Chapter 281: Casting for

In the country, if you want to make a military film, you definitely can't do it without the military's approval.

In the previous life, *Red Sea Operation* was produced in part by the Marine Administration Television Art Center. When *Wolf Warrior 2* was filmed, it also received military support, allowing it to be completed smoothly.

*Mighty Troop* belongs to the sci‑fi military genre, and as a huge, overseas‑targeted special‑effects blockbuster, it must obtain military consent.

And the *Mighty Troop 1* Jiang Heng is making this time draws mainly from *Battle of the Heavenly River*, which includes a scene of a fleet's simultaneous barrage; after much thought, Jiang Heng feels it is more appropriate to cooperate with the Marine Administration Television Art Center.

He naturally doesn't know anyone at the Center, but Han Sanping must know them.

That afternoon, he arranged to have tea with Chairman Han, and casually talked about the new film.

"Sci‑fi military?"

Han Sanping was indeed taken aback; after all, military topics aren't very popular domestically, and they seem to have few audiences in the international market.

After all, in 2007 China's military strength wasn't very strong to foreigners.

Hollywood filming American soldiers fighting aliens is one thing, but Chinese making it would probably be a bit lacking!

"Wouldn't that be too radical?"

Han Sanping weighed his words; it was Jiang Heng who raised the idea, and if someone else had said it, he might have cursed them as "crazy".

"Sci‑fi military, after all, tells a story set in the future; today's domestic military strength is a bit lacking, but I believe the future will surpass the United States!"

"I believe it too!"

Han Sanping said something, then after thinking added, "Alright, I'll arrange a meeting with the leadership of the Marine Administration (Television Art Center) for you! By the way, regarding investment, how much are you prepared to put in?"

"Two hundred million US dollars!"

"Still a huge sum as always!" Han Sanping sighed, "Set aside thirty million for China Film!"

Although he doesn't fully endorse the 'sci‑fi military' genre, since every film Jiang Heng makes becomes a box‑office hit, Han Sanping feels it is still worthwhile to get involved.

After all, there really is no risk.

Jiang Heng naturally had no objections; other films can be set aside, but military movies require so many coordination matters that he really needs China Film to share the load.

Han Sanping went to contact the Marine Administration Television Art Center, while Jiang Heng began to consider casting issues.

The film's first male lead is Ge Xiaolun, whose character is set as a college student—sunny and cringey.

In Jiang Heng's view, Hu Ge is a good choice.

First, his age is appropriate, and his acting is not an issue.

Another crucial point is that, perhaps due to the 'butterfly effect,' he hasn't been in a car accident in this life, so there's no factor affecting his expressions.

Moreover, Hu Ge is a decent person, capable of long‑term cooperation, and likely won't quit mid‑project or demand higher fees.

As for the film's second male lead Liu Chuang, Jiang Heng, after deliberation, still plans to use Ding Haifeng.

After all, he's a longtime collaborator, and without a clearly better candidate, the old friend is the obvious first choice.

People like Jiang Wen and Jia Kezhang always cast their own wives as the female lead; even if the audience complains a bit, that's just how they do it.

Gradually, the audience gets used to it, right!

As for the slightly smaller roles of Zhao Xin and Cheng Yaowen, he plans to use Huang Xiaoming for the former and Zhou Jielun for the latter.

After all, the Demacia Prince from *League of Legends* bears a striking resemblance to Zhou Jielun's look in *Full City Wearing Golden Armor*, which should be a pleasant surprise for the players!

Among the female characters, the sunny goddess Lena, who naturally has a goofy vibe, is of course played by Da Tian Tian, as was agreed early on.

As for the slightly cold‑hearted Du Qiangwei, Jiang Heng thinks Liu Yifei is more suitable.

First, Liu Tianxian's personality is already a bit aloof, and secondly, when she filmed *The King of Kung Fu*, she underwent extensive stunt training, so action scenes aren't a problem.

As for the galactic archer Qilin, she originates from Caitlyn, the Piltover Sheriff in *League of Legends*, and has a rather sexy figure.

After hesitating between Yang Mi and Ke Lala, Jiang Heng ultimately chose the latter.

As for Yang Mi, she ends up with the minor role of Rui Mengmeng.

Of course, the film also has a relatively important role, Sun Wukong, naturally played by Wu Jing.

Another is the villain queen Mo Gan Na; suitable candidates are Fan Bingbing and Zhang Yuqi.

Jiang Heng didn't think much and settled on Zhang Yuqi.

He then made phone calls to contact these actors.

Hu Ge had no issues at all; in fact, it made the beautiful boss of Tang Ren Film, Cai Yinuo, overjoyed.

These past few years, she has often gone to Outstanding Rising Film Company.

The reason, naturally, is cooperation on TV dramas, but she has continuously recommended Hu Ge, hoping he'll get a major role in Jiang Heng's film.

Although the wish hasn't been fulfilled, she remains undeterred.

When he learned Hu Ge might land the lead, the notion of 'securing both Long and Shu' resurfaced, and he promptly took Hu Ge and Liu Shisi to Jingcheng.

In the airport lounge's waiting area, Cai Yinuo and Liu Shisi sat together whispering: "This trip may not secure you a role, but the main purpose is to get familiar with Director Jiang; who knows, maybe a future film will think of you!"

Liu Shisi nodded slightly, softly saying, "I know, I didn't dare have any lofty expectations!"

She had only been in the industry a few years, and although she gained some fame from the role of Long Kui in *Chinese Paladin 3*, it was limited to that.

Regarding Jiang Heng's film, she didn't dare hold any high hopes; even Hu Ge only got a chance after knowing Jiang Heng for many years!

After the group got off the plane, they took a car to the hotel first.

Then they scheduled a time with Outstanding Rising Film Company, and only arrived at the Outstanding Rising Film Company building the next morning.

After waiting a short while, a female assistant came and said, "Director Jiang, please come in!" and they followed her into Jiang Heng's office.

"Director Jiang, you're getting more and more handsome!" Cai Yinuo greeted enthusiastically.

"Cai, you're also getting more and more beautiful, have a seat!"

"Thank you, Director Jiang!"

"Would you like something to drink?"

"Coffee (tea)!"

After instructing the assistant to prepare the drinks, Jiang Heng began discussing the new film's plot outline and Ge Xiaolun's character.

Cai Yirong also had doubts about the "sci-fi war" theme, but she believed in Jiang Heng's ability.

Furthermore, the huge investment of two hundred million US dollars, relying on Jiang Heng's ability, the expected quality of the film won't be bad.

Immediately turning to the person beside them, Liu Shisi, "Director Jiang, this is our company's contracted artist Liu Shisi, who played Long Kui in your company's production of 'Chinese Paladin 3'!"

Jiang Heng gazed at the elegant and tranquil beauty before him, smiling and saying, "I know, she did a great job."

Liu Shisi was stunned upon hearing that, her expression a mix of surprise and delight, still tinged with shyness.

She whispered, "Thank you, Director Jiang, for the praise!"

Jiang Heng laughed and said, "Just speaking the truth; I think Miss Liu will definitely become famous in the future!"

Liu Shisi didn't know how to respond, her cheeks instantly turning slightly red.

Cai Yirong, meanwhile, was overjoyed, "Director Jiang said you'll become famous, that's definitely going to happen, Shishi, hurry up and thank Director Jiang!"

"Thank you, Director Jiang!"

(End of chapter)