**Chapter 21: Even an Oscar-Winning Actor is Here for an Audition!**
Half an hour later, Wayne closed the script with satisfaction.
James Wan did not disappoint him. Not only did the script subtly surpass the original in terms of plot and dialogue, but it also elevated the suspense and horror aspects by at least one or two levels compared to the original.
This addressed the film's biggest criticism—"not scary enough"—and significantly improved that aspect.
No matter how the audience would perceive it after release, Wayne found nothing major to criticize in it.
After calling to notify Sera that the script had passed, Wayne picked up Hannah, ready to reward her generously.
The night passed without further events.
At 9 a.m. the next morning, Wayne, along with Jessica, arrived at the company in Hannah's Suburban to attend the audition.
Mia had driven herself earlier because of her work commitments.
Jessica's agent, though she already knew Jessica had secured the lead role, still had to attend for contractual reasons and had arrived earlier as well.
"Hello, Mr. Wayne, it's an honor to see you again!"
Jessica's agent, Vinnie, was extremely humble and enthusiastic in front of Wayne, a far cry from the face she showed when convincing Jessica at the party.
But this was normal—knowing how to adjust for different people is a basic skill, not just for agents but for anyone in society.
Especially now, with Jessica having turned down the new TV series audition for Cameron, she was banking on Wayne for her rise to fame and fortune. Naturally, Vinnie wanted to stay in Wayne's good graces.
After all, the founders of CAA (Creative Artists Agency) famously danced on dining tables to win over clients!
Wayne smiled politely, shook her hand, and then left Jessica with her agent before following Mia to the audition room.
Along the way, Wayne turned heads wherever he went, from both men and women.
It couldn't be helped—he was too handsome.
When Leonardo DiCaprio auditioned for *Titanic*, all the women in the building came to see him. Wayne, with his even higher looks, in a custom-tailored suit, radiating elegance and confidence, looked like the heir to a centuries-old aristocratic family, drawing even more attention.
"Oh my god, who is that? He's unbelievably handsome!" A young Black actor in the corner couldn't help but exclaim along with the other actresses.
His voice, however, was a bit loud, drawing the attention of another auditioning actor beside him.
"Come on, dude, you don't know who that is and you're here to audition? Who brought you here?"
"Of course, my agent got me this audition. My agent is Conrad Jones from WMA. So, did I miss some big news?"
"Well, looks like you really don't know. That's Wayne Anderson, the new owner of Hemera Films. The movie they shot with an $8 million budget and sold to Warner Bros. for $20 million? That was his independent project, which he wrote, directed, and starred in."
"Ah, I've heard of him! My agent did mention that Hemera got a new, wealthy owner. I just assumed Wayne Anderson was some old guy. I never thought he'd be so young and handsome! I'm screwed; I was hoping to audition for the lead role!"
Mike's client, a young Asian guy auditioning for the role of 'Blond Slacker,' was shocked as he looked at the Black actor, who appeared to be at least 27 or 28. He couldn't help but feel confused.
"Where did this guy come from? A Black lead? Does he think he's Will Smith?"
"Where's your agent? Did they tell you to audition for the lead role?" the Asian actor asked, genuinely curious.
The Black actor flashed a wide smile, showing his pearly whites. "My agent believes in me and said I should just come on my own."
"Heh..."
The Asian guy awkwardly chuckled and decided he didn't want to talk to this delusional guy anymore.
Not far from them, a girl with wavy dark brown hair, skin as white as milk, and delicate, radiant features overheard their conversation. Her dark, gemstone-like eyes flickered with a thoughtful expression.
If Wayne were here, he would have immediately recognized this girl.
She was none other than Anne Hathaway, the future star of *The Princess Diaries*, which would premiere next year and skyrocket her to fame.
At least in Wayne's eyes, Anne was a beauty whose looks and charm, when she wasn't smiling, were on par with Jessica's, a rarity even in Hollywood, where beauties were abundant.
As for her smile... well, that was a matter of personal preference.
However, Anne Hathaway wasn't famous yet. Though she had a role in last year's TV show *Get Real* and even received a Teen Choice Award nomination for Best TV Actress, the show had low ratings and was canceled after one season. Because of this, she was even less well-known than Jessica.
Since Wayne knew her family was in Brooklyn, New York, not Los Angeles, he hadn't considered her for a major role in either *Accepted* or *Happy Death Day*.
So, like that Black actor, Anne had come on her own.
As a struggling newcomer whose one-year contract was about to expire, her agent didn't think she was worth the effort of flying to New York to renew her contract. Plus, she was eager to see if Hollywood held new opportunities for her, so she took a flight to LA.
While signing her new contract two days ago at CAA's office, she overheard agents discussing Hemera Films.
Even in Hollywood, where production companies are everywhere, it was rare to see an independently financed production with an $8 million budget. Outside of the Big Seven studios, Hemera Films ranked in the top 30.
Now, Hemera was producing a new film with a budget of over $10 million, and with the audition happening just two days later, she begged her agent to secure a supporting role audition for her.
But since it was just a minor role and her agent didn't have high hopes for her, she was told to go alone.
If she landed the part, her agent would step in to negotiate with Hemera.
After all, not every agent was as diligent as Mike. Otherwise, Wayne wouldn't have chosen him to be his own agent.
"If I could win him over…"
Anne's mind couldn't help but entertain the thought, something very common in Hollywood. In fact, every actress auditioning had a similar idea.
Though Anne would later be treated like a princess, even to the point of facing backlash for being "too perfect," that was just a constructed persona.
Before becoming famous, unless you came from wealth or had backing from a powerful family, being a princess wasn't even an option.
With this in mind, Anne glanced at Jessica, who had arrived with Wayne earlier, and frowned slightly.
Even as a fellow woman, she had to admit that Jessica was incredibly beautiful, one of the most stunning women in Hollywood.
Especially when she smiled—she was as sweet as milk chocolate.
Trying to steal Wayne from someone like her would clearly be a huge challenge.
As she was thinking about how to orchestrate a perfect first encounter with Wayne, another round of gasps filled the room, catching her attention.
Anne instinctively turned her head.
This time, the excitement was caused by an older man dressed in dark gray pants and a light-striped shirt, wearing a straw hat and slightly overweight.
Anne didn't recognize him at first until someone whispered the name "Anthony Hopkins." Suddenly, she realized who the kindly-looking man with the modest smile was.
"My god! Anthony Hopkins?! An Oscar-winning actor! Why is he here? Is this really just a $10 million indie film?"
Everyone, including Mike's clients and the people Sera had contacted, was shocked upon learning Anthony Hopkins was auditioning.
Sera had not publicly announced his involvement because they weren't sure they could secure him for the role.
But Hollywood is, after all, driven by money and status.
Why do actors and celebrities work so hard to climb the ladder? In the end, isn't it all about money?
So what if Anthony Hopkins was an Oscar-winning actor? If the money was right, he'd still come to audition!
After the initial shock, everyone quickly grasped this reality. Hemera Films' reputation had skyrocketed in their minds, and they all became even more eager for the auditions.
**End of Chapter**