Chapter 126: The Hurricane Rescue

"Mr. Kelly, I'm very sorry!"

Mr. Norton shook his head, communication failed.

Cruz's assistant emphasized that this film was crucial for him, and they couldn't afford any mistakes, still insisting on replacing the actor.

Luca frowned. Ever since Tom Cruise's divorce from Nicole Kidman, his film career hadn't been great. Several films he starred in or produced, including *Vanilla Sky*, *Narc*, and *The Human Stain*, performed only average at the box office and critically.

He used to be an SS-tier star, but now he's dropped to S-tier, slowly being caught up by actors like Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Will Smith.

In an effort to break through, Cruise took on the role of a hitman in *Collateral*, his first time playing a villain in a movie. He even dyed his hair gray, a sign of his commitment.

There were even jokes in the news that said Cruise was flirting with the Oscars, indicating how much he valued the movie. Unfortunately, it was like winking at a blind person; the Oscars once again disappointed him.

"Luca, it's a tough situation for you. The company will surely give you an explanation."

Ed sighed.

"An explanation?"

Luca shook his head. Tom Cruise was a big name in Hollywood, one of the greatest stars in the world. Every major film company catered to him. What kind of explanation could the agency provide?

"Mr. Cruise, can we talk?"

Just as Cruise was about to leave, Luca suddenly called out.

Cruise stopped for a moment, his handsome eyebrows furrowing slightly.

"Luca, what are you doing?"

Ed tugged at him, worried he might lose his temper and punch Cruise.

"Mr. Kelly, Mr. Cruise isn't someone who easily compromises," Mr. Norton said, shaking his head.

"It's okay, I want to give it a shot."

*Collateral* had a budget of 65 million dollars, making it an A-list production, much better than *Honey*.

Even though his role only lasted a few seconds, if he performed well, it could be very beneficial.

Luca smiled slightly and walked up.

"Mr. Cruise, mind if I walk with you?"

He pointed to the subway exit.

Tom Cruise furrowed his brows deeply, his blue eyes flickering with an indecipherable gleam. Just as his assistant was about to stop Luca, Cruise suddenly smiled.

"Why not? I like talking to young people."

Cruise smiled, a charming grin that exuded warmth.

"Thank you, Mr. Cruise."

Luca thanked him and walked alongside Cruise and his entourage.

"Uh~"

Ed watched their backs, stunned. What was Luca trying to do? Was he trying to convince Cruise?

"Young people have ambition, which is good, but this is a bit too much."

Producer Norton shook his head. Tom Cruise was known for being stubborn. Rumor had it that even at forty, Cruise still had a bit of childlike stubbornness. Once he made up his mind, it was hard to change.

"Mr. Norton, what do we do now?"

The assistant director asked helplessly.

"Let's call it a day. I'll inform the company to find another actor that Mr. Cruise is satisfied with."

Producer Norton sighed. Cruise was a big name. Even though he wasn't credited as a producer, the entire movie revolved around him. With the lead actor gone, all of today's preparations were wasted. Wages, location fees, and extras' pay amounted to losses of over two hundred thousand dollars.

"Alright."

The assistant director returned to the crew to relay the message.

The crew began packing up their equipment, ready to go home.

"Mr. Cruise is back!"

Someone suddenly shouted.

"What?!"

Everyone looked over in surprise. They saw Mr. Cruise and Mr. Kelly walking and talking as they returned to the set together.

"Back?"

Mr. Norton was stunned.

"Mr. Norton, Mr. Cruise is ready to shoot whenever you are," Cruise's assistant informed him.

"But we haven't chosen the actor for the contact role yet," Mr. Norton hesitated.

"Mr. Kelly is a good choice."

Cruise's assistant said expressionlessly.

Mr. Norton was speechless. Just now, she said Luca wasn't suitable, and now she says he is. Doesn't she feel embarrassed contradicting herself?

"Mr. Norton, is there a problem?"

"No, please have Mr. Cruise get ready. We'll start shooting right away!"

"Alright."

The assistant left.

Mr. Norton frowned, staring at the crowd.

Luca Kelly didn't suddenly shrink, and Cruise didn't grow taller. So why was he now suitable?

Ed was just as puzzled. Moments ago, he worried Luca might throw a punch. He had followed them outside, but after just a few minutes, they returned to the set, seemingly getting along. How did Luca convince a superstar like Cruise in such a short time?

"Luca, what did you say to him?" Ed asked curiously.

Luca shrugged. "Nothing much. Remember I told you I wrote a script in France?"

"The one based on Miranda's incident, *Hurricane Rescue*?"

"That's the one!"

After seeing that video in the Bordeaux court, he immediately thought of a French film called *Taken*. It was about a retired American agent going to France to rescue his kidnapped daughter, with a similarly intense pace.

Inspired by that film, he wrote two scripts.

One was a faithful retelling of Kate and Miranda's experience, titled *Supermodel Strike Force*. It was about Miranda's ordeal, and supermodels Kate and Lima rescuing her in a high-speed car chase and shootout on the highway.

The other was a close adaptation of the French film *Taken*, which had a budget of over 20 million and grossed over 200 million, making it one of the most successful French films ever.

When he saw Cruise with his gray hair, Luca suddenly thought he'd be perfect to play the retired agent in *Hurricane Rescue*.

So he went over and had a quick chat, mentioning his role as a writer and highlighting the script's selling points.

His goal was simple: Cruise was a big name. Whether it worked out or not, it was worth a shot. If he convinced him, he'd have another contact in Hollywood.

It turned out his gamble paid off.

Cruise showed some interest and wanted to see the script soon.

As they reached the subway exit, ready to part ways, Cruise glanced at him, then inexplicably turned back toward the set.

Luca couldn't figure out what was going through his mind either but followed him back.

"Mr. Kelly, please get ready. We'll start shooting in five minutes. Any issues?"

"No problem!"

"OK!"

Five minutes later, filming began.

The extras moved around freely as part of the crowd. Luca wore a black suit, his hair styled in a slightly messy but chic way.

Originally, he had a slicked-back hairstyle, but the director didn't like it. Since Cruise also had a slicked-back look, two similar styles in the same shot would steal focus. So the makeup team gave him a more understated look, transforming him from a big boss to a minor thug.

Though Luca was tall, the styling toned him down.

He didn't mind; without the slicked-back hair, he was still the most striking figure in the crowd.

Carrying a black leather suitcase, Luca walked while observing his surroundings.

Ahead of him, Cruise, wearing sunglasses and carrying a matching leather suitcase, walked steadily, each step heavy and deliberate.

Bam~

Luca bumped into Cruise from the side, and both of their suitcases fell to the ground simultaneously.

"You alright?" Cruise asked.

"I'm fine, no need to worry."

Luca's character, a contact, was familiar with Cruise's hitman character, maybe even friends. So his tone was casual, with a hint of deeper meaning.

"Really alright?"

Cruise asked again.

"I'm fine!"

Luca raised his eyebrows as Cruise picked up the suitcase and walked away. "Hey, buddy, enjoy your time in L.A.!"

Cruise left with the suitcase.

"CUT!"

"Luca, you're too tense. I need you to act more relaxed. Also, when you bump into Cruise, it needs to be harder. Can you do that?" the director shouted.

"Got it, director. I'll adjust," Luca nodded.

The director gave a slight nod, "Tom, get ready. We'll go again in three minutes."

"OK!" Cruise said, carrying his black briefcase as he prepared to leave.

"Sorry, Mr. Cruise, that was my mistake," Luca took a couple of steps forward and said.

Cruise glanced at him and shook his head slightly, "Apologizing won't cut it. I need to see your performance. I hope you're more than just talk."

With that, Cruise turned and walked away.

Luca let out a small sigh. When he acted in *Honey*, he felt at ease, but compared to these veteran actors, the gap was clear.

"Come on!" he clenched his fist and returned to his spot.

"Scene one, take two of *Collateral* starts now!"