**Chapter 152: Mutual Pursuit**

Sam Raimi, after many twists and turns, finally took the helm of "Spider-Man." This fact was widely discussed in Hollywood and became common knowledge.

In other words, half of Hollywood was already stirred up by the news, making it very difficult to keep the preparation work for "Spider-Man" a secret. It was no longer a mystery.

So, since it couldn't be kept low-key, it might as well be handled with grand flair.

The casting process was no different.

James Franco suddenly thought of something, "In fact, the big five talent agencies must have gotten the news and submitted resumes."

"Chris, didn't you submit yours?"

Like James, Chris was also with Creative Artists Agency. Even though they didn't work together, they should have access to the same information.

Chris helplessly spread his hands, "They think I'm too handsome."

James immediately flipped him the bird, "Get lost."

Chris burst out laughing.

James then turned to Anson, "If you choose our agency, you could also get a chance this time. They're looking for fresh faces. And not just for this, but there are plenty of other opportunities too."

Anson was about to speak when another voice interrupted.

"If Anson gets a chance too, you might not get a turn."

Anson was startled, "Hayden?"

There was no sign of Hayden anywhere in sight. With his height and build, it would be difficult for him to hide under the sofa, yet how did his voice suddenly appear?

"Hey, Anson."

Chris picked up a phone from the table and waved it at Anson.

Anson chuckled in realization, "So, you've been here the whole time? Wait, is Brad hiding somewhere, secretly observing too?"

"Haha, I found out before you did, and I already celebrated with James."

Anson asked, "So, how are you doing now? Or is everything still top secret?"

Hayden wasn't in Los Angeles.

**Three weeks ago, when Anson was still in San Francisco, Hayden finally received the news—**

He passed the audition.

Although the news was still kept confidential from the media, and no leaks had occurred, a small circle of well-informed agents and high-level insiders had already heard, including Hayden's housemates.

Hayden was officially confirmed as the lead role of Anakin Skywalker in *Star Wars: Episode II*, marking a turning point in his career.

No wonder!

Looking back now, everything made sense. All the secrecy, the confidentiality agreements, and the countless auditions were finally explained.

As soon as the news broke that he had passed the audition, Hayden quickly packed his bags and left Los Angeles. He needed to go for training and complete a series of preparations before filming began. However, everything was still bound by confidentiality agreements.

Not a word could be leaked.

Hayden responded cautiously, "Uh... I'm good?"

He was very careful, not knowing what he could or couldn't say. Every time he spoke, he had to think it over, afraid that he might accidentally reveal something.

Anson and Chris exchanged glances and burst out laughing.

James widened his eyes, "Hey, Hayden, what do you mean by that? Explain it to me."

Chris casually remarked, "He means Anson is more handsome than you."

Anson raised his right hand and high-fived Chris in celebration.

*Slap!*

The crisp sound made James protest furiously, "Get lost, all of you! Anson, come on, let's fight."

Anson remained calm and shook his head lightly, "I don't bully kids."

One second, two seconds—

Laughter erupted!

Hayden, on the other end of the phone, couldn't stop laughing either.

James looked defeated, but after glancing at Anson's physique and then looking down at his own, he quietly lowered his fists. "Let me tell you, if we both auditioned, they might not pick you."

"Really!" To add credibility, James puffed out his chest.

"Sony Columbia's first choice was Leonardo DiCaprio."

James dropped a bombshell with a straight face.

Anson blinked in surprise, "What?"

This was something he had never heard before, almost as shocking as the rumor that Nicolas Cage was once a backup for Superman, with costume designs and screen tests already done.

But thinking it over, it wasn't too surprising.

*Titanic* was hailed as the box-office bomb of the century, sweeping global box offices and earning Leonardo DiCaprio unbelievable popularity. However, after becoming famous, Leonardo had a period where he lost himself.

He completely lost his private life, finding it difficult to go anywhere. More importantly, he severed his connections with ordinary people. Everyone—literally everyone—wanted to use him, to get a piece of his fame. He became nothing more than a tool.

The past two years had been tough for Leonardo because he couldn't trust anyone or form close relationships, leading to a period of being lost.

So, in those two years, he starred in a series of low-profile indie films and even sought solitude in remote wilderness areas. During this time, he also began focusing on environmentalism, seeking peace of mind in nature.

Against this backdrop, Sony Columbia's decision to target Leonardo was a risky but clever move.

James was very pleased with the effect of his revelation, and Hayden, on the other end of the phone, gasped before breaking into a smile.

"But unfortunately, it didn't work out."

"Leonardo refused, and Sam didn't like the choice either. Neither side was interested, a mutual rejection."

"That's why Sony Columbia adjusted their strategy. They wanted to choose someone different from Christopher Reeve, to change the traditional image."

Christopher Reeve, the actor who played Superman, was also considered the archetype of a superhero, perfectly fitting the American ideal of the traditional handsome man.

In fact, every actor who played Superman afterward bore some resemblance to Christopher Reeve—they were all of the same type.

Sony Columbia wanted to break the mold, so they sought to change the style.

James shrugged slightly, "So, I think I have a better chance than Anson."

Seeing James explain so seriously, Anson just smiled, silently clenched his fist, and waved it, cheering James on, "James, believe in yourself. You can do it."

That expression, that tone...

Why did James feel like he was being comforted like a poor little puppy? Was it just his imagination? Right, it had to be his imagination.

But Anson didn't give James time to react, quickly changing the subject. "First Hayden, then James. If we add Chris, wow, we might have too many superheroes in our house."

Chris: "???"

Anson gave Chris a reassuring look, "I think you'd be perfect as Captain America. Give those production companies some time, let the dust settle, and they'll realize it."

Chris immediately understood and let out a long sigh, "Ah, if only that were true. Please, someone, just look at me."

On the other end of the line, Hayden's innocent voice chimed in, "Shouldn't you look at James first? He's the one who has to go to New York for an audition tomorrow."

Ah, right.

Hayden couldn't resist the urge to complain, "New York again? Why can't they hold auditions in Los Angeles?"

"Yeah, why not? I don't understand why they have to fly to New York."

"Maybe because Spider-Man lives in New York?"

"Ah, that makes sense."

**End of Chapter Three.**