Chapter 104: Overwhelming

As night falls, the bustling Pine Forest Studios gradually returns to tranquility, but the office belonging to the "The Mummy Returns" crew is brightly lit. Inside, Sean Daniel and Stephen Sommers are engaged in a heated argument, showing no intention of turning off the lights and calling it a day.

The Scorpion King's makeup test continued until nearly six o'clock before finally concluding. Due to differing opinions, the audition results were not determined at that time. After a simple dinner, producer Sean Daniel and director Stephen Sommers went to the temporary screening room to rewatch the day's audition tapes to select the appropriate actors.

The first candidate, after the incident during the audition, was immediately out of their consideration; the last actor auditioned had some rumors circulating about him - struggling in the industry for over a decade without a breakthrough, likely desperate for fame, thinking himself clever. He was also excluded.

Sean Daniel and Stephen Sommers' debate focused on Matthew and Dwayne Johnson.

"I believe Johnson is more suited for the role of the Scorpion King!" Stephen Sommers insisted, pointing to the audition footage on the monitor, "His rock-solid muscles and nearly two-meter stature, combined with his professional wrestling background, perfectly match the rugged character of the Scorpion King!

Since confirming certain things, Sean Daniel had made up his mind. He had not used his authority as a producer to outright reject the idea, mainly to save face for Stephen Sommers and to maintain their relationship.

"I disagree," he said more diplomatically, "Stephen, what we need is an actor, not a muscle man!"

Sean Daniel pressed a few keys, switching to close-ups of Dwayne Johnson, "He has only one expression throughout! Look here, his eyes are constantly twitching, clearly nervous. I admit, he's a star, but a professional wrestling star, not a Hollywood star!"

Stephen Sommers, buoyed by the success of his last film, argued, "The Scorpion King doesn't need good acting skills!"

"But he can't have terrible acting skills either!" Sean Daniel grew slightly impatient. After the audition, they had discussed it, and now Stephen Sommers was still insisting. He decisively switched off Johnson's audition tape, replacing it with Matthew Horn's, "Look at this actor, his acting is above average, and his physique is also good, not as exaggerated as Dwayne Johnson, fitting more the image of a warrior!"

He continued trying to persuade Stephen Sommers, "And I've talked about the salary with Johnson's agent. He quoted 1.2 million dollars! Probably won't settle for less than a million. Matthew Horn? We could get him for a tenth of that, and the money saved could go into post-production, further enhancing those CGI techniques you mentioned."

Stephen Sommers, looking at Matthew on the screen, shook his head, "He doesn't match the image I have in mind! Sean, when I wrote the script, the Scorpion King was designed with Dwayne Johnson as the blueprint." His tone carried a hint of anger, "Matthew Horn is not my Scorpion King!"

A flash of anger crossed Sean Daniel's face. He knew some directors or screenwriters could be difficult, especially those who also wrote their scripts, but Stephen Sommers was not James Cameron. He wouldn't compromise on something that crossed his psychological bottom line.

The crew could have African American actors, but the protagonist and main supporting roles absolutely could not!

That was his bottom line.

Stephen Sommers continued, "I stand by my opinion!"

Sean Daniel's patience ran out, having been communicating in a softer manner from the start, "Sorry, Stephen." His tone hardened, "I've decided, Matthew Horn will be the Scorpion King."

Turning off the monitor, he began to pack up, showing no desire to continue the conversation with Stephen Sommers.

Sean Daniel had absolute authority in the crew. He knew Stephen Sommers would eventually yield. Stephen Sommers had signed a series of contracts with Universal Studios; the rights to "The Mummy" series belonged to Universal, including the script for "The Mummy Returns."

Initially, Universal approached Stephen Sommers for his ability to direct on-set, adjust filming, and handle special effects. As a director, his power was very limited; he couldn't even participate in post-production editing. If not for the success of the first "The Mummy," he wouldn't even have the power to discuss casting decisions now.

Within reasonable bounds, limiting the director's power and the tendency to shoot wildly has always been something big Hollywood studios, including Universal, have done.

"I'll have someone notify Matthew Horn's agent tomorrow." Seeing communication wasn't solving the issue, Sean Daniel decided to assert his authority, "If all goes well, we can sign the contract with him tomorrow afternoon. You'd better get to know him; it'll benefit future cooperation."

Stephen Sommers remained silent.

"Alright, let's call it a day," Sean Daniel picked up his briefcase, "See you tomorrow."

He left the office, and after a while, Stephen Sommers turned off the light and left.

Sighing, he headed towards the studio's main gate. This wasn't the first time he had clashed with a producer...

"Damn producer-centric system!" Stephen Sommers cursed, then said, "If this is successful, I'll definitely be the producer for the next film. Doesn't Universal want to work with me on a monster ensemble movie? The film must be shot my way!"

As long as "The Mummy Returns" could replicate the box office success of "The Mummy," taking on the role of producer in addition to director and screenwriter for the next film with Universal wouldn't be an issue.

The next morning, Matthew received a notification from Helen Herrman; he had passed the audition and secured the role of the Scorpion King!

"Yes!"

Hanging up the phone with Helen Herrman, Matthew couldn't help but punch the air. The failure of "Nearly Famous" highlighted how hard-won this success was.

Most importantly, he knew "The Mummy Returns" had widespread popularity, once flooded the streets with pirated DVDs, and Dwayne Johnson, who played the Scorpion King, became a big star...

By that logic, could he also become a big star?

Even though he knew this line of thought was whimsical, Matthew couldn't stop fantasizing.

At this moment, he was in high spirits, eager to share the news. He took out his phone, intending to call Britney first, but considering the time difference across the Atlantic, he opted to send a text instead.

Then, he also texted Elena Poliar, hoping for another feature, even though it seemed unlikely.

Afterward, Matthew called James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, who were not in London, having gone on a Mediterranean trip after filming "Band of Brothers."

As time passed, he gradually calmed down, thinking he owed his success to Dirk Munster.

After lunch, heading to Pine Forest Studios to sign the contract with Helen Herrman, Matthew made a point to mention this to her.

"In Hollywood for over a decade without making it big, it's hard to stay calm," Helen Herrman simply said, "Or maybe you're overthinking it. That unlucky actor might have just had a bad meal."

Matthew didn't say more; after all, he was the victor, and the truth didn't matter.

Arriving at the crew, receiving the formal notice, as usual, Matthew just waited for Helen Herrman to negotiate. The negotiation went smoothly at the beginning, covering accommodations, meals, insurance, overtime, assistants, and makeup rooms - standard for large Hollywood crews, which wouldn't mistreat an important supporting actor.

The main point of contention in Helen Herrman's negotiation with the crew was still Matthew's salary.

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