Chapter 115: An All-Star Cast, Is That Okay?

Mention Casey Affleck, and the vast majority of people in Hollywood would certainly look blank, but when it comes to his older brother by three years, Ben Affleck, he is a household-name superstar.

Due to his brother's dazzling radiance, Casey Affleck's acting career has always been lukewarm; some media outlets even omit his name in reports, using "Ben Affleck's younger brother" as a substitute description.

Unlike his brother, who is keen on the glamour of blockbusters, he has always lingered in the field of art-house films.

It is only in these last two years that he has started to play some inconspicuous minor supporting roles in some commercial blockbusters.

To be honest, the path of an actor sometimes has too much contingency; he has always had decent resources, but he just can't get popular.

Having lingered in the art-house film field for years, he naturally knows Cao Yang.

Cao Yang has a very great reputation in the art-house film field, not only in Europe but also in the American art-house film field.

Upon learning that Cao Yang was going to shoot a biographical film in Hollywood, Casey Affleck kept following the news, wanting to see if there was a chance.

From the casting agency, he finally waited for the news he wanted: an important major supporting role, though it was a homosexual character, with some intimate scenes.

Casey Affleck only hesitated for five seconds before deciding without hesitation to go for the audition.

On the day of the scheduled audition, Casey Affleck arrived fifteen minutes early; until it was almost time for the audition, he found that only two people had come, so he breathed a sigh of relief—there weren't many competitors, and he hoped he would have good luck.

The first one called in was a young, handsome, thin, and tall man; Casey Affleck knew this person—in *Spider-Man*, which was released in May, he played Harry Osborn.

Casey Affleck couldn't help but feel a bit worried again; *Spider-Man* was a huge hit, and although this guy wasn't the lead, it was still a great boost to his fame.

Besides, having a blockbuster film is also a qualification that directors value quite a bit.

Fifteen minutes later, "Harry Osborn" came out; they probably wouldn't announce the result on the spot, so no clues could be seen from his face.

"Hey, buddy, what's it like inside?"

Another person waiting for the audition asked.

"Harry Osborn" shrugged his shoulders, "Nothing special, just performing a segment."

Only then did Casey Affleck notice the other guy; he looked vaguely familiar. He thought about it, and it seemed this person had played a role in *Band of Brothers*.

After a few minutes, someone came over and called out, "Tom Hardy, it's your turn."

"So this guy's name is Tom Hardy."

Casey Affleck said to himself; he wasn't a very famous actor either.

When Tom Hardy came out of the audition room, Casey Affleck couldn't help but ask, "Hey, buddy, what's it like inside?"

Tom Hardy mimicked the demeanor of "Harry Osborn" just now and shrugged his shoulders, "Nothing special, just performing a segment."

"Damn it!"

Casey Affleck couldn't help but curse in his heart.

Finally, it was Casey Affleck's turn. As soon as he went in, he first said hello, then secretly observed the scene; there were four people and one video camera.

The one sitting in the middle must be Director Cao Yang; this was still easy to distinguish.

Director Cao Yang looked very young, but he had more majesty than his own brother; if he didn't speak, no one in the room would talk.

The person from the Screen Actors Guild looked like a mere prop.

After Cao Yang finished reading Casey Affleck's materials, he said, "Begin."

Bellman asked first, "Affleck, are you aware that the role you are competing for is a homosexual?"

Casey Affleck nodded, "Yes, sir, I am very aware."

Bellman continued to ask, "Affleck, are you aware that the role you are competing for has intimate scenes with a man?" Casey Affleck nodded again, "Yes, sir, I am very aware."

Bellman then asked the third question, "Then, can you accept playing a homosexual role?"

"Yes, sir, I can."

Bellman then asked the last question, "Can you accept the homosexual role you play having intimate scenes with other men?"

"Yes, sir, I can."

Bellman nodded; he had finished asking what he needed to ask.

Cao Yang randomly pulled out a piece of paper with a small segment on it; he handed it to Casey Affleck and said, "Affleck, you have ten minutes to prepare; perform this segment."

"Okay, thank you, Mr. Director."

After Affleck finished his performance, Cao Yang said, "Very brilliant, a good performance; you are a very talented actor."

Well, this was actually a stock phrase; he had said the same thing to Tom Hardy and James Franco.

However, Casey Affleck was very happy after hearing it; he couldn't help but say, "Thank you, sir; you are a director I particularly admire."

!

Bellman spoke up, "Affleck, we will notify you of the result within three days; thank you for coming today."

The interview was over, and the video camera was turned off. The person from the Screen Actors Guild hesitated for a moment, but before leaving, he still whispered to Cao Yang, "Ben Affleck said you are a director he admires very much; if there is a chance, he would like to invite you to dinner."

After the person from the Screen Actors Guild left, Cao Yang asked Bellman with some confusion, "Can it be done like this? Shouldn't the Screen Actors Guild..."

Bellman smiled and replied, "Did he say anything? He just relayed that the superstar Ben Affleck admires you and wants to invite you to dinner; there's no violation."

Cao Yang was silent for a moment, "Alright, there's indeed no violation; it was completely from a fair and impartial standpoint, protecting the interests of the actors."

They really know how to play the game; even if I don't use his brother, there was no direct conflict, and it can be treated as if nothing happened—much smarter than calling directly.

"Who do you plan to choose?"

"Does Ben Affleck have extensive connections?"

"Nonsense, he won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay at 25, is himself an A-list superstar, and is a best friend who grew up with Matt Damon; many people are optimistic about him."

Cao Yang nodded, indicating he understood; so he won Best Original Screenplay at 25, truly impressive.

What awards had he won when he was 25?

Hmm, that will only be known next year.

In the original version, this role was played by James Franco, but he is too thin now, and also a bit too young, not quite fitting the character's positioning.

Tom Hardy is in the same situation; he looks too tender and too young, not quite fitting the character's positioning.

Casey Affleck does meet the requirements; this guy has always lingered in the art-house film field, and he looks like he possesses the characteristics of an artistic man, with a melancholy face.

If such a person comes out, it wouldn't be surprising at all, making it easier for people to accept.

But there is no need to rush in deciding which one to use.

Through the experiences of this period, Cao Yang has already gained a certain understanding of Hollywood; all kinds of bullshit can happen, and he has now lost some confidence in this film.

So, he hardened his heart: to hell with Hollywood, to hell with the Oscars; I don't care about awards anymore. I didn't come here to conquer; I came here to cause destruction!

If it really doesn't work, then damn it, I'll make an all-star gay film; I don't care if it can win awards or not—add more intimate scenes and leave some souvenirs for the future superstars!

(End of chapter)