entangled in news reports were swept away.

"Brother Hua, let's settle the small matters before the gentlemanly ones. First, you must reserve four months of your schedule for me. The preliminary training will not be easy, so be mentally prepared. Second, Mandarin—I hope you can give me a surprise when we officially start filming. Third, I absolutely do not allow actors to work on multiple sets at once."

"Director Wei, don't worry, no problem. I will handle it."

Before Wei Jin could finish speaking, Liu Tianwang decisively stated his position. *Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon* had been in preparation for some time and was originally scheduled to start in April, but compared to a project with a 400 million investment, it was not difficult for him to make a choice.

"Keep it confidential for now. There will be a press conference in a few days; we will announce it then."

Han Sanping of China Film Group hoped to make the project public, and the other three investors also expressed their agreement. Wei Jin had no objections and thus consented. — Inside the large conference room of China Film Group, the project press conference for *The Martian* was officially held.

The scale of this press conference was very large; almost all domestic media had come, waiting to get the first-hand information on the project. After all, it was a sci-fi blockbuster with a 400 million investment, which was unprecedented in the country.

"Director Wei, may I ask what reason led you to launch this project? As far as we know, there hasn't been such a sci-fi blockbuster in the country yet, right?"

Some reporters were concerned about the source of the project, and it was clear that many had this doubt.

"There isn't one domestically for the time being, but does that mean we should never do it? As everyone knows, sci-fi blockbusters are the best way to improve the foundation of the film industry, and our current film market is booming. I also want to contribute my part."

In such an occasion, Wei Jin naturally shouted slogans loudly, trying his best to make it sound grand and sophisticated.

"Then, may I ask the investors, with such a large cost, do you have confidence in breaking even?"

The topic was passed to the several investors. The representatives looked at each other and handed the floor to Han Sanping.

"For many projects, we cannot simply consider the issue of profitability. As Director Wei said, this is a responsibility as a leader in the industry."

Han Sanping's words were very high-level; regardless of the outcome, the advancement of the project would certainly strengthen the development of the film industry.

After observing the reporters' reactions, Han Sanping paused and continued: "In addition, China Film Group has always had great confidence in Director Wei's projects, and this time is no exception. Of course, we are not just shouting slogans. To ensure profitability, the major investors, including Director Wei, have made a series of arrangements. It is not convenient to disclose the specifics for now, but what I can tell everyone is that the film will be released globally simultaneously."

"May I ask, regarding the cast..." — "China Film Group, Wanda, Fiber, and Aerospace Science and Industry, together with Director Wei Jin, held a new film project launch press conference in Beijing."

"The new film is a hard sci-fi blockbuster with a total investment expected to be 400 million yuan, not excluding the possibility of additional investment."

"It is reported that the novel of the same name as the film is already being serialized online, and the English version has also been launched. The film will be written and directed by Director Wei Jin, telling the story of..."

"Can the collaboration between a Heavenly King and an Oscar Director create sparks at the box office?"

After the press conference ended, the situation at the scene had already made the news headlines.

This press conference did not dispel the media's doubts. Some questioned whether the domestic film industry's level could support the film's production, some questioned where the investors' money would ultimately be spent, and others questioned whether Liu Tianwang could carry the box office.

However, Liu Tianwang really didn't know what was going on. He had appeared in quite a few big productions over the past two years, but the box office results were not very good. The total box office for *Protégé*, released in mid-February, was only 65 million. The highest box office in these years was actually still from *House of Flying Daggers* three years ago.

Wei Jin only hoped that *New World* in the May Day slot would save some face; otherwise, the media would start questioning his judgment.

After the press conference ended, Wei Jin knew that for this period, the major investors, including himself, would have no peace.

Sure enough, Wei Jin's phone had almost never been idle, but what surprised him very much was that Zhang Ziyi actually called as well. — "Director Wei, can we collaborate this time?"

On the phone, Zhang Ziyi's posture was very low; she had been very unlucky recently.

After the Oscars at the end of February, she was photographed with her new boyfriend engaging in indecent acts on the court. She had only calmed down for a few days when the identity of her new boyfriend, Aiwei Niwo, a major shareholder of Warner, was exposed online. Everyone felt she was deep and calculating; since entering the industry, all her past boyfriends had been aids to her career.

That wasn't all. A few days ago, a semi-nude advertisement photo of her circulated online. The scale was shocking, and Zhang Ziyi's pure image gradually became dissolute, with her reputation plummeting.

"Ms. Zhang, the female character's screen time is not very much, so there's no need to..."

"Director Wei, is our agreement still valid?"

Wei Jin was just about to refuse, but unexpectedly, Zhang Ziyi's attitude was very firm, even going so far as to bring up the agreement between the two. This also meant that she had given up on the North American project. It seemed that the recent public opinion had really pushed her to the limit.

"... Fine, we are even now." — *The Martian* could almost be said to be a one-man show for the male lead. Given the age requirements for an astronaut, Wei Jin set some thresholds.

The plot was also adjusted; there were no shady things, and the story revolved entirely around the male lead's self-rescue and the rescue mission.

The six-person Mars Squad, four men and two women, had slightly more screen time, while the remaining Earth portion had much less.

The male lead had already been confirmed as Liu Tianwang, and Zhang Ziyi had also secured a female role. Wei Jin also had some ideas for the remaining roles.

This time, the company's male artists were all in the *Scarlet Heart* crew, so Wei Jin did not consider them. As for the female roles, except for Jiang Shuying, Wei Jin did not consider anyone else. Roles with too little screen time did not add much to an actor, so it wasn't necessary. He simply sent out audition notices to companies in the industry.

Many talent agencies received the casting requirements for *The Martian*, but the roles left for them did not have much screen time.

"Yawen, aren't you and Wei Jin classmates? Is there any possibility this time?"

In the office, Wang Jinhua looked at Zhu Yawen with the casting requirements.

"Sister Hua, stop joking. Director Wei and I can only be considered alumni; we barely know each other."

Zhu Yawen was somewhat dumbfounded. Wei Jin became famous too early and rarely went to school. Besides, they weren't even in the same major, so where would the friendship come from? "And I don't meet the casting conditions either." "Hmm, I was hoping that with your alumni connection, you could at least land a supporting role. After all, it's a 400 million blockbuster. It seems I can only let others try their luck..."

Like Wang Jinhua, there were many companies that had great interest in the project, and Tangren was naturally no exception.

However, what surprised Ms. Cai was that before she could take any action, she received a call from Wei Jin's company, asking Hu Ge and Liu Shishi to come for an audition.

Ms. Cai almost wept with joy. Wei Jin had finally acted like a human being for once. She hurriedly offered an investment share in *Chinese Paladin 3*, hoping that he would continue to look after Tangren in the future. — Wei Jin realized how efficient a project with a green light all the way could be. News came from the China Film Group project team that work in all aspects was steadily progressing.

Aerospace Science and Industry was worthy of being a key national unit; the efficiency was truly high, and various design blueprints were produced very quickly.

The project team responsible for the actual filming site also provided a clear timetable. In about a month, the infrastructure could be completed. The vast Huaxia was indeed worthy of being a "madman of infrastructure."

The training hall at the Aerospace Center had also been negotiated, provided to the crew free of charge. Once the roles were confirmed, training could begin immediately.

Seeing that the preliminary preparation work was progressing smoothly, Wei Jin also focused his mind on casting. Currently, many resumes had been received, and they were still being sent in continuously.

Although Wei Jin made the decisions regarding the cast, the major investors had the right to know. With such a large plate, it was reasonable to have supervision.

Therefore, even though he had some plans in mind, Wei Jin still had to go through the audition process.

Flipping through the resumes in his hand, Wei Jin excluded the high-paid big-name actors in advance. With Liu Tianwang and Zhang Ziyi already on board, the salaries of the remaining actors could not be high. This was to reasonably control the proportion of actor salaries in the project's production.

After some thought, Wei Jin circled a few names for important roles: Hu Jun, Zhang Hanyu, Zhang Yi, Wu Jing, and Hu Ge.

He had already collaborated with Hu Jun before, and his appearance was also very suitable. Zhang Hanyu, Zhang Yi, and Wu Jing all had a soldier's temperament, fitting the image of an astronaut. Hu Ge was purely a favor, but out of five, three would be chosen, so it would also depend on his luck.

For the remaining important ground supporting roles, Wei Jin also circled some veteran actors.

As for the other female role, Jing Tian really wanted to appear in Wei Jin's film. Even though she already knew that a large amount of training was required in the early stages, she indicated that it was no problem, so Wei Jin did not refuse.

The only thing to consider was that the makeup might need to be done to look a bit older. As for other female artists, what did that have to do with Wei Jin? — This audition seemed very relaxed. They were basically all acquaintances, and many didn't even need to audition; they just chatted simply because they were all good enough.

Chen Baoguo's aura was truly strong; he was born with the temperament of a superior. This was someone Wei Jin had specially invited.

"Teacher Chen Baoguo, the role of the China National Space Administration director is very suitable for you; sitting in the rear to stabilize the morale of the troops, what do you think?"

"Since you've said so, I naturally have no problem with it. I am also very much looking forward to Director Wei's film, haha."

Just as Chen Baoguo left, two old acquaintances walked in: Hu Ge and Liu Shishi from Tangren.

Seeing Hu Ge again, Wei Jin could barely tell that he had undergone plastic surgery.

"Lao Hu, you've recovered quite well. I keep my word; this time, regardless of whether you are selected or not, I will definitely arrange another supporting role for you."

"Thank you, Director Wei. I will work hard."

Hu Ge knew his own situation best; he was already very grateful that Wei Jin was willing to give him a chance.

"Shishi, I called you over this time because there is a small role for you. The screen time isn't much, so there's no need to specifically arrange a schedule for it."

Asking Liu Shishi to come and make an appearance was purely because Wei Jin felt a bit guilty; he had cut off her fated role and romantic connection.

He didn't know if, with *Scarlet Heart* gone, she would still have any entanglements with that old man, but Wei Jin felt he could still help with some things.

"Thank you, Director Wei. I'm just happy to be able to act in your movie; you are such a good person."

A hint of shyness appeared on Liu Shishi's face; as a newcomer who had just debuted, being able to make an appearance in a Wei Jin movie naturally made her overjoyed.

Taking advantage of the time while Hu Ge went to change his costume, Wei Jin started chatting with Liu Shishi. The young girl was delicate and beautiful, and her voice was pleasant, which put Wei Jin in a very comfortable mood, and his desire to "collect stamps" began to surface again.

Soon, Hu Ge came out after changing his look, but after seeing his appearance and performance, Wei Jin sighed inwardly—he still wasn't qualified enough.

In the end, Wei Jin gave Hu Ge a role with slightly more screen time on the ground, which could be considered not letting him make the trip in vain. —— "We're all old friends, what are you standing there for? Sit."

In the office, Wei Jin gestured for the three finalized male actors to sit down.

Hu Jun and Wu Jing appeared slightly more casual; after all, they had collaborated before and knew Wei Jin's personality.

Zhang Yi was a bit reserved. He didn't have much of a friendship with Wei Jin; he had only acted in *Soldiers Sortie*, which was invested in by Wei Jin Company. This time, he had submitted his resume with the mindset of just giving it a try, never expecting that he would actually succeed.

"A week from now, we will enter the training base. None of you have any problems with that, right?"

"No problem, we guarantee we will arrive on time."

The three spoke in unison without the slightest hesitation. For a project like this, they couldn't afford to be the least bit careless. Although they had signed contracts, as long as filming hadn't started, everything was subject to change.

What's more, even if filming had officially started, being replaced was not uncommon in the industry, although they had never heard of it happening on a Wei Jin film set.

"Gentlemen, happy to be working with you!"

"Director Wei, happy to be working with you!"

With this, the cast of *The Martian* was finalized, and the 400 million investment sci-fi blockbuster entered the countdown to filming. Second update today, I earnestly request all readers to reward me with subscriptions, follow-up readings, and collections. Please flip to the last page for the follow-up reading, thank you everyone! (End of chapter)