Chapter 380: Overwhelmed (9)

Translator: Santos

 

At Director Ahn Ga-bok's sudden suggestion, every person in the meeting room, from the lead producer of *The Pierrot* to key staff, turned their attention to him.

“Huh?”

“Wow—”

Each team consisted of Hollywood's prominent figures, and all of them were now focused on Director Ahn. Part of it was because he held influence as the director of *The Pierrot*, but mainly, it was because of the unexpected nature of his suggestion. The woman producer, who stood alone at the front of the U-shaped table with a strong expression, furrowed her brows slightly as she questioned him.

“...Are you suggesting an open audition and screen test? In other words, a public audition?”

Although she had understood most of it, the interpreter translated for Director Ahn, and he nodded slowly before responding in his fairly competent English.

“Yes. It’s just a suggestion, but I think it would be beneficial to conduct *The Pierrot*'s auditions and screen tests publicly.”

For reference, they had already planned to hold auditions and screen tests for *The Pierrot* on the same day. If they were in Korea, Director Ahn's word would have been final, but this was Hollywood. Technically, he had been hired for the role, and the final decision lay with the producers and the studio.

However, even in Hollywood, a director's influence wasn’t insignificant.

While it wasn't at the level of absolute power like in Korea, both producers and studios generally respected the director’s vision, especially if the director was highly sought-after in Hollywood, like Director Ahn Ga-bok. His career and recent prominence added weight to his opinion.

Even so, murmurs rose among the key staff in the meeting room.

“A public audition? Will the actors agree?”

“It might be difficult, especially given the pride some of these actors have.”

“What’s the reason behind this?”

The curiosity was eventually voiced by the woman producer.

“Public—what’s the reasoning behind it?”

Public auditions were common in Korea, but in Hollywood, while not unheard of, they were less frequent, especially for top-tier actors. Naturally, Director Ahn Ga-bok was aware of this. Rubbing his wrinkled cheeks, he explained,

“First, I believe it’s better to compare the actors’ performances directly rather than filming them separately for assessment.”

“Hmm—”

“My desire may be selfish, but the emotional depth of *The Pierrot* isn’t easy to capture. Honestly, I don’t want to risk making any mistakes, even minor ones.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok had directed over 100 films. Over his long career, he had made countless decisions, some of which he later regretted. These regrets had accumulated and lingered in his mind, transforming into a constant reminder over time. He didn’t intend to approach this Hollywood project lightly, even though Hollywood’s production system was different from Korea's and entailed relatively less responsibility.

“Given that *The Pierrot* relies so heavily on its actors, I want to minimize the chances of error.”

The woman producer and several key staff members nodded. As they did, Director Ahn continued,

“Secondly, I believe it’s essential for the actors to recognize each other’s talents. *The Pierrot* is filled with unusual, bold, and challenging elements, and thus, it has garnered significant attention from the media and the industry. I’d prefer to avoid any unnecessary rumors during the casting process.”

“...That’s something we would like to avoid as well. You mean that rather than merely evaluating the actors’ skills, observing each other’s distinct interpretations and performances would foster a more flexible atmosphere, both internally and externally.”

In simple terms, they wanted to prevent gossip and nonsense in advance. Moreover, Director Ahn had another thought in mind.

*“If Woo-jin secures the role—”*

There was a high chance of false rumors spreading that Director Ahn Ga-bok’s influence had secured it for him. Such rumors could tarnish both Director Ahn’s and Kang Woo-jin’s reputations, something to be avoided in Woo-jin’s first Hollywood role.

Director Ahn elaborated further.

“Finally, I want to confirm that the actors are truly passionate about these roles.”

In other words, he wanted to see if they were motivated enough to push aside their pride and pursue the role. However, this was purely his own stubbornness.

“It’s only a suggestion, and it won’t be an issue if the auditions aren’t made public.”

After a brief discussion among the key staff, guided by the woman producer, the opinions were varied, but a slight majority leaned in favor of Director Ahn’s suggestion. Soon, the woman producer crossed her arms and made a decision.

“We’ll respect the director’s suggestion and communicate it to the candidate actors.”

At this point, a chubby foreign key staff member raised his hand to ask a question.

“Hmm—but will Kang Woo-jin be okay with this? He’s new to Hollywood, and everything might be unfamiliar.”

Director Ahn was quick to respond.

“He’ll be fine. In fact, among the actors, Kang Woo-jin might be the calmest.”

Dozens of key staff members tilted their heads in curiosity. Meanwhile, a faint smile appeared on Director Ahn's wrinkled face as he thought of Woo-jin’s determined expression.

*“He’ll welcome it—after all, it’s a stage where a monster can unleash itself.”*

A few hours later,

Night fell over LA, and some of Hollywood’s top actors received an unexpected message from *Columbia Pictures*, one of the “Big Five” studios. In other words, they were reaching out to the lead candidates for *The Pierrot* to ask their opinions on the matter.

Naturally, the top actors who had passed the preliminary meetings for *The Pierrot* were taken aback.

“What? They want to hold the auditions and screen tests publicly?”

“Hmm, I just received a message from *Columbia Pictures*. It sounded more like they were asking for our opinion rather than confirming it.”

“What? Publicly? Does that mean we’d have to perform in front of each other?”

“That’s right.”

“...I’m not comfortable with this. Is it really necessary?”

“Not really. But, on the other hand, there’s no reason not to do it.”

“Why not?”

“Because they’re confident.”

Yet, no one outright rejected the idea. Currently, *Columbia Pictures* had publicly announced the candidates for the lead role in *The Pierrot*. That meant the actors were already aware of their competitors and were likely doing some research on each other.

“Plus, declining this could make us look like we’re running away.”

“Ah.”

“If other actors are willing to accept it without hesitation, especially Chris Hartnett, who loves a challenge.”

“...Hmm.”

“Bringing this up with other actors would be strange. And if we’re the only ones who decline—”

“We’ll look like we’re scared.”

“That’s right. But if you’re not interested in this project, there’s no need to agree.”

“What are you talking about? I told you, *The Pierrot*’s script is the most exciting and outstanding project I’ve seen in years. I’m all in.”

For this reason, the Hollywood actors gradually leaned toward accepting the proposal. Naturally, Kang Woo-jin’s name came up.

“This is great. I was curious why Kang Woo-jin was involved in this, but now I can see for myself.”

Being the only Korean actor in *The Pierrot*, there was already plenty of gossip about him among the Hollywood actors, which only increased their curiosity. Chris Hartnett, in particular, welcomed the decision with even more enthusiasm than the other actors.

“A public audition means we’ll get to see Kang Woo-jin’s acting too, right? I’m all for it. In fact, I’d been meaning to ask for a public audition.”

“Request?”

“I was planning to ask if I could observe his acting. But if everyone can watch him equally, then I’m in.”

Having met Woo-jin previously and been deeply impressed, Chris’s answer was swift and decisive.

“Let them know I’m fully on board with the public audition.”

In the end, most actors reached a similar conclusion. Their motivations varied, but for *Columbia Pictures*, this wasn’t an issue.

Meanwhile,

Kang Woo-jin, who was back in Korea, received the news. As the entire country buzzed over his Hollywood debut, he received an urgent email from *Columbia Pictures* during the afternoon in Korea, nearly at the same time due to the time difference. Woo-jin had just finished his morning schedule and was in the middle of a commercial shoot.

“Yes, boss.”

Choi Sung-geon got straight to the point.

“We just received an urgent email from *Columbia Pictures*. They’re asking if it would be okay to hold the auditions and screen tests for *The Pierrot* publicly.”

With a neutral expression, Woo-jin thought,

*“Why are they making this a big deal? Is it just because it’s Hollywood?”*

He couldn’t care less about the publicity—whether it was public or private, it didn’t matter to him.

“I’m fine with it.”

“Yeah, I figured as much, but you know, in Hollywood, public means *everyone’s* watching—top actors, their teams, and executives alike.”

Woo-jin’s response was even firmer this time.

“It’ll be a chance to prove myself in one go.”

As time passed,

By Wednesday, the 15th, *Columbia Pictures* had finalized the plan for the open audition and screen test for *The Pierrot*.

“How about holding it at the end of January?”

“With the holidays over and the New

 Year settling down, that sounds ideal.”

“Then, January 28th?”

They were setting the official date for the open audition and screen test. At the same time, Hollywood was buzzing with *The Pierrot*. Initially, *Columbia Pictures*’s new project had drawn attention because of its scale, but with the project title and the list of lead candidates announced, it became an even bigger topic.

Chris Hartnett and other Hollywood actors were frequently mentioned, but Kang Woo-jin’s name kept appearing prominently in the media.

Rumors were rampant in Hollywood.

*Columbia Pictures* was breaking ground with multiple firsts and challenges, making *The Pierrot* the hottest topic in Hollywood’s year-end discussions.

And on the 16th,

Kang Woo-jin was present at a large year-end party hosted by a major domestic company. He was their advertising model, and the attending journalists began their barrage of questions.

“Woo-jin! Can you share any information about Hollywood? When are you going to fly out?”

“Have you spoken with Director Ahn Ga-bok?”

“You’ll be competing against the Hollywood top actors, right? How do you feel about it?”

“What’s *The Pierrot* about?”

“Is there any other Hollywood project in the works?”

“You’re on the verge of becoming the first Korean actor to lead a Hollywood film. How does it feel?”

“Woo-jin! Woo-jin! Just a quick comment, please!”

Actors, industry figures, and journalists all clamored with similar questions. Although his face remained stoic, Woo-jin was growing weary.

*“This is exhausting. I get that this is a big deal, but every time I go out, it’s a madhouse. I need to take a break in another dimension.”*

But he endured it.

For those who sit on the throne, bearing the weight of the crown is inevitable. While no Korean actor had ever played a solo lead in a Hollywood film, and few across Asia had achieved it, doing so within two years was unheard of.

However, this was just the beginning—a point only Woo-jin and a select few knew.

During his recent trip to Hollywood, he’d had discussions with three studios: *Columbia Pictures*, Joseph’s *Universal Movies*, and *World Disney Pictures*. This meant that three out of Hollywood's "Big Five" studios were in talks with Woo-jin.

*“If *The Pierrot* alone is causing this much commotion—imagine when the others are announced! It’ll be like a volcanic eruption.”*

As Woo-jin’s career skyrocketed, various related activities continued progressing smoothly.

『“Hollywood-bound Kang Woo-jin’s *The Beneficial Evil* enters full editing mode, receiving international coverage.”』

『As *The Parasitic Mate* and *Strange Sacrifice* are about to open in Korea and Japan, Kang Woo-jin’s promotional impact is significant.』

It was around this time that an unusual rumor began circulating on a prominent film community website.

-[Did you guys hear? Apparently, Disney is planning to make a live-action version of one of its iconic films??]

-[What? Out of the blue? No rumor has surfaced about this before.]

-[Look at the comment above, another attention-seeker.]

-[LOL if a live-action Disney rumor was real, the international media would be blowing up. Right now, all they’re talking about is *The Pierrot* and Kang Woo-jin.]

-[What rumor? Spill the details.]

-[Don’t feed the troll.]

The forum was the country’s largest movie site, and they discussed both international and domestic films.

-No, I’m serious, LOL. I live in LA, and there’s legit talk that Disney is working on a live-action *Beauty and the Beast*