Dilemma and decision

While Lucas was auditioning for the role of Gil at an office rented by Gravier Productions, he also made time to volunteer at the Bellevue hospital's cancer ward alongside Liza.

Jonathan, a young boy, couldn't hide his excitement as he said, "Lucas, I'm really excited about your album!"

It wasn't just Jonathan; the anticipation was palpable among the others too.

"Oh? You know about my album?" Lucas asked, surprised.

James, another youngster, chimed in, "Of course! We caught your interview and live singing on the radio!"

Following James's remark, the rest of the ward shared their enthusiasm for Lucas's upcoming album. Lucas could only offer a wry smile as he and Liza exchanged knowing looks...

After spending time with the children alongside Liza, Lucas knew that this would be his last day volunteering with her. He was about to get very busy, and he understood that he couldn't commit to volunteering as regularly as he wished.

That's why Lucas decided to donate a generous sum to help the children in their fight. As a parting gesture, he sang songs for them, indifferent to whether the nurses were recording.

Liza, on her part, harbored mixed feelings, knowing this was the last time Lucas would be able to volunteer.

After Lucas finished his impromptu concert, the children, innocent as they were, sensed something was amiss. When they found out it was his last visit, sadness washed over them; some even cried. Lucas, feeling a tug at his heartstrings, could only sigh in resignation.

Despite the heavy atmosphere, Lucas made a promise to visit again, though less frequently. This small reassurance brought a glimmer of happiness to the children's faces.

---

In the audition room, Woody and the casting directors were deep in discussion about the casting for "Midnight in Paris."

"For Rachel McAdams," Woody began, "I see her as the perfect Inez. She's got that strong, charismatic presence that can really bring out the character's sophisticated yet somewhat abrasive personality."

One of the directors nodded, adding, "Yes, her range is impressive. She's proven she can handle complex roles with grace. Plus, her chemistry with other actors is always spot on."

The conversation shifted to Marion Cotillard. "Marion," said another director, "brings that enchanting, mysterious quality we need for Adriana. She embodies the charm and allure of a bygone era, which is perfect for this role."

Woody smiled in agreement. "Exactly. Her performance can effortlessly transport us back in time. She has that timeless beauty and depth that's crucial for the part."

The team then turned their attention to Tom Hiddleston. "Tom could bring a fresh, yet classic, energy to Scott Fitzgerald," one director suggested. "He has the elegance and wit needed to portray such a literary figure."

"Absolutely," Woody chimed in. "His versatility as an actor allows him to adapt seamlessly into different periods and characters. He'd give us the charismatic yet troubled essence of Fitzgerald."

They also discussed the casting of Corey Stoll. "For Ernest Hemingway, we need someone who can portray both the robust masculinity and the underlying vulnerability," said Woody. "Corey has that rugged persona but also the ability to reveal the character's more sensitive side."

One of the directors added, "His performance can really highlight the complexities of Hemingway. He has the physicality and the intensity, but he can also handle the subtleties and depth of the character."

As the casting team neared the final decision for the role of Gil, a hush fell over the room.

Woody broke the silence, his tone contemplative. "Hmm... So, who stands out to you all? Owen Wilson or Lucas Knight?"

One of the casting directors, shaking his head slightly, spoke up, "I really like Owen Wilson. His look just screams Gil to me—his eyes, his whole demeanor. But when it comes to the acting itself, the nuances, the gestures, Lucas Knight is on another level. His ability to remember lines as if they're part of him is remarkable. And despite being only 20, Lucas has shown immense talent."

Another director agreed, adding, "Exactly. Owen Wilson brings experience and a known presence in Hollywood. But for someone fresh, brimming with talent and dedication, Lucas Knight stands out."

Woody, his face a tapestry of complex emotions, weighed in, "I see what you mean. Owen brings a familiar, comforting element that audiences love. But there's something about Lucas—his passion, his raw talent. It's the kind of fresh energy that could really breathe life into Gil in a new, exciting way." His eyes scanned the room, gauging the reactions to his words, a mix of apprehension and curiosity written on his face.

The casting directors fixed their gazes on Woody, understanding that while they had all expressed a preference for Lucas Knight for the role of Gil, the final decision rested with Woody. Despite Gravier Productions being a major financier for the film, everyone in the room knew that the ultimate creative authority was with Woody.

Woody, feeling the weight of their stares, let out a sigh before finally speaking. "Call Owen Wilson," he said.

At first, the casting directors assumed this meant Owen Wilson had been chosen for the role of Gil. But then Woody continued, "Tell him he hasn't been selected for the role of Gil. Apologize to him for me."

Hearing this, the casting directors exchanged looks of pleasant surprise, realizing that Lucas Knight was indeed their new Gil.

---

Lucas had just said farewell to Liza after their time volunteering at the Bellevue hospital's cancer ward when his iPhone started to ring.

Recognizing the incoming number as belonging to the team from the "Midnight in Paris" film project, he quickly answered. Lucas was thrilled to learn that he had been chosen for the role of Gil.

Lucas wasn't entirely shocked by the news. After all, he had a cheat: his "Mind Workshop," a unique method he used to immerse himself deeply into his characters and refine his performance rapidly. With his dedication and the intensive preparation in his Mind Workshop, he felt it wasn't too surprising that the casting team and Woody preferred his portrayal over the seasoned Owen Wilson.