**Chapter 172: Youthful Presence**

Sitting closest to the door and the first to arrive at the audition was an unfamiliar face. Even with his memories from the previous life, Anson couldn't recall him.

So, this must be Jay Rodan.

Anson searched through his memories but still couldn't find any information about Jay Rodan. This likely meant that his acting career hadn't gone well—not even in noteworthy television roles, let alone films.

It seemed like he was just a minor character.

But Anson didn't see it that way—

As a newcomer, Jay Rodan's resume was even cleaner than Anson's, having not yet appeared in any film or television roles.

However, he still managed to secure an audition for "Spider-Man." What did that indicate?

It was reminiscent of when Anson auditioned for "Friends." Either Jay Rodan had a very strong background, or he had a top-tier agent.

Based on the information Edgar had gathered, the latter seemed more likely.

Jay Rodan was also represented by Creative Artists Agency (CAA), just like James Franco. But unlike Franco, who had already completed his audition in the first batch and had received positive feedback, Jay Rodan was here representing CAA in the second batch.

So what does that mean?

This move alone reveals a lot.

First, perhaps the first round of auditions didn't meet expectations. It wasn't necessarily a failure, but clearly, they wanted to see more options.

Second, a traditional heartthrob like James Franco, with his slightly ambiguous good-and-evil charm, didn't satisfy the casting directors.

The reason is simple—CAA likely got insider information and adjusted the type of actors they sent for the second batch of auditions.

Jay Rodan wasn't a traditional heartthrob. He had a slightly rugged appearance with a touch of wildness. His untamed eyebrows and unruly hair exuded a rebellious spirit. A mole near his right nostril further differentiated his look, giving him a distinct style that contrasted with James Franco's.

In other words, for the time being, history seemed to be progressing on the same trajectory, moving in the direction of Tobey Maguire.

However, Anson wasn't nervous because there was even more to be gleaned from the current situation.

Firstly, Tobey Maguire still hadn't shown up—neither in the first round of auditions nor in the current second round.

Secondly, from Scott Speedman to Jay Rodan, and then to the other two candidates, including Anson himself, despite their differences in temperament and characteristics, they all shared one similar trait: a tall and strong physique.

This could be interpreted as the directors and producers, after not finding a standout choice in the first round, were still unsure of exactly what kind of actor they wanted. But overall, their direction remained consistent: a physical presence that was strong and imposing.

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Perhaps this actor should be distinguished from Christopher Reeve, but in any case, this is still a superhero, a character who needs to protect the public against evil. They still hope to find someone burly and well-built, then distinguish specific characteristics from there.

As a result, Tobey Maguire hadn't yet come into view, but Scott Speedman and Jay Rodan earned valuable audition opportunities.

Another actor proves Anson's point—

Joe Manganiello, who had long been active in television, came into the public eye with "True Blood," gained immense popularity with "Magic Mike," and later played Deathstroke in "Justice League," which truly launched his acting career.

And now?

Like Jay Rodan, Joe Manganiello's resume is very clean, without any acting credits, yet he successfully made it to the audition shortlist for "Spider-Man."

The Joe Manganiello in front of them was still a green young man, 24 years old, with a somewhat baby-faced appearance, nothing like the mature man he would become in the future. His beardless face looked more like that of a football player, so much so that Anson had a hard time recognizing him; but his physique was undeniably explosive.

At 6.43 feet (196 cm) tall, though his muscles weren't as large as they would be 15 years later, they still dominated the scene with strength and aggression.

He completely fit the image of a superhero.

At this moment, another young actor sitting between Anson and Joe Manganiello noticed Anson's sidelong glance. He could feel the oppressive presence of the giant on his left more directly and intimately, even without touching—just the heat from his skin was already overwhelming.

He tilted his head slightly to the right and lowered his voice, almost speaking in a ventriloquist's manner, "I think the role should be his."

Of course, this was just a joke.

Anson understood and nodded, "I thought I had stuffed enough, but now I'm considering if I should stuff in two more layers."

This too was a joke.

Anson chose this layered look partly to create a nerdy image and partly to hide his muscle lines—

Going against the norm.

There's a scene in "Spider-Man" where the skinny, almost paper-thin Peter Parker wakes up after being bitten by the spider to find that he suddenly has muscles.

It's a contrast.

And even when Peter Parker becomes Spider-Man, he's still a lithe superhero, not one suited for too much muscle.

"Oh. That makes me look unprofessional. Wait, do you have another hoodie in your bag? How about lending me one?" The young actor muttered, barely moving his lips, with his words coming out muffled, but the tone completely expressing the emotions.

A faint smile appeared in Anson's eyes as he casually glanced at the outfit of the actor on his left. "I noticed you're going for a different route."

Stubborn, unruly, and individualistic.

Though only 21 years old, Heath Ledger was already showing his talent, with his own understanding and insight into characters and acting.

His T-shirt and jeans ensemble didn't look special at all, but paired with ginger-colored boots, and a string of Bohemian-style bracelets on his left wrist—beads and feathers exuding a unique charm—he lounged casually, almost sprawling in his chair as if it were a recliner.

From what I know, Heath didn't end up winning the role of Spider-Man, but seeing him now, Anson couldn't help but wonder:

What would a Heath Ledger version of Spider-Man look like?

A rebellious and individualistic high school student, burdened with responsibility and lost in confusion, stubbornly and solitarily learning to grow amidst farewells and death.

If Anson were the director, he would want to see Heath's portrayal of Peter Parker, but as an actor, it meant that Heath might be a wild card, potentially disrupting the entire audition process.

Heath noticed the deeper meaning in Anson's words, realizing someone finally recognized his preparation.

He raised his eyebrows, causing a bunch of forehead wrinkles, and looked at Anson, with a sly grin spreading across his face and a gleam of excitement in his eyes.

"Looks like we're in for a good show today."

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