Huayu Entertainment 1995 started with hijacking.

Chapter 119 Am I, Stallone, not tough enough?!

“Hugh Jackman’s audition performance was very good. His image and temperament are perfectly suited for the role of the son,” Wu Yuchen said.

"Oh no, Wu, his performance was good, but he's just an unknown nobody. He can't carry the male lead role in this movie. We need to find a familiar face, a familiar face that can attract audiences to the cinema. This is a very important criterion for us when selecting actors."

Jeff retorted calmly.

Wu Yuchen looked at the other person: "Jeff, so who do you think we should choose?"

He wanted to see if the other party had his own people.

“I think John Cusack is a good fit. He has starred in many films, and although he is not a big star yet, it is enough for us.”

Wu Yuchen thought of John Cusack's information: he is 30 years old this year, has been in the industry for 13 years, and is a standard second-tier Hollywood actor. His later representative works are "Serendipity" and "Identity". His acting skills are definitely not a problem.

However, Wu Yuchen was wondering if he was the one Jeff supported.
Wu Yuchen thought for a moment and then tentatively said, "But John Cusack's salary is a bit high, $300 million."

Jeff said, "He's worth the price."

"I have reservations about this," Wu Yuchen said calmly.

Some well-funded production teams cast roles one by one, casting each actor individually after an audition.

However, many production teams actually have to consider a variety of factors, such as the total salaries of the actors. If the total salaries exceed the limit, then the actor for a certain role will have to be replaced.

The production team behind "Frequency" wasn't exactly rolling in money, so they couldn't just cast anyone after the auditions. They had to consider the entire cast before sending out a notification and signing a contract.

Jeff thought for a moment and then said:

“Okay, Wu, I respect your opinion. If you think John is too expensive, then Edward Norton is the better option. He had three great movies last year, not only working with Julia Roberts but also getting an Oscar nomination. He's got a lot of exposure, and it's only $150 million.”

Upon hearing this, Wu Yuchen's mind raced. Who exactly was Jeff trying to push? His attitude didn't seem like he was supporting anyone.

He decided to test Jeff's limits again: "Jeff, don't you think Edward's face looks a bit too young? He doesn't have the tough guy vibe of a policeman."

“I don’t think it’s a big problem. The son’s character is more immature than the father’s, and the tougher side of the film should be borne by the father. But if you’re really concerned, then James Caviezel is the better option. He’s cheaper, $80. He’s played quite a few supporting roles, so he’s barely usable.”

Jeff frowned.

Wu Yuchen shook his head: "Using him is not as good as using Hugh Jackman..."

"Oh, Wu! I know you really like this Hugh. You can give him a role like a friend of the main character, but don't make him the main character. He's a familiar face, a familiar face, a familiar face! That's important for the audience!"

Wu Yuchen shrugged: "Okay, okay, Jeff, then it'll be John Cusack or Edward Norton."

It seems that Jeff is completely considering the production team's interests in this role, and Wu Yuchen won't make unreasonable demands. The current Wolverine is indeed completely unknown.

When it came to the female lead, the mother, Jeff spoke first:

“Diane Lane is very suitable. At 32, she is the perfect age for a mother, and she has a wealth of acting experience. Few movie fans don’t recognize her.”

Wu Yuchen shook his head directly: "I don't want to pay $150 million for a role with few scenes. That money should be spent on the male lead."

After Wu Yuchen finished speaking, he immediately took out a document:
"Greece Moore has a virtuous and capable air about her, a typical American blonde beauty, which is exactly what the audience likes. I think it's a great deal to get her for only 10 yuan."

Jeff glanced at Wu Yuchen and then said, "Don't you think she's too young?"

"25 years old is enough, there's no difference between 25 and 30, and you can definitely play a mother."

Wu Yuchen said calmly.

Jeff hesitated for a moment, then said, "Okay, we'll do it your way!"

Wu Yuchen was slightly surprised. He hadn't expected Jeff to be so easy to talk to. He had thought he would have to argue with him for a while.

Well, it's all good this way. Gretchen's deal is done. Even if he can't win her over, she can't do anything to him. But Wu Yuchen still wants to be a man of his word. After all, she's a nurse and a daughter at the same time, which is quite hard for her.

When it came time to discuss the father, the main character, Jeff simply pulled out a document:
“Dennis Quaid, I think he’s the most suitable person for the role of father!”

Wu Yuchen's heart skipped a beat. Judging from Jeff's attitude, it seemed that this was the role he wanted to win.

Dennis Quaid debuted in 79 and has acted in many productions, including leading roles in smaller films, but he has never achieved mainstream success. While his face is familiar to American audiences, he hasn't been a commercial or award-winning success.

In fact, Wu Yuchen had no objection to this choice, because this was the actor who played the father role in the original "Frequency," and he played it very well, much better than his son.

Now he understands that Jeff essentially gave her a female lead role with little weight in order to gain the opportunity to make the final decision about his father, the male lead.

Even if Wu Yuchen secretly welcomes Dennis Quaid playing the role, he still has to haggle with Jeff to get something in return. Otherwise, he might appear too easygoing, which could lead to Jeff taking advantage of him later.

He pulled out a document: "I think Liam Neeson is more suitable. He's far more famous than Dennis Quaid. Isn't that what you just asked for, Jeff?"

“No, Liam Neeson is simply not cut out for tough-guy roles!” Jeff retorted firmly.

Wu Yuchen smiled. Liam Neeson can't play a tough guy? Ten years later, he'll be fighting all over the world in the Taken series!

"On the contrary, I think he has the potential to be a tough father. Liam Neeson has been boxing since he was a child, and he performed very well in the audition. He not only embodies the image of a tough father, but also has a very tender side. His acting skills and fame are beyond question."

"Wu, you just said that you wouldn't accept actors with high salaries, Liam Neeson's is 300 million!"

"That's different, Jeff. Liam Neeson is world-famous for his portrayal of Schindler in 'Schindler's List.' He has international appeal, so I think that $300 million is a great deal."

Before playing Schindler, Liam Neeson was just an ordinary actor, but Schindler made him famous.

“Wu, our first priority is the box office in North America! Dennis is an American, and he has a typical American look, while Liam Neeson is Irish!”

"What about fame and box office appeal?"

“We can pair Dennis with John Cusack; with the two of them, that’s enough for our film!” Jeff shouted.

Upon hearing this, Wu Yuchen finally understood Jeff's plans.

The production cost was $2500 million, with about $500 million allocated to actor salaries. Jeff's only supporter was Dennis Quaid. Once the role was secured, he could pair him with John Cusack, citing ample salary flexibility, thus ensuring the lead actor's appeal wouldn't be lacking.

After thinking it through, Wu Yuchen said calmly:
"Then I think pairing Liam Neeson with Edward Norton or even Hugh Jackman would be a great option, wouldn't you say?"

Jeff looked at Wu Yuchen seriously: "Wu, are you really going to insist on this?"

The atmosphere between the two had become quite tense. Wu Yuchen knew very well that if he answered yes, the two would probably fall out, which wasn't his intention. Seeing that the time was right, Wu Yuchen smiled and said, "Jeff, actually Dennis is not bad either..."

Jeff's expression softened upon hearing this.

"But I have a condition."

"what?"

"I need to allocate an extra 200 million to have Industrial Light & Magic do the special effects."

Jeff frowned upon hearing this: "Can't we just use regular CG?"

This issue was discussed during the initial planning stages, but Jeff always felt that a simple film would suffice, given the film's limited budget.

Wu Yuchen shook his head: "The scene where the villain's hand withers instantly requires top-notch special effects to bring a shock to the audience. This is a science fiction film!"

The original special effects were just so-so, so Wu Yuchen wanted to switch to a higher-end version this time.

Seeing that Jeff was still a little hesitant, Wu Yuchen said, "Pairing Dennis Quaid with Edward Norton can save 150 million in salary."

Jeff thought for a moment and then nodded: "Okay!"

Wu Yuchen smiled and shook hands with Jeff. After the three main roles were decided, they began to discuss the other roles. The two did not have any further disputes.

……

That evening, after Wu Yuchen returned to the hotel, he had just opened the door to his room when Gretchen rushed over, grabbed his arm, and asked with hopeful eyes, "Have the results come out yet?"

She had been taking excellent care of Wu Yuchen these past few days, and she was quite happy about it. Although Wu Yuchen said he couldn't guarantee success, she naturally wanted something in return for her efforts.

Wu Yuchen smirked: "Female lead, 10 yuan. Have your lawyer come to the set to sign the contract in the next couple of days."

Gretchen's face lit up with ecstasy, and she excitedly hugged Wu Yuchen and gave him a kiss.

Hey, have you brushed your teeth?

Gretchen, recalling the service he provided before she left that morning, glanced at him with her beautiful eyes and said, "Of course!"

She didn't care about Wu Yuchen's attitude towards her; after all, it was just a transaction, not a real relationship. Excitedly, she picked up the phone and spoke with her lawyer.

The next day, Wu Yuchen was discussing the special effects he wanted with the staff of Industrial Light & Magic, holding his storyboard.

"Does only one hand need to undergo the withering process? Does the surrounding environment need to be changed?"

Yes, with just one hand.

"That's simple. Just charge the normal fee. We'll be on set with you, and it'll be done in two or three weeks after we finish shooting the footage."

Wu Yuchen breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. Fortunately, his shot was relatively simple; otherwise, it might have taken a long time to make just one special effect.

Just then, his phone rang. When he answered, he saw it was Gretchen. Before he could even speak, he heard Gretchen's somewhat shrill voice on the other end:
"Wu! They said the signing has been halted!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Yuchen immediately frowned:

"Gretchen, hand the phone to the production team's lawyer."

"Hello, Director Wu."

"What happened? Why was Gretchen's signing halted?" Wu Yuchen asked, his tone displeased.

"I'm sorry, Director Wu, it's not just Gretchen's contract that's been suspended, but all the actors' contracts have been halted. I only received the phone call about it 10 minutes ago."

Wu Yuchen's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this. What the hell had happened now?!
After comforting Gretchen for a couple of minutes, Wu Yuchen hung up the phone. He was about to call producer Jeff when Jeff walked over with a grim expression on his face.

"Hey Jeff, what's going on? Why was the contract with the production team suspended?!" Wu Yuchen hurriedly went over and asked.

“Wu, something’s happened. Come back to the company with me right now. Someone has their eye on our project.”

"Who?"

Sylvester Stallone.

……

In an executive's office at Columbia Corporation, a senior manager had his secretary bring him a cup of coffee, then smiled and said, "Wow, Sylvester, I didn't expect to attract your attention!"

Stallone didn't touch his coffee, crossed his arms, and said with a cold expression:

"Stanton, you know what? I'm really unhappy right now!"

"What's wrong? Who upset you?" Stanton asked with a smile.

"You invited Tom Hanks, Mel Gibson, Bruce Willis, and Pierce Brosnan to play the tough father role, but you didn't invite me!"

"What? Do you think I'm not as famous as them? Or do you think I'm not tough enough?!" Stallone questioned.

"Sylvester, I think this must be a misunderstanding. The whole of America knows you're Hollywood's number one tough guy!"

Stanton said nice things to coax the other person, but in his heart he was sneer. You haven't become as popular as some people in the last two years. The old man is starting to decline but he is still so arrogant.

Sylvester Stallone has been nominated for the Golden Raspberry Award for several years in a row, but that's not important. What's important is his box office performance.

The 1995 film "Dredd" had a budget of 90 million, but only grossed 34 million in North America and just under 100 million worldwide. With the addition of publicity costs, the production company lost a lot of money and could only slowly recoup its losses through videotapes and DVDs.

The 96 film "Ten Thousand Urgent" had a budget of 8000 million yuan, but only grossed 3200 million yuan at the box office, resulting in a huge loss...

While this is not enough to shake Stallone's foundation and status, it has led many in Hollywood to believe that he has begun to decline.

Sylvester Stallone himself has actually been considering a career shift. Last year, at the invitation of Miramax, he filmed "Police Empire," a rare occurrence for him in recent years where he played a lead role with very little action. Moreover, he took a pay cut to star in it, considering the entire production cost was only $1500 million. It's highly likely he was tricked by Harvey Weasley into trying to win awards, but ended up winning nothing.

Recently, his agent suddenly brought him the script for "Frequency," which piqued his interest. The tough father character suited his persona perfectly, which led him to personally visit the agency.

(End of this chapter)