Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 531 Villain? Character (Two chapters today, writer's block)

The $25 billion Avatar ignited the world's box office.
At this critical juncture in the film "Interstellar," anyone who gets a role, even a supporting one, can elevate their resume to a higher level.

Moreover, in contrast to Cameron's star-making approach, Wu Chen's films have consistently featured actors who stand out.
Unlike Cameron's Avatar, where after the movie ended, audiences couldn't even remember who played the male and female leads.
In a glass-walled conference room in Beverly Hills, CAA's agents were nervously exchanging information.

The whiteboard was covered with names, and photos of top male and female actors were posted in a row.

"But Universal and Wu haven't released any details about the characters yet."

"We can't just wait around; we have to act quickly. If any of our actors have personal connections with Wu, we can get them to take action first."

"OK!"

The phone calls went out one after another.

Similar scenes occurred at several other brokerage firms.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere at Matt Damon's home was completely different.

This "Boston boy" is making his final preparations in front of the mirror.

His wife, Luciana Barrasso, came out of the bedroom with an ironed shirt in her hand.

She straightened his clothes, her eyes gleaming with barely suppressed excitement: "I didn't expect you to have received Wu's invitation to audition so early."

“Of course!” Matt Damon raised his chin, his tone revealing a rare hint of pride.

While everyone else was still frantically trying to catch up, he had already outpaced most people.

“You can’t miss this opportunity again,” Luciana said with a slightly teasing smile.

Matt Damon's expression stiffened slightly, and he instantly understood.

Many people in Hollywood are laughing at him now. You know, he was offered a role in Avatar, but he turned down the role in the highest-grossing film of all time because he was filming The Bourne Ultimatum at the time.
"Well, in James's Avatar, the main characters are so insignificant that audiences can't even remember them."

Seeing Matt Damon still arguing, Luciana added quietly, "Yes, but you lost about $2.5 million."

The air fell silent for a moment.

"I will definitely win this time!" Matt Damon strode out the door with a triumphant air.

The audition wasn't held in the Global Building, but in a rented temporary office space; otherwise, it would have been too easy for someone to leak the information.

The curtains were half-drawn, and light filtered through the wooden floor, creating an unusually quiet atmosphere.

Matt Damon walked in, his confidence evident on his face.

After a brief conversation, he adjusted his breathing and began to get into character.

His delivery of lines was clear and his movements were swift and precise, like that of a seasoned veteran; there were virtually no major flaws to be found.
Wu Chen, sitting in the chair, showed no change in expression, simply watching quietly.

Matt finally fell silent, raising his hand to rub his temples.

It's not that the performance was bad. Matt Damon's professional skills are obvious.

It's just that he doesn't quite match the Cooper in his mind.

Matt Damon's features and demeanor are too cold and hard, with an almost rational and resolute quality. If he were to play Cooper, the character would naturally lean towards rationality and calculation.

This naturally weakens the emotional bond between father and daughter.
The casting director sent by Universal Pictures simply waited silently for Wu Chen to speak.

Matt Damon panicked a little when he saw this.

Directors usually don't seem to be very good at this kind of action.

"Sorry, Matt."

Wu Chen spoke, his tone swift and decisive, "You're still a bit short of the Cooper I'm looking for."

Matt Damon paused for a few seconds, then subconsciously raised his hand and patted his forehead.

Disappointment was real, but the first thought that flashed through my mind was: Oh no, I'm going to be laughed at when I get home.

Wu Chen saw it all, but didn't let him feel embarrassed for long.

"However, I have another role here that would be quite suitable for you. Would you be interested?"

Matt Damon was visibly taken aback.

“A scientist, a doctor.” “A villain?” Matt murmured subconsciously, his face full of doubt.

Wu Chen smiled upon hearing this: "Strictly speaking, no."

"Can I see this character design?"

"certainly."

After careful consideration, Matt Damon ultimately decided on the role.

On the one hand, he admired Wu Chen, and the character design in the script suited his tastes quite well, and there was nothing he would lose next;
On the other hand, they didn't want to go home empty-handed.

After auditioning Matt Damon, Wu Chen instructed the casting director at Universal: "Arrange for the other candidates I listed earlier to audition as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, news that Interstellar had completed its 3D testing in North America and might be casting had already crossed the Pacific Ocean, arriving at the editorial department in Beijing with a fever pitch.

The entertainment homepages of major domestic portal websites were almost simultaneously flooded with posts about this:
[It is reported that Wu Chen has completed native 3D testing in San Francisco, and casting for his new film may have already begun?]

Following "1939," Wu Chen returns to the director's chair with "Interstellar."

[Rumors suggest that Interstellar will be opening auditions for some roles; will any Chinese actors participate?]

【.】

Weibo and various forums were flooded with comments in a short period of time.

"real or fake."

"Compared to other films, I still prefer watching science fiction movies, and I'm looking forward to Wu Chen's science fiction film!"

"It's original 3D sci-fi. If it's well-made, I wonder how many billions it will gross at the box office."

"."

Many people in China are eager to participate. As long as the selection is held in China, everyone still has a chance.

Liu Yifei, Ning Hao, and others' phones rang non-stop as many people subtly inquired about the situation.

When Zhou Xun couldn't get through to Wu Chen, she called Liu Yifei instead.

"Sisi, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" Zhou Xun's voice was urgent on the other end of the phone, deliberately kept low. "If you know of any suitable roles for me in 'Interstellar,' you must help recommend me to Director Wu."

Liu Yifei couldn't help but smile bitterly.

A few steps away, Bao Jingjing was holding a script, her eyes sparkling.

After Liu Yifei hung up the phone, she leaned closer and whispered, "Senior, if you ever get the chance, why don't you act in a Hollywood blockbuster?"

Liu Yifei was taken aback for a moment, then chuckled and tapped her forehead: "You're so clever!"

On the other hand, Ning Hao was also busy. He made a snap decision and turned off his phone.

"Is it really off?"

Xing Aina was a little surprised.

"Shut it down and focus on writing the script. Those people are overthinking things. Even if there's a high probability, it won't be their turn. The five major Hollywood agencies are already going crazy trying to contact Wu Chen and Universal. Finding a suitable role isn't that simple."

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, across the Pacific Ocean, night had completely fallen.

Wu Chen sat in a restaurant in Beverly Hills, across from Jason Blum.

The two ate for half a day, and there was still half a bottle of opened red wine left on the table. Jason Blum watched Wu Chen answer and hang up one phone call after another and couldn't help but tease him.

"Wu, you seem really busy. You're making more phone calls than that guy in the White House."

"Hahaha!"

Wu Chen chuckled to himself.

However, the other party wasn't wrong; there were too many calls today—from Blake Lively, Scarlett Johansson, and Keira Knightley.
Almost everyone I had worked with before called.

Wu Chen had only been laughing for a short while when his phone lit up again.

He looked closely and saw that it was Christopher Nolan.
(End of this chapter)