Translator: Dreamscribe
At the sudden remark from Director Ahn Ga-bok, all the foreigners gathered in the meeting room turned their gazes toward him. From the executive producer of ‘Pierrot’ to all the key staff.
“Hmm?”
“Huh-”
Each team consisted of prominent figures from Hollywood. All of them focused their attention on Director Ahn Ga-bok. While it was partly because he was the director of ‘Pierrot’, carrying considerable influence, the suddenness of his statement also played a role. The person who questioned him was a female producer with a stern expression, standing alone in front of the ㄷ-shaped table. She slightly furrowed her brows.
“…A public audition and screen test? You mean, an open audition?”
Though they had already roughly understood, a translator conveyed the question to Director Ahn Ga-bok, and he slowly nodded before responding in decent English.
“Yes. It’s just an opinion, but I think it would be better for ‘Pierrot’ to conduct the audition and screen test publicly.”
For reference, ‘Pierrot’ had been tentatively set to conduct the casting auditions and screen tests on the same day. If this were in Korea, Director Ahn Ga-bok’s single word would have finalized the decision. But this was Hollywood. In essence, he was in a hired position, and the ultimate decision-making authority rested with the producers or the film company.
However, even in Hollywood, the director’s influence was not negligible.
Though not to the extent of being a absolute as in Korea, producers and film companies generally respected the wishes of the directors they hired. It was a gesture of respect. Moreover, Director Ahn Ga-bok was currently a very hot topic in Hollywood, both for his career and for the buzz he generated.
Even so, the key staff in the meeting room began murmuring.
“Publicly? Would the actors go along with that?”
“That’d be tough. Actors are already very prideful.”
“What’s the reasoning?”
The question on everyone’s mind eventually came from the female producer.
“Publicly, what’s the reason behind that idea?”
While public auditions were relatively common in Korea, they were less frequent in Hollywood, though not entirely unheard of. Especially for top-tier actors, they were even rarer. Of course, Director Ahn Ga-bok was well aware of this. He spoke while lightly brushing his wrinkled cheek.
“Firstly, rather than separately evaluating the tension of each actor through individual shoots, I believe it would be better to compare them directly on site.”
“Hmm-”
“Though it might be my own ambition, the emotional narrative of ‘Pierrot’ is by no means easy. Honestly, I don’t want to risk making mistakes due to minor misjudgments.”
Director Ahn Ga-bok had worked on over 100 films. Throughout his career, he had made countless choices and decisions, and there were undoubtedly many regrets. Though he had become desensitized over time, those regrets had transformed into lingering attachments that occupied his mind. This time would likely be no different. Even though Hollywood’s production system was vastly different from Korea’s, which somewhat alleviated his sense of responsibility, Director Ahn Ga-bok had no intention of taking his Hollywood debut lightly.
“It’s not an exaggeration to say that actors are everything in ‘Pierrot’, and I want to minimize the chance of errors.”
The female producer and several key staff members nodded. Around that time, Director Ahn Ga-bok continued.
“Secondly, I think mutual recognition among the actors is necessary. As you know, ‘Pierrot’ includes elements of eccentricity, challenge, and boldness, which have already drawn significant attention from the media and the industry. I don’t want baseless rumors to spread during the actor selection process.”
“…That’s something we also want to avoid. It’s not about assessing the actors’ skills but rather about having them observe and acknowledge each other’s unique analyses and performances, thereby fostering a more flexible atmosphere, both internally and externally.”
To put it simply, it was a preemptive measure to block unnecessary gossip and nonsense. Additionally, Director Ahn Ga-bok had another thought in mind.
‘If Woojin-gun secures a role-’
There was a high likelihood that baseless rumors, such as his involvement in Woojin’s casting, would spread. Such rumors would severely damage not only Director Ahn Ga-bok’s reputation but also Kang Woojin’s. It was something he absolutely had to avoid for his first Hollywood project.
Director Ahn Ga-bok then spoke again.
“Lastly, I want to confirm whether the actors are truly eager and ambitious for the roles they’re aiming for.”
In other words, it was about witnessing the desire to secure a role, setting aside pride and other factors. This was purely a part of Director Ahn Ga-bok’s stubbornness. However, he wasn’t being obstinate.
“It’s just a suggestion. It won’t be a problem if it doesn’t proceed publicly.”
Thanks to the female producer’s handling, a brief discussion among the key staff ensued. Opinions were varied, but there were slightly more in favor of Director Ahn Ga-bok’s idea. Soon, the female producer folded her arms and made a decision.
“We’ll respect the director’s suggestion and relay it to the candidate actors.”
At this moment, one of the foreign key staff, a plump man, raised his hand to ask a question.
“Hmm- well, I doubt most of the actors would be too shaken by this, but what about Kang Woojin? Since it’s his first time in Hollywood, won’t everything feel unfamiliar to him?”
Director Ahn Ga-bok was quick to answer.
“He’ll be fine. No, actually, out of all the actors, Kang Woojin is likely the calmest.”
Dozens of key staff members tilted their heads in doubt. Meanwhile, a subtle smile had already crept onto the wrinkled corners of Director Ahn Ga-bok’s lips. That was because the image of Kang Woojin’s resolute face came to mind.
‘If anything, he’ll welcome it. After all, I’ve set up a stage for a monster to unleash itself.’
A few hours later.
By the time night had fallen over LA, some of Hollywood’s top actors received slightly unexpected news. The source was one of Hollywood’s ‘Big Five’, Columbia Studios. Specifically, they were seeking opinions from the candidates for the lead male role in ‘Pierrot’.
The Hollywood top actors who had already passed the preliminary meeting for ‘Pierrot’ naturally reacted with astonishment.
“What? An audition and screen test conducted publicly?”
“Yeah, I just got a call from Columbia Studios. It didn’t feel like a finalized decision; they seemed to be gauging our opinions.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? Going public, doesn’t that mean we’ll have to watch each other’s performances?”
“Exactly.”
“…That’s uncomfortable. Is there really a need for that?”
“Not at all. But then again, there’s no particular reason not to do it either.”
“And why’s that?”
“Because we’re confident.”
Still, they didn’t react with outright resistance. At present, Columbia Studios had officially announced the male lead candidates for ‘Pierrot’ to the world. In other words, the actors were already aware of their competitors and were in the midst of investigating them.
“And rejecting this idea might make us seem like we’re running away.”
“Ah.”
“There’s a good chance the other actors will take it in stride. Especially Chris Hartnett. He loves challenges.”
“…Hmm.”
“And asking the other actors what they think would be weird. If, by any chance, we’re the only ones to reject this idea-”
“Then I’d come across as the one who’s scared.”
“Exactly. Of course, if you don’t want to participate in this project, there’s no need to agree to it.”
“What are you talking about? I’ve already told you. Pierrot’s script is one of the best I’ve seen in years, better and more entertaining than anything I’ve read recently. I want this badly.”
For that reason, the Hollywood actors gradually leaned toward accepting the idea. Naturally, Kang Woojin’s name also came up in the conversation.
“This is perfect. I’ve been curious why that Kang Woojin was included in the mix, but now I’ll get to see for myself.”
Not only was he the only Korean actor in ‘Pierrot’, but rumors about him were also swirling wildly among Hollywood actors, making him an even more intriguing figure. Chris Hartnett, in particular, showed an almost excessive enthusiasm compared to the other actors.
“A public audition means we’ll get to see Kang Woojin’s acting, right? I’m all for it. This is great. Honestly, I was hoping for a public setting anyway.”
“Hoping?”
“I was planning to ask if I could observe his performance when he acts. But if everyone gets to watch fairly, there’s no reason to object.”
Chris, who had a slight connection with Kang Woojin and had been deeply impressed from their very first meeting, was the quickest to give his answer.
“Let them know I’m all for the public audition.”
In the end, most of the actors arrived at a similar conclusion. Though their circumstances varied, from Columbia Studios’ perspective, there were no issues.
And then.
“Woojin.”
This news was also relayed to Kang Woojin in Korea. It was around the time when the entire nation was abuzz about Woojin’s entry into Hollywood. While the time difference meant it was the afternoon of the following day in Korea, it was practically simultaneous. Kang Woojin was in the middle of a commercial shoot after wrapping up his morning schedule.
“Yes, CEO-nim.”
Choi Sung-gun didn’t mince words.
“An urgent email just came from Columbia Studios. They’re asking what you think about doing the audition and screen test for ‘Pierrot’ publicly.”
Kang Woojin, his face as indifferent as ever, thought to himself:
‘So what? Is this really something urgent enough to ask me? Is it because it’s Hollywood?’
To him, it didn’t matter whether it was a meaningful detail or just for show. Public or private, it made no difference whatsoever.
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Yeah, I figured as much. But you know, right? When they say ‘public’, they literally mean that the Hollywood A-listers, key staff, and executives will all be gathered to watch your performance.”
Woojin’s response didn’t change. In fact, it was even firmer than before.
“That just means I can handle everything in one go.”
Time flowed by. Before long, Wednesday, the 15th, had dawned. Around this time, Columbia Studios, which had sent the unexpected news to the candidate actors just a few days prior, finalized the decision for a public audition and screen test.
“How about holding the audition and screen test at the end of January?”
“It’d definitely be better to wait until after the year-end and New Year’s festive mood settles down.”
“Then, January 28th?”
They were setting the official date for the audition and screen test. At the same time, Hollywood was buzzing about ‘Pierrot’. It had already been a hot topic since Columbia Studios’ new project was on an enormous scale, but now, with the announcement of the project’s title and the male lead candidates, it became a sensation once again.
Though Hollywood actors like Chris Hartnett were frequently mentioned, foreign media outlets also repeatedly brought up Kang Woojin’s name.
Rumors within Hollywood were rampant.
That was because ‘Pierrot’ represented many firsts or bold moves for Columbia Studios, a major studio. In any case, Hollywood’s year-end buzz was undoubtedly dominated by ‘Pierrot’.
On the 16th.
Kang Woojin could be found at a large year-end party hosted by a major domestic corporation. As their commercial model, his attendance was natural. However, the reporters attending the party wasted no time.
“Woojin-ssi!! Please share some information about Hollywood! When are you heading over?!”
“Have you been in touch with Director Ahn Ga-bok?!”
“You’re competing against the announced Hollywood A-listers, right?! Are you confident?!”
“What kind of story is ‘Pierrot’ about?!”
“Are there any talks about other Hollywood projects as well?!”
“You’re about to become the first Korean actor to debut in Hollywood! How does that feel?!”
“Woojin-ssi! Kang Woojin-ssi!! Just a quick comment, please!”
Actors and other attendees bombarded Kang Woojin with similar questions. Equipped with his poker face, Woojin was, frankly, starting to get annoyed.
‘Ugh, my ears hurt. Well, I understand since it’s the first time something like this is happening, but it’s chaos everywhere I go. This is getting tiring. Alright, let’s retreat to the void space.’
But he had to endure it.
Those who ascend the throne must bear the weight of the crown. Until now, while it wasn’t unheard of for Korean actors to venture into Hollywood or similar opportunities, no Korean actor had ever taken on a leading role in a Hollywood production. In fact, even across all of Asia, there were only a few cases. And for a second-year actor? Even more unprecedented.
However, this was only the beginning. Of course, only a few, including Kang Woojin, were aware of this.
During his recent trip to Hollywood, there were talks with three studios. ‘Columbia Studios’, Joseph’s ‘Universal Movies’, and ‘World Disney Pictures’. Listing them out, it became clear that three of Hollywood’s ‘Big Five’ were tied to Kang Woojin.
‘Well, if there’s this much chaos just from ‘Pierrot’- when the rest get announced, it’ll be like a volcanic eruption or worse?’
In this way, while Kang Woojin continued to stand out, matters related to him were also steadily progressing.
『“Hollywood Debut” Kang Woojin’s ‘Beneficial Evil’, enters full-scale editing while again being covered by foreign press』
『’Leech’, ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ nearing simultaneous Korea-Japan release, Kang Woojin actively promoting!』
Around this time.
A peculiar rumor began circulating on a domestic film-related community forum.
-[Hey, did you hear the rumor about Disney making a live-action version of one of their classic masterpieces??]
-[What are you suddenly talking about? There hasn’t been a single rumor like that.]
-[ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋThis post feels like another attention-seeker showing up.]
-[When Disney live-action rumors spread, foreign press obviously goes crazyㅋㅋㅋㅋ Right now it’s only talk about Pierrot and Kang Woojin]
-[What’s the rumor? Just say it already.]
-[It’s bait. Don’t feed the troll.]
This community, which discussed both domestic and foreign films, was the largest in Korea in terms of user base.
-Ah, I’m not trollingㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ I live in LA, and there’s a legit rumor going around that Disney is preparing a live-action version of ‘Beast and the Beauty’.
For some reason, ‘Beast and the Beauty’ came up.