Chapter 55: The Eccentric Keanu Reeves

After finishing the location scouting, Gilbert returned to the Los Angeles studio dedicated to *Speed*, set up specifically for the film.

The third-party studio system, though cumbersome, ensures that movie companies and crews are protected from delays or incomplete projects.

Producer Charles Roven approached Gilbert to discuss script changes: "Gilbert, I think we could lean the script towards a style similar to *Die Hard*, adding some comedic elements and highlighting the main character's personality."

"How so?" Gilbert asked, looking at Charles Roven curiously. "The script has already been approved. What's there to change?"

Seeing Charles Roven still wanting to say something, Gilbert cut him off: "I'm making a relatively serious action film. Jack can't be like John McClane, full of bravado. He needs to be a noble and upright character.

Integrating *Die Hard*'s style is itself a joke.

Jack cannot be glib; he must appear serious and earnest."

The thought of a glib Keanu Reeves made Gilbert shudder a bit; it was a bit terrifying.

Charles Roven had to hold back his comments. While the producer had significant authority, the crew wasn't just his domain.

Kane Wexman was definitely supporting Gilbert, and Warner Bros. CEO had already stated that Gilbert would be in charge.

This matter had to be dropped, and Charles Roven could only assist Gilbert.

Gilbert had no complaints about Charles Roven; he was very capable and completed the tasks assigned effectively.

However, Roven had a tendency to meddle and couldn't resist offering what he thought were great suggestions.

For instance, Roven later suggested that Halle Berry should play the female lead, Annie, which Gilbert promptly rejected.

Another suggestion was to cast Tom Cruise as the male lead instead of Keanu Reeves. While both Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves had their own merits, Cruise was more popular.

Roven also proposed bringing Nicole Kidman in as the female lead, but Gilbert rejected that too. The budget of $30 million wouldn't stretch to accommodate the Cruise couple, who were among the highest-paid couples in Hollywood.

Other than that, there were no issues; Roven was a producer sent by Warner Bros., and as long as he didn't interfere with the normal operation of the crew, Gilbert couldn't dismiss him.

After finalizing the locations, the casting process officially began. Minor roles were handled by Assistant Director Annie Burton.

Naomi Watts, after Gilbert's recommendation, successfully passed the audition and was cast as Emily. Her role wasn't significant, with only a few lines, but Gilbert added a bit more to her part, a personal touch.

The crucial casting was for the male and female leads, as well as the antagonist, Payne.

Payne's role was straightforward; seasoned actor Dennis Hopper, after a brief audition, was cast for the role.

The male lead, Jack, was a bit more problematic. Keanu Reeves' audition wasn't great; he appeared somewhat dazed, possibly due to having stayed up late with friends the night before.

Gilbert frowned. This wasn't the performance he had hoped for. Jack was supposed to be a sharp police officer, not someone who looked half-asleep.

"Keanu, you need to wash your face. Did you not rest well last night?" Gilbert asked.

Knowing his performance was subpar, Keanu Reeves felt embarrassed and simply nodded in acknowledgment.

Gilbert sighed, "Take a break for now. We'll try another take later."

"Thank you, Director…" Keanu Reeves said, not adding more, and went out to find a place to rest.

After Keanu Reeves left, Charles Roven took the opportunity to say, "Director, I think we should consider replacing him. Keanu Reeves' condition doesn't suggest he can play the lead role."

"Let's wait for Sandra Bullock's audition this afternoon. We'll see how they both perform in a scene together before making a decision. If it doesn't work out, we'll find someone else," Gilbert said.

Charles Roven saw the situation and did not insist further. Given Keanu Reeves' condition, it seemed unlikely he would perform well in the afternoon.

Gilbert was somewhat troubled. While he liked Keanu Reeves as an actor, if the audition performance wasn't good, he couldn't convince Warner Bros. and Disney to cast Reeves as the lead.

Moreover, this was his transition film, and he couldn't afford any slip-ups.

In Hollywood, no one is irreplaceable, not even Tom Cruise or Harrison Ford, let alone Keanu Reeves.

Outside the audition, Keanu Reeves' agent waited anxiously. "Keanu, how did the audition go?"

Keanu Reeves shook his head. "It didn't go well. It was awful."

The agent was shocked and asked, "How could this happen?"

Seeing the agent's anxious expression, Keanu Reeves felt apologetic. "Sorry, I stayed up too late with Riff and the others. I was a bit out of it."

"Oh my God," the agent was even more anxious. "Keanu, wake up! This is an audition, an opportunity, not a bar or a singing performance."

"It's alright. The director said there would be another chance this afternoon. I'll come back later," Keanu Reeves tried to calm his worried agent.

"Okay," the agent quickly found a place for Keanu Reeves to rest. "Make sure you rest well. This afternoon is your last chance.

If you mess it up, Director Gilbert will definitely replace you…"

Keanu Reeves found a place to catch up on sleep, while Sandra Bullock, guided by her agent, arrived at the audition location.

"Don't be nervous for the audition. Gilbert is a major figure, and if you perform well, you have a good chance of getting the role," Rory Toledo said.

"And you?" Sandra Bullock asked. "How did you discuss that matter with Gilbert?"

"Don't worry about me," Rory Toledo looked confident. "As long as you get the role and sign the contract, that's a success.

Whether that matter succeeds or not is beyond our control. Don't think too much about it."

Sandra Bullock, reassured by Rory Toledo's words, felt somewhat relieved.

During the afternoon audition, Sandra Bullock discovered that she would be auditioning with someone else in a scene.

As the audition began, Sandra Bullock found she had a wonderful chemistry with her scene partner, and the scene went smoothly.

Curious, after the scene, she introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Sandra Bullock."

"Keanu Reeves…"

"I've heard of you. I saw *Point Break*, it was really good," Sandra Bullock said with a smile.

However, Keanu Reeves seemed indifferent, simply replying, "Thank you."

Sandra Bullock pouted internally, wondering why he was so aloof.

Unbeknownst to her, Keanu Reeves was tired and just wanted to go back to rest and later enjoy himself at a bar.

Auditions obviously don't yield results immediately. The crew needed to discuss, and the producer had to make a decision afterward.

Thus, that evening, Keanu Reeves declined Sandra Bullock's invitation for dinner and went home to sleep.

Sandra Bullock, watching Keanu Reeves' retreating figure, commented, "What a strange person…"

.....

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