Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 533 "Summoning the Soul" - Male Lead
After the screening ended, Wu Chen went to a coffee shop on the seaside avenue. As he pushed open the door, a bell rang softly, and the wooden floor made a dull creak.

This is the place he and James Wan had arranged to meet.

Seeing that Wen Ziren had not yet arrived, Wu Chen chose a seat by the window, then took out his phone and dialed that familiar number.

“The movie was good.”

"Really?" Liu Yifei's voice sounded exceptionally clear. "What about me? What about me?"

"Same here!"

At that moment, the glass door was pushed open again, and a gentle breeze rushed in.

James Wan was still dressed in the same brown jacket as always, with his hair very casual.

He spotted Wu Chen immediately and, seeing that the other person was on the phone, raised his hand and gestured to indicate whether things were as usual.

Wu Chen nodded slightly.

James Wan then went straight to the bar, whispered a few words to the clerk, and ordered two drinks that the two of them usually drank.

"Someone?"

On the other end of the phone, Liu Yifei suddenly spoke as if she had a telepathic connection.

"Yes, James Wan is here."

"Hehe, you guys chat! Remember to tell me the details when you get back."

Liu Yifei hung up the phone full of anticipation, then counted on her fingers: there were still four months until the release of "Inception".
Just as I was lost in thought, Liu Xiaoli's voice came from downstairs: "Qianqian, come downstairs for a moment!"

"Oh, what's wrong?" She quickly slipped on her pink cartoon slippers and ran downstairs.

In the living room, Liu Xiaoli was sitting in front of the computer, a new email on the screen.

"Chanel has renewed the contract with us, and the price is about the same as before. I think we can postpone it until after 'Inception' is released, or you can discuss it with Wu Chen later?"

Meanwhile, the aroma of coffee quickly filled the café.

Wen Ziren pushed a cup in front of Wu Chen, then opened his notebook, his gaze serious.

""spiritualism"."

He read the script's title in a low voice, his brow furrowed.

Half an hour later, Wen Ziren raised his head.

The script's framework feels somewhat like the prototype for a movie series, and the exorcism element is truly eye-catching.

The protagonists not only have to face evil enemies, but also confront unfathomable supernatural forces.

The presence of this power elevates the tension and suspense of the plot to a new level.

"A truly classic horror film script!" James Wan commented, but with a hint of doubt, "But could this element create a copyright dispute with the files of the American paranormal investigators, the Warrens?"

“Yes!” Wu Chen replied. “If we want to do this series, we must first deal with this problem.”

As far as I know, New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. both hold a portion of the copyrights. You'll need to negotiate with them. Try to avoid mentioning my name, otherwise I'm worried they'll try to make exorbitant demands.”

James Wan nodded.

Wu Chen was well aware of the other party's current reputation, as well as their historical achievements and vision in horror films. If the truth were revealed, Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema would most likely demand a share of the profits.

"I understand. Don't worry, I'll handle it."

"No rush, we can take our time." The Conjuring universe has many more potential series than Insidious. Speed ​​is not important; the final result is what matters most.

The two exchanged a glance, understanding each other without saying a word.

The following day, Cooper, the male lead, received audition invitations from three candidates: Josh Brolin, Mads Mikkelsen, and Matthew McConaughey.
While Wu Chen was still auditioning, Warner Bros. officially released a press release:

[Inception Completes Final Cut, First Batch of Global Stills Released!]

The ten stills include scenes of spinning city streets, fights in tilted corridors, and high-speed car chases in the rain.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Liu Yifei, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and others each have a solo film crew photo to accompany the movie.
As Warner Bros.' most important film of the year, its promotional efforts were self-evident, and soon the entire Hollywood knew that Nolan's "Inception" was completed.

This also means that the release date set in July will not be postponed.

The news spread rapidly.

The news was received early the next morning in China.

For domestic editors, only the posters of Leonardo DiCaprio and Liu Yifei are truly worthy of special mention.

Moreover, Liu Yifei is particularly eye-catching in the solo poster for "Inception".

He wore a dark, fitted suit, with the collar of his white shirt fluttering slightly in the wind.

Beneath my feet lie city streets submerged by the waters of dreams, towering buildings looming over me from both sides. The slanted perspective creates a sense of imbalance and dizziness, like a dream on the verge of collapse.
The media forwarded it immediately.

[Liu Yifei's official stills from "Inception" released; her first role in a Hollywood A-list blockbuster, showcasing a dramatic change in her image!]

[Inception film completed, slated for summer release!]

[Liu Yifei's stunning appearance and the release of stills from "Inception" spark heated discussion!]

【.】

The news sent fans into a frenzy, who flooded the comments section with messages.

Meanwhile, the actresses in the industry were practically grinding their back teeth to powder.

Because in the ten promotional posters, Marion Cotillard, who should have been the female lead, didn't get a solo poster; her image was always tied to Leonardo DiCaprio.

In contrast, Liu Yifei not only has solo posters, but she is also present in almost every group poster, with several featuring her running silhouette as the visual center.
"This is outrageous! This is hardly the second female lead!"

"This is such good treatment! Why? Why is she always running in these stills? Is this role that important?"

"No wonder Wu Chen personally got the role; who would believe it wasn't him?"

"."

This poster is so bad it makes you want to cry.

When it comes to promotion and distribution, the promotional materials are almost a barometer of the importance of each character. Who occupies how much space, who stands in the center, and how important they are are all immediately apparent.
Although Marion Cotillard also appeared frequently, this wasn't the kind of image they wanted.

In Shanghai, Li Binbin, who was filming "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan," took a break and noticed Warner Bros.' promotional efforts, which made him somewhat envious.

While "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" can be shown in Hollywood theaters, it's not even in the same league as A-list blockbusters like those from Warner Bros.

It can be compared to "Interstellar", but unfortunately, she had previously asked Wendi Deng about the role in "Interstellar", and the other party only replied with four words: "Don't overthink it".

Since the other party had said that, it proved that she really couldn't get a chance to film that kind of movie, so she gave up on that idea.

Meanwhile, the auditions for "Interstellar" went on into the night and were still not over, but the casting directors breathed a sigh of relief.

Given this trend, the outcome for the male lead is almost certain.

Josh Brolin and Mads Mikkelsen finished their auditions quickly, but after Matthew McConaughey's audition, Wu Chen kept him in a small conference room next door for almost four hours to chat.
(End of this chapter)