Chapter 115: Is an all-star lineup okay?

Mention Casey Affleck, and the vast majority of people in Hollywood will have a blank look on their faces. But mention his older brother by three years, Ben Affleck, and he's a household name and a big star.

Due to his brother's dazzling light, Casey Affleck's acting career has always been lukewarm. Some media even ignore his name in reports, using "Ben Affleck's younger brother" as a substitute.

Unlike his brother, who is keen on the glamour of blockbusters, he has always been hanging around in the art-house film field.

It's only been in the last two years that he started playing some inconspicuous small supporting roles in some commercial blockbusters.

To be honest, the acting path is sometimes too accidental. He has always had decent resources, but he just can't get hot.

Having hung around in the art-house film field for years, he certainly knows Cao Yang.

Cao Yang has great fame 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 had been following the news, wanting to see if there was a chance.

From the casting company, he finally waited for the news he wanted: an important large supporting role, but it was a gay 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. By the time it was almost the audition time, he found that only two people had come. He breathed a sigh of relief; there weren't many people competing, and he hoped he would have good luck.

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

Casey Affleck couldn't help but worry again. *Spider-Man* was a massive hit. Although this guy wasn't the lead, it was a huge boost to his fame.

Besides, having a massive hit 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 nothing could be seen from his face.

"Hey, buddy, what's the situation inside?"

The other person waiting for the audition asked.

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

Casey Affleck then noticed the other guy. He felt vaguely familiar. He thought about it; it seemed this person had played a role in *Band of Brothers*.

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

"So this guy's name is Tang Mu Hardy."

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

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

Tang Mu 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 entered, 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; that was still easy to distinguish.

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

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

After Cao Yang finished reading Casey Affleck's information, he said, "Start."

Bei Er Man asked first, "Affleck, are you aware that the role you are competing for is a gay character?"

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

Bei Er Man then asked, "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."

Bei Er Man then asked the third question, "Then, are you able to accept playing a gay character?"

"Yes, sir, I can."

Bei Er Man then asked the final question, "Are you able to accept the gay character you play having intimate scenes with other men?"

"Yes, sir, I can."

Bei Er Man 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, Director."

After Affleck finished performing, Cao Yang said, "Very brilliant. A good performance. You are a very talented actor."

Fine, this was actually a canned response; he had said the same thing to Tang Mu 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."

!

Bei Er Man spoke up, "Affleck, we will notify you of the result within three days. Thank you for coming today."

The interview was over. After turning off the video camera, 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's a chance, he'd like to invite you to dinner."

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

Bei Er Man smiled and replied, "Did he say anything? He just passed on that the big star Ben Affleck admires you and wants to invite you to dinner. There's no violation."

Cao Yang was silent for a moment. "Fine, there's indeed no violation. He stood completely on a fair and just position and maintained the interests of the actors."

They really know how to play. Even if I don't use his brother, there was no direct conflict. It can be treated as if nothing happened. It's much smarter than calling directly.

"Who do you intend to choose?"

"Does Ben Affleck have extensive connections?"

"Nonsense. He won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay at 25, and he's a first-tier big star himself. He's also best friends with Matt Damon since they were kids. 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 at 25?

Hmm, that will have to wait until next year to know.

In the original version, this role was played by James Franco, but he is too thin and too young now, which doesn't quite fit the role's positioning.

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

Casey Affleck does meet the requirements. This guy has always been hanging around in the art-house film field and looks like he has the characteristics of an art-house guy, with a melancholy face.

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

But there's no need to rush to decide who to use.

Through the experience of this period, Cao Yang has already gained a certain understanding of Hollywood. Anything can happen, and he has now lost a bit of confidence in this film.

So he felt ruthless in his heart: Screw Hollywood, screw the Oscars. I don't care about awards anymore. I'm not here to conquer; I'm here to cause destruction!

If it really doesn't work, then damn it, I'll just make an all-star gay film. Who cares if it can win awards? I'll add more intimate scenes and leave some memories for the future superstars!

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 116 =====