Greg and Martin exchanged a glance and nodded.
Although it increased upfront costs and complexity, it was indeed the way to break the deadlock and minimize decision-making risk.
Neither of them could bear the responsibility of changing the lead actor without authorization!
This project was destined to be a pit!
Within the company, no one wanted to touch it. Even the directors had changed several times. These two were essentially the ones left holding the bag.
In that case, why not make a bold attempt!
As long as the blame didn't fall on their heads!
Robert Allen and the conservatives thought about it and reluctantly agreed.
If Cassius's test footage really didn't work, they would have more reason to stick to the original plan. And if the effect was amazing, embracing change wouldn't be impossible.
If the box office ultimately lost money, it was a decision made by everyone together!
If the box office was a huge hit, they would also have a part in it!
"It's settled then!"
Greg Silverman made the final decision:
"Parallel tracks. Produce test footage. Contact Ryan Reynolds' team to see his interest."
"Simultaneously, Sarah and Director Martin start preparing for Cassius's version of the test shoot immediately, selecting 2-3 scenes from Rise of the Azure Dragon that best embody its essence."
The news quickly reached Rob.
"Warner is in an uproar!"
Rob's voice on the phone was hushed:
"Greg Silverman, Director Martin, and Casting Director Sarah are strongly backing your Rise of the Azure Dragon plan, thinking it's an ace to make the DC Universe opening unique and break aesthetic fatigue."
"But the other faction of old fogies in the studio, led by COO Richard, firmly opposes it!"
Rob changed the subject, his tone solemn:
"They feel that mainstream American audiences in 2011 are not ready to accept a foreign superhero, and market acceptance is an unknown!"
"And their chosen lead is Ryan Reynolds!"
Cassius wasn't surprised by this news.
The lead of the Green Lantern version in his past life was Ryan Reynolds!
Only he regretted it deeply after filming!
He even played a cross-dimensional easter egg when he later starred in Deadpool, killing the version of himself who accepted the Green Lantern script!
"Those old guys think Ryan has the successful foundation of romantic comedies like The Proposal, good audience appeal, and an image more fitting their idea of a classic American hero!"
Rob's tone was complex.
Cassius understood clearly.
This wasn't just a competition between him and Ryan Reynolds, but a collision between conservative and reformist ideas within Hollywood.
"So what's the word now?"
Cassius's tone was calm.
Rob told Cassius the news he knew!
"Test footage!"
Cassius understood instantly!
This was a real showdown, using facts to prove which version had more potential!
"Time is tight!"
Rob added:
"Next week! They'll give you a condensed script of scenes from Rise of the Azure Dragon. You need to prepare ASAP. Ryan's side will proceed simultaneously!"
"Got it!"
Cassius hung up and walked to the window.
The setting sun plated the Los Angeles skyline with gold.
He opened the system panel.
Looking at his [Aura] and [Rhythm] which had reached Level 3, and other steadily growing attributes.
This test footage wasn't just a test of the script, but the ultimate test of his own abilities.
He needed to bring this tailored script to life according to his ideas, and make it more attractive than that classic Hal Jordan.
Ryan Reynolds' acting wasn't bad!
The failure in the past life was mostly due to the script.
Soon, Cassius received the test scene script in his email!
Opening scene: Cassius witnesses a robbery in Chinatown, accidentally activating the energy of the jade pendant and ring fragment, manifesting a coin rain to knock out the thugs, then the comedic predicament of losing control and crashing into a hot pot restaurant.
First conflict training with female instructor Sierra Jordan: Cassius tries to use metaphysics to counter Sierra's militarized instructions, full of laughs and sparks from East-West collision.
A relatively introspective scene: After encountering setbacks, Cassius returns to Chinatown for a dialogue with his grandmother, drawing out inner growth and the secret of the jade pendant.
Total of three scenes!
This script was written by Cassius; the director just condensed it, so he wasn't unfamiliar with it!
These three scenes covered multiple dimensions of comedy, action, and emotion, severely testing an actor's comprehensive ability.
He wasn't worried about the test footage itself.
But for Cassius to present a crushing effect in front of the camera, he needed stronger strength.
He called up the attribute panel in his mind:
[Acting Attribute Panel]
Dialogue: Lv3 (10/600)
Body Language: Lv2 (398/400)
Expression: Lv2 (389/400)
Gaze: Lv3 (66/600)
Emotion: Lv2 (380/400)
Rhythm: Lv3 (1/600)
Aura: Lv3 (22/600)
...
Body language, expression, and emotion were all stuck at late Level 2, just one step away from leveling up.
If he could improve these attributes, especially body language and expression, it would help tremendously in interpreting the Green Lantern character.
Just as he was thinking, his phone rang. It was Dakota.
"Hey, Cassius, not disturbing you, right?"
Dakota's voice sounded relaxed.
"No, what's up?"
"I'm going to West Virginia tomorrow to visit Elle on set. She's filming J.J. Abrams' new movie Super 8 there. That girl keeps talking about you. Do you want to come along and give her a surprise?"
Super 8 set?
J.J. Abrams?
Cassius's heart moved.
This was a big-budget sci-fi production, gathering top talents in the industry—an excellent opportunity to absorb high-level attribute orbs!
And that girl Elle...
Thinking of her fanatical appearance last time, the corners of Cassius's mouth raised slightly. No harm in visiting her.
"Sure!"
Cassius agreed. "I happen to have nothing going on tomorrow. When do we leave?"
"I'll pick you up tomorrow!"
Dakota's tone was brisk.
The next afternoon, Dakota arrived in an SUV.
Cassius got in and found that besides Dakota, there was a girl who looked like an assistant.
"Didn't expect you to really be free!"
Dakota said while driving:
"Elle will be crazy happy knowing you're going. She practically treats you as a walking lucky charm plus life mentor now!"
They drove to the airport, flew for several hours, and finally arrived at the Super 8 location in West Virginia.
It was decorated to look like a small town in the late 70s, carrying a retro atmosphere.
The crew scale was huge.
Various vehicles, equipment, and personnel shuttled back and forth.
Dakota was obviously familiar with this place, leading Cassius and the assistant through the busy set towards a temporary rest area.
Elle, still in makeup, was sitting on a small stool, head down reading the script seriously, a half-drunk juice beside her.
"Elle!"
Dakota called out.
Elle looked up.
When she saw Cassius beside Dakota, she froze like she was paused, her eyes widening instantly.
"Smack!"
The script in her hand fell to the ground.
"Brother Cassius!"
She jumped up, voice rising: "Why are you here? Am I dreaming?"
She almost hopped over, flustered with excitement, cheeks turning red instantly.
"Sis! Why didn't you tell me earlier! Oh god! I look so ugly like this!"
She subconsciously tried to cover the special effects makeup on her face with her hands.
Cassius laughed at her reaction.
"Not ugly, very full of character! Is filming going smoothly?"
"Smooth! Super smooth!"
Elle nodded vigorously, eyes shining.
"Just sometimes need to imagine expressing fear to the air, a bit hard."
She wrinkled her nose in distress.
[Elle Fanning Favorability +5, Current Favorability 80]
A purple attribute orb dropped from her:
[Innocent Belief +8].
This pure emotional investment and sense of belief were precious things in acting.
Cassius absorbed it immediately.