Although Kim Kardashian was eager to take the role, and even wanted to cozy up to Gilbert, she was eliminated before reaching the final audition stage.
According to the elimination explanation, Kim Kardashian was considered too promiscuous—like a bad girl. While that quality matched the tone of a cyberpunk story, it did not suit the character Rebecca.
In fact, if Winona Ryder were ten years younger, she would have been the perfect choice. In her youth, she was famous for her quirky, spirited personality.
But ever since Gilbert helped her correct her habit of shoplifting, Winona Ryder had lost interest in acting. She was currently running her own fashion brand very successfully, and things were going smoothly.
In the end, only three actresses made it into the audition range, all of them fairly young. One was Lucy Hale, born in 1989, who had previously only appeared in American TV shows.
Another was Ellen Page—who later transitioned—known for starring in Hard Candy. She had always been one of the actresses Gilbert wanted to work with. If she hadn't been a bit older, she would have almost appeared in The Last of Us.
And then there was an unexpected situation: one Emma didn't want to come, but the other Emma did. Julia Roberts's niece, Emma Roberts, entered the final audition round.
Before the audition, Julia Roberts personally brought Emma Roberts to visit Gilbert, to catch up and also to ask Gilbert to give Emma a chance.
Actually, Emma Roberts had worked with Gilbert once before—she played young Elizabeth Swann in Pirates of the Caribbean.
Later, Emma Roberts also auditioned for The Last of Us, but was defeated by Saoirse Ronan.
Among the three, the first one eliminated was Lucy Hale. And when it came to choosing between Ellen Page and Emma Roberts, the production team found themselves stuck.
Except for Gilbert, the votes between the two were essentially tied, so the decision was handed back to Gilbert.
"Gilbert, what do you think? Who is more suitable?"
Gilbert rubbed his forehead. "In terms of acting, Ellen Page is undoubtedly stronger, but personally, I'm more inclined toward Emma Roberts."
Charles Roven asked, "Is it because of the age difference?"
"Yes," Gilbert made his decision instantly. "Alright, we'll choose Emma Roberts. Ivanka, please bring Ellen Page in—I want to talk to her."
In the actors' waiting room, the two young girls had not left, because the production team had said the result would be announced today.
The two sat quietly, waiting for fate to reveal itself, though deep inside both longed to win the role—even if it was only a series.
The name "Gilbert" carried a special sort of magic in Hollywood. Whoever came into contact with him seemed to rise to fame instantly.
Countless past stories proved it, and both women wanted to be the next one.
Especially Emma Roberts. Over the years, she had heard countless legends about Gilbert, most of them from Julia Roberts.
Julia Roberts had always paid unusual attention to Gilbert—perhaps because back when she was an A-list Hollywood actress, Gilbert had been an unnoticed assistant director.
Ellen Page, however, managed to remain calm. Her agent actually disapproved of her taking a TV series role, even if Gilbert was the director.
But she wanted to fight for it. She felt this was a good opportunity and wanted to give it a try.
Soon, Gilbert's assistant Ivanka came in. "Ellen Page, Director Gilbert wants to see you."
Ellen Page froze in surprise, then a wave of overwhelming joy hit her. Had she been selected?
On the other side, Emma Roberts's face instantly fell as she watched Ellen Page walk out.
She wasn't mature enough to hide her emotions; realizing she had lost again, she burst into tears.
But at that moment, Emma Roberts's agent rushed in, shaking her arm excitedly. "Emma, we did it! The production team just notified me—you got the role!"
"Huh?" Emma Roberts was stunned. "But… just now…"
"No buts. Producer Charles Roven personally told me just now. We can start negotiating the contract." The agent was ecstatic.
Hit by this overwhelming joy, Emma Roberts felt lightheaded.
Once she recovered, she immediately called her aunt Julia Roberts. "I got the role—really! Kent just told me!"
On the other end, Julia Roberts was thrilled for her niece. "That's wonderful, Emma. When you get home, we're going to celebrate properly."
Because of Julia Roberts, to Emma Roberts, Gilbert was nothing short of a god.
Of course, to many actors in Hollywood, Gilbert was basically the same as a god.
Meanwhile, Ellen Page still believed she had won the role, but the first sentence she heard from Gilbert instantly shattered her hopes.
"After our careful consideration, Ellen, the role of Rebecca has ultimately been given to Emma Roberts," Gilbert said directly.
Seeing how upset she was, Gilbert added, "But I'm personally very satisfied with your performance. How about this—I can make you a promise."
"What kind of promise?" Ellen Page looked at Gilbert.
Gilbert said, "You know Leonardo, right? Recently, he and I discussed a film he's very interested in, and I think there's a role in it that suits you very well.
If you don't mind waiting, I can reserve that role for you, though it might take some time."
"Really?"
"Of course. I have no reason to lie to a young actress like you."
Ellen Page thought about it and realized that made sense, so she stopped feeling disappointed. "Thank you, Director."
"You're welcome."
After watching Ellen Page leave, Gilbert turned to Ivanka and asked, "What do you think we should do if she really decides to become a man?"
"That's impossible, isn't it?" Ivanka said. "Why would she want to become a man for no reason?"
"You never know!"
Gilbert felt it was quite a pity. A perfectly pretty girl becoming a man—worse, not even a handsome one. Hollywood would lose a lot.
But the rumors said that Ellen Page couldn't stand being harassed anymore, so she chose to become a man to shield herself from it. Maybe along the way, she also deliberately made herself less attractive; otherwise she would still be harassed. Just look at Andrew Garfield.
After Emma Roberts signed the contract, the members of the mercenary squad were officially assembled. Most of the other actors were familiar faces.
The characters with few scenes were cast as cameos. For instance, Julia Roberts agreed to make a cameo, playing David Martinez's mother.
Gilbert also arranged for Keanu Reeves to appear briefly—just a few minutes—to prepare for the future storyline involving Johnny Silverhand.
Keanu Reeves had no idea about Gilbert's grand plan, and Gilbert didn't tell him. Keanu simply thought he was doing a quick favor.
Once the casting was finalized, the actors still needed to undergo a certain amount of training to meet the performance requirements.
Meanwhile, the construction of Gilbert's Cyberpunk world was progressing in an orderly manner. Gilbert even planned to invite Avril Lavigne for a cameo.
After all, the girl was known as the Punk Princess.
...
Hi For access to additional chapters of
Director in Hollywood (40 chpaters)
Made In Hollywood (Completed)
Pokemon:Bounty Hunter(30 Chapters)
Hollywood:From Razzie to Legend(40 Chapters)
The Great Ruler (30 Chapters)
Join pateron.com/Translaterappu