Kapitel 95: **Chapter 95: The People's Prince**
When Gary was flipping through "GQ," he had a positive premonition, but he wasn't sure. Photoshoots can often be misleading. Even without considering post-production editing, sometimes a photographer captures just the right moment. However, such moments might not translate to the big screen.
Countless top models have tried to transition into movies, not necessarily aspiring to great acting roles but simply hoping to appear as eye candy. Unfortunately, the results have often been disappointing. Exceptions like Kim Basinger are rare, truly one in a million.
Moreover, the entire film industry understands that not everyone is suited for the big screen. It's not about looks or handsomeness, but about a certain quality.
Some people are born for the big screen. In everyday life, this quality might go unnoticed, but when the camera captures their expressions and movements and projects them onto the big screen, every gesture and smile can captivate the audience, making the cinema their world.
Others, no matter how good-looking or handsome, fail to release any charisma on the big screen. While increasingly advanced cosmetic procedures might allow everyone to "craft" their ideal features, the inherent quality of charisma cannot be fabricated—if it's not there, it's not there.
This is what we call talent.
Life isn't fair, but that's reality.
Gary knew this well—
Julia Roberts, for instance. In terms of facial features and looks, she wasn't among the top in Hollywood, a place brimming with beautiful people. Her large mouth was polarizing—some liked it, others didn't. But when she appeared on the big screen, the charm and presence she exuded were impossible to ignore.
That allure is the key to becoming a superstar.
So, although the magazine looked promising, Gary didn't show it. He merely gave Anson a chance because he needed to see him in person.
However, now Gary was certain—one look was enough.
He liked the skateboard, he liked the sweat, he liked the unpolished authenticity. Anson was like an uncut gem, waiting to be shaped, exuding a handsomeness infused with the vitality of youth. From his eyes to his smile, there was a blend of purity and complexity that was both vibrant and real.
It's him.
Gary thought.
He couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement, the thrill of discovering a hidden treasure. It was reminiscent of the time he first saw Julia Roberts—waiting to be polished, yet already possessing the potential to shine brilliantly. He could barely wait to capture this on film.
He trembled slightly, as if electrified, unable to contain his excitement.
But on the surface, Gary maintained his composure, or at least he tried to convince himself to stay calm, to avoid overlooking potential challenges in his excitement.
There were still issues to address.
Despite how much Gary liked the young man in front of him, he was, truthfully, too radiant and handsome for the role the movie required.
The character's name was Michael.
He was a bit of a bookworm, somewhat introverted, shy, and not very noticeable at school. He had a long-standing crush on his sister's friend, Mia, but was too afraid to confess.
This character, like Mia, needed to look utterly ordinary, someone entirely overlooked and ignored in school—a true wallflower. Of course, the film crew could achieve this with wardrobe and styling. Afterward, through transformation, they would undergo a stunning metamorphosis, surprising everyone, much like in "Pretty Woman."
But...
The young man before Gary looked nothing like a wallflower. If anything, he seemed more like the captain of the basketball team or some other school hero.
Things had returned to the starting point.
Previously, Marcia had already auditioned a group of actors, many of whom were handsome, but none of them could impress Gary. This was because he needed more than just a good-looking actor; he needed a young man with a unique temperament who could portray different facets—a sense of contradiction.
Gary had rejected one recommendation from Marcia after another, and now Anson was facing the same problem.
So, what to do?
Keep rejecting?
No, this time, Gary wasn't going to do that. The steady flow of inspiration calmed him down, his mind racing to find a solution.
"Please have a seat, I'm Gary," Gary introduced himself.
Marcia observed Gary's expression and felt slightly more at ease. "Gary Marshall, the director."
Anson, who was in the process of sitting down, paused slightly.
Gary noticed this. "What? Do you know me?"
Anson laughed, "It'd be strange if I didn't."
Gary liked this answer. Though it was flattering, it didn't feel ingratiating. "Haha, it seems that my directing career has left some marks."
Some marks?
More than that!
Leaving aside everything else, just the fact that he discovered Julia Roberts and Anne Hathaway was enough to etch Gary into people's memories.
Wait, Anne Hathaway—
Anson immediately realized.
**The Princess Diaries**—the movie he was currently auditioning for should be Anne Hathaway's breakout role.
In 2001, Anne Hathaway was a complete unknown. Although she had performed in stage plays and had a role in a TV show, she had never been in a movie before, let alone as the lead.
Then, she burst onto the big screen with **The Princess Diaries**, playing Mia, a high school student who suddenly transforms from an ordinary girl into a princess of a country. She became an overnight sensation, instantly becoming America's new sweetheart.
Now, Anson had the opportunity to be part of this movie—
His first big-screen role, was it really happening?
So, which role was Anson auditioning for?
In **The Princess Diaries**, there were two main male characters: one who secretly loves Mia and one whom Mia has a crush on.
But with so little information, Anson couldn't determine which role he was auditioning for.
Marcia immediately noticed Gary's change in demeanor. Gone was the previous irritation, anxiety, and impatience. Instead, a gentle smile hung on his face, completely altering the atmosphere of the audition and sending out positive signals.
Whew.
Marcia also breathed a small sigh of relief. If the issue could be resolved, that would be ideal. She then turned her attention back to Anson, regaining her professional composure.
And then, Marcia realized the problem—
Anson wasn't nerdy or on the fringes at all.
Moreover, there were two main male characters in the movie. At first, Mia has a crush on the handsome guy who is the talk of the school, only to realize that he was just using Mia to create a buzz for himself. Later, Mia notices Michael, who had been quietly by her side all along.
But if Anson were to play Michael, as long as Mia wasn't blind, there's no way she'd have a crush on anyone else.
In fact, when you think about it seriously, Gary's approach to casting Mia and Michael was essentially the same: one is a commoner princess, and the other is a commoner prince. Both characters undergo transformations from ordinary high school students, fulfilling the dream of self-transformation that every average viewer has.
So, choosing the male lead was just as challenging as choosing the female lead.
Looking at Anson in front of her, Marcia felt a faint throbbing at her temples again.
What to do?
*
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein