Chapter 102: **Chapter 103: The Open and Secret Struggles Between Women**
It's no exaggeration to say that as long as *Resident Evil 1* surpasses $100 million at the global box office, Charlize Theron will instantly rise to the ranks of Hollywood's top actresses, surpassing even Nicole Kidman.
If the global box office exceeds $200 million, even Ben Stiller's fame would be eclipsed by hers.
She would also become one of the few Hollywood actresses with a salary exceeding $10 million.
Looking back at the films produced by Hermora Pictures, apart from *The Bourne Identity* still being filmed, which one hasn't grossed over $100 million?
*Accepted* made $123 million in North America and $180 million globally. *Happy Death Day* performed even better, grossing $155 million in North America and $292 million worldwide.
Even *Gifted*, which had a rough start, still achieved decent success, with the global box office expected to exceed $130 million.
With three consecutive major successes, it's unlikely that *Resident Evil* would flop, right?
So, Charlize Theron's imminent rise to superstardom is practically a sure thing.
There aren't many fools in Hollywood, and those who came to audition today have already realized this. That's why, when Charlize Theron walked in, everyone instinctively fell silent, showing admiration and respect on their faces.
However, for Naomi and Annie, they were more concerned with another aspect of Charlize Theron's identity.
As Wayne's women, they knew well that when Wayne chose a female lead, it wasn't based on their fame or status.
Wayne, being rich and willful, could easily cast a complete newcomer as the lead in a major commercial production if he wanted to.
Otherwise, why would he cast Jessica as the female lead in *The Bourne Identity* and Naomi, who wasn't that famous, as the lead in *Gifted*?
Although Wayne never said it outright, they understood that the roles they got essentially reflected their standing in Wayne's heart.
Apart from Jessica, who lived at Wayne's estate, Charlize Theron, the lead of the *Resident Evil* series, was undoubtedly the highest-ranked among them.
Even if Charlize Theron's looks, figure, charisma, and talent all matched her current status, women are inherently jealous, though to varying degrees.
So when Charlize Theron arrived, exuding her powerful aura, Naomi and the others couldn't help but show a hint of hostility.
Charlize Theron, who had been in Hollywood for years, naturally noticed this.
Although she was confident in herself, she didn't want to face multiple rivals at once. So, with just a few words, she managed to divide them completely.
"You must be Eva Green, right? I've heard Wayne mention you. I heard he arranged a role for you with a $14 million production budget. Wayne must really value you."
Charlize Theron skipped over the more famous Naomi and Ziyi Zhang, and instead smiled warmly at Eva Green.
"What? A $14 million second female lead?" Megan, the youngest and least experienced, couldn't help but exclaim softly.
Naomi and the others' expressions immediately changed.
Although Naomi had played the lead in *Gifted*, it was just that one film. She was here to audition for the third female lead in *Resident Evil 2* on Susan's invitation, not Wayne's direct choice.
Annie hadn't even been invited to audition—she came on her own after hearing about it.
Unlike Charlize Theron, who had the fame, looks, and was Wayne's earliest companion, making her role as the lead in *Resident Evil* easier for everyone to accept, Eva Green was a newcomer. She wasn't any prettier than the others, yet she had landed two second-female roles, which caused some dissatisfaction.
Eva Green cursed inwardly but kept a graceful smile, self-deprecatingly saying, "Maybe I just look more like a villain."
Everyone paused and quickly understood her meaning.
A second female role would normally be desirable, but if it was for a villain, that was different.
While playing a villain could be more impactful, the downside was being typecast.
Most actresses, except those focused on their craft or aiming for awards, didn't like playing villains.
Their jealousy toward Eva Green eased slightly. Sensing this, Eva continued, "Besides, the lead of this movie is actually younger than me."
"Oh? Have you met her? Who is she?"
As expected, Eva's words redirected their curiosity to Martina García.
"I haven't met her, so I don't know who she is. But *The Hidden Face* is set to start filming in a few days and should finish post-production by January. So, I think she'll be in Los Angeles soon."
Hearing this, everyone furrowed their brows, growing more curious about Martina.
At this moment, Naomi suddenly thought of something. She turned to Mike, who had been trying to remain unnoticed, and asked with a smile, "Mike, the female lead Wayne chose is signed under you, right?"
"Uh…" Mike was briefly stunned, quickly thinking it over before answering honestly, "Yes, Wayne has already called me. I haven't received Martina García's info yet. I just know Miss Hannah will be bringing her over."
At this, everyone's expressions shifted, even Charlize Theron, who hadn't paid much attention earlier.
Hannah was Wayne's assistant and one of the few women allowed to live at his estate.
If Wayne had Hannah bring Martina to Los Angeles, it was clear he valued her.
In no time, Martina, still in Europe, had already attracted plenty of attention, becoming the subject of curiosity among the women.
However, Wayne didn't value Martina as much as they imagined. He simply cast her because, in his previous life, she had played this lead role.
As for Hannah accompanying her to Los Angeles, that was mainly because Hannah herself needed to go home.
(End of Chapter)
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