Bab 93: Chapter 94: Competitors
"Smith, in front of you is an alien that has invaded Earth and just killed your comrade."
Sitting behind the monitor, after Will Smith performed a scene, Duke furrowed his brow. This future superstar's acting was indeed lacking. "The alien is captured; please show the appropriate emotions."
If he couldn't even manage basic humor, they would have to find someone else.
Fortunately, African Americans naturally possess a sense of humor, or perhaps it was instinct from his background as a hip-hop artist. After a brief moment of contemplation, Will Smith started kicking the air in front of him and making strange sounds. "You want to invade Earth? You think you're invincible, huh?"
"Come on! Come on!"
His expressions were exaggerated, and his performance was noticeably over-the-top, but it fit well with the scene.
Once Will Smith finished his performance, Duke nodded to the casting director, Thomson, who assured him they would provide an answer soon. The audition for the day was temporarily concluded.
As Will Smith exited the audition room, he felt uncertain. Although he wanted to transition into film, he was acutely aware of his own shortcomings as an actor. Nevertheless, he refused to give up. He quietly discussed strategies with his agent, understanding that this film was crucial for him. Directed by the renowned commercial director Duke Rosenberg, it was viewed by many media outlets as a likely blockbuster for the upcoming summer season. If he could kick off his film career with a hit, his future development would be much smoother.
This "destructive" director had previously helped launch the careers of stars like Keanu Reeves, Uma Thurman, and Christopher Lee. Will Smith understood that countless actors, both male and female, were waiting for their chance to ride his coattails.
Will Smith wasn't the only one with such thoughts. When Nicole Kidman and her assistant entered the Independence Day studio at Warner Bros., she was also considering how to secure a role and land her own blockbuster.
As her agent had pointed out, while she had successfully entered Hollywood as Mrs. Cruise, she had yet to deliver any standout performances. The title of "Mrs. Cruise" was becoming something she loathed. She was eager to establish herself in Hollywood based on her own abilities.
For this audition, Nicole Kidman had even had a heated argument with her husband. After being politely declined by Fox, Tom Cruise insisted she drop out of the audition, further straining their already tense relationship.
Reflecting on her altered beliefs and her husband's arrogance, Nicole Kidman suddenly felt a desire to break free from Tom Cruise if she could stand independently in Hollywood.
Would she get the role? Nicole Kidman's expression darkened. According to Pat Kingsley's analysis, her biggest competitor was a friend. She was well aware of the complicated relationship between Naomi Watts and director Duke Rosenberg, but she had no intention of giving up; opportunities must always be fought for.
She had once let an opportunity slip through her fingers. It was back in the late '80s when a producer invited her and Demi Moore to a party. She declined, while Demi went and became one of Hollywood's biggest stars.
Kidman deeply understood that opportunity is more important than acting skills or appearance. Anyone who blocked her path was an enemy!
"This way, Ms. Kidman."
Guided by the staff, Nicole Kidman entered a waiting room to await her audition time.
In the spacious room, her eyes quickly scanned everyone. The three women waiting had similar characteristics—blonde or brown hair, mature, and beautiful.
Then her gaze landed on a petite figure. In the past, she would have eagerly greeted the person, and they would exchange warm smiles, having been classmates in drama school. However, now she had no desire to greet her, and the other woman showed no inclination to exchange pleasantries. They were now direct competitors!
Every opportunity in Hollywood is crucial; those in her way had to be pushed aside. Nicole Kidman firmly believed this, and Naomi Watts felt the same. From the moment news broke that Kidman was interested in the role of the White House spokesperson, their previously cordial relationship had turned into silence.
Naomi Watts even received messages from other actors in the Australian community urging her to withdraw from the role, which she rejected outright.
The source of this uncertainty didn't matter; Naomi was determined not to give up. After all, why should she be the one to surrender? She had nearly been burned alive in a fire while gradually getting closer to an up-and-coming director, and now she had this long-awaited opportunity. And what about Nicole Kidman?
She was Mrs. Cruise, already established in Hollywood with her CAA agent to support her. She had far more opportunities than Naomi, so why should Naomi be the one to concede?
Naomi Watts turned her head to look at Nicole Kidman, who was seated across the room. Just then, Kidman glanced back at her. Their eyes met, devoid of any emotion, and they both looked away without another glance.
There would be no concessions. Not just between the two of them; the other two actresses in the room would also refuse to yield. If they took a step back, they might find themselves at the bottom of the heap, trampled by countless other eager competitors.
With the busy pre-production work underway, Duke couldn't devote too much time to the casting. He was no longer the novice he once was; with two blockbuster films as his backing, even without voicing specific requests, the crew would naturally cooperate with him. Not only Will Smith, but even the auditions for the four actresses were tightly scheduled for the same day.
"What are your opinions?"
By the time the auditions wrapped up, it was already late. Duke rubbed his temples and asked the others, "Let's finalize the actors quickly. Negotiations and preparations will require time."
"I think Nicole Kidman is a better fit," began Jon Landau, representing Fox.
"This role doesn't require exceptional acting skills; her level is sufficient, and her popularity is higher, plus her salary isn't too much."
"I support Naomi Watts."
The first production manager, Charles Roven, and the second production manager, Robin Grande, sided with Duke.
The situation was clear, but Duke still remarked, "Nicole Kidman has never proven her box office appeal. While she has name recognition, it largely stems from her identity as Mrs. Cruise. Based on surveys from several agencies regarding her roles in Hollywood, North American audiences aren't particularly fond of her."
After saying that, Duke had the casting director hand a report to Jon Landau. After flipping through it, Landau nodded. "I agree to give up on Nicole Kidman."
As a well-known producer, Jon Landau's professional integrity was beyond question. Since Duke provided thorough data, even from a profit perspective for Fox, he wouldn't insist on casting a higher-paid actress with relatively average box office appeal.
"Let's call it a day for now."
After Charles Roven's words, a camera assistant came to collect the audition tapes. Duke left the audition room with the others and spoke to a nearby producer. "Robin, although we agreed on Will Smith, his performance still lacks conviction. Please try to keep his salary under $200,000 if possible."
"I understand." Robin Grande nodded.
The aim was to minimize costs for the actors, utilizing newcomers and lesser-paid veterans to support the film while allocating more of the budget to special effects production. This strategy had been employed in Duke's previous two films, as the selling points of those films weren't centered around the stars.
Back in his office, Duke tidied up briefly, preparing to head home when Sophia walked in, handing him his phone.
"Did someone call for me?" Duke asked.
"Nicole Kidman's agent, Pat Kingsley, called. She wanted to set up a meeting with you."
Duke shook his head at Sophia's words. "It's probably about Nicole Kidman's audition. Just tell her I'm heading out for location scouting and ask her to reschedule."
"A certain Charlize Theron invited you to her birthday party tonight." Sophia knew Duke well. "I turned it down because Aunt Leah also called, inviting you to Santa Monica for dinner."
"It's about time. Let's call it a day."
Upon hearing his mother's call, Duke didn't want to delay any longer and picked up his bag. "Want to join? Your mother would be thrilled to see you."
"Sorry, I have plans to go shopping with a friend."
As they left the office, Sophia reminded Duke, "I almost forgot. Aunt Leah wants you to pick up Scarlett Johansson from the Andrew Performing Arts School and bring her back to Santa Monica."
"Didn't she come by to inquire about the audition time at noon?" Duke mumbled.
"I heard Melanie Sloan mention that she has acting class this afternoon."
While they spoke, they exited the studio and hopped onto a golf cart to leave Warner Bros. After switching to their cars in the parking lot, they drove off in different directions.
Using the information Sophia provided, Duke quickly found the Andrew Performing Arts School. In the Los Angeles area, such specialized schools were plentiful. This one appeared reasonably sized, featuring a large courtyard and a three-story building for classes.
Since it was late, the school felt somewhat empty. Duke parked and discussed matters with the staff on duty. Following their lead, he entered a room to find a little girl sitting on a chair, bored and playing with her ponytail.
"Hi, Scarlett." Duke approached her with a greeting.
"Let's go, Duke!"
The little girl showed no signs of shyness as she grabbed her backpack and tugged at his sleeve, heading for the classroom exit.
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