I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 265

Hollywood’s renowned casting director, Megan Stone, smoothed back her brown bob as she examined the proposal in her hand. Her expression was serious, conveying a focused intensity. The proposal contained a variety of elements, but as a casting director, she concentrated on the core concept and synopsis.

‘Universal Movies,’ a major Hollywood distribution and film company, was among the top five giants in the industry.

Any synopsis greenlit by such a powerhouse was bound to be intriguing.

Megan Stone certainly thought so. The concept and synopsis were captivating. It had a ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ feel, enhanced by the inclusion of dissociative identity disorder [a mental health condition involving a disconnection between thoughts, memories, feelings, actions, or identity].

In essence, it dealt with multiple personalities or several personalities coexisting within one person.

For some reason, the subtle implications within the synopsis made Megan Stone think,

‘Kang Woo-jin would… be perfect for this.’

She pictured the Korean actor, Kang Woo-jin. Specifically, she recalled his performance during the filming of ‘Strange Geisha’ in Japan. Megan Stone’s direct observation of Woo-jin’s acting was brief, but it had left a lasting impression.

Wasn’t it obvious even now?

The fact that Woo-jin’s acting remained so vivid even after she had come to Hollywood spoke volumes. It was safe to say that Megan Stone was already captivated by Kang Woo-jin.

‘Back then, Kang Woo-jin’s acting was like he was switching between several personas in mere seconds. Yes, like someone with multiple personalities. No, he *was* someone with multiple personalities, at that moment.’

The way he changed masks was effortless, yet as natural as flowing water. It wasn’t forced. It was a performance so convincing it was almost unbelievable. No, it bordered on madness.

‘And after the scene, he returned to his original self as if it were a lie. The way he transitioned between his acting and his true self was astonishing.’

However, Megan’s high regard for Kang Woo-jin wasn’t solely based on his intense acting.

‘It wasn’t even a scene designed to showcase his charm. Yet, with just a few lines, that brief performance captivated over a hundred people.’

An aura. Yes, Kang Woo-jin possessed a star’s aura. That’s how he appeared to Megan Stone, a casting director in the vast universe of Hollywood.

‘……He would nail this role. To the point where people would be stunned.’

Just then.

“Megan, what do you think?”

A voice in English came from the opposite side of the sofa where Megan Stone was sitting. It was a man’s voice.

“I didn’t realize you were so engrossed in it.”

Three people sat before her. Two foreign men and one woman, each with distinct appearances. They looked quite senior, which was to be expected. They were the executives of the mega-corporation distribution and film company, ‘Universal Movies.’

“The director hasn’t been chosen yet, but the production is confirmed.”

Megan Stone, having set down the proposal, looked at the plump foreign man among the group and replied.

“I see. Then, who is the executive producer?”

“Joseph Felton is our top choice. We’ve already made an offer and are awaiting his response. Haha, he’s a very busy producer, but we really want him. Ah, Megan, you’re already working with Joseph on a project, right?”

Megan, recalling Joseph, the industry giant she had collaborated with on ‘Last Kill 3,’ nodded.

“Yes. Several times in the past. Do you have a list of potential directors?”

For context, Hollywood’s film production system differed significantly from Korea’s. For instance, the director. In Korea, the director wields considerable authority, but not so much in Hollywood. They are more akin to hired directors. While they have influence, they don’t hold the same dominant position as in Korea. If anything, the executive producer has more power in Hollywood.

Still, the director’s role is respected.

Anyway, an executive from ‘Universal Movies’ replied.

“Of course. But it’s difficult to disclose that yet. Please understand.”

“It’s fine.”

“But we also want you, Megan. How about working with us this time?”

It was an offer from ‘Universal Movies,’ a top player in Hollywood. Megan had no reason to refuse. However, she also held a significant position in the industry. An immediate acceptance would be unwise.

“Thank you. However, please give me some time.”

“Okay. But if it takes too long, I’ll be in trouble.”

“I’ll contact you next week.”

“Good.”

The meeting was progressing smoothly. At this point, Megan changed the subject.

“If this synopsis is developed into a script, does ‘Universal Movies’ have any intention of casting an Asian actor? For example, a Korean actor.”

The executives of ‘Universal Movies’ tilted their heads slightly.

“A Korean actor?”

The plump man, who seemed to be the highest-ranking, smiled.

“It depends on the producer and director’s vision. But we’ll cast anyone who fits the role, anyone who can move us or the audience with their performance. Why do you ask?”

“I’m a casting director. I need to know the production company’s firm intentions first. Sometimes, even if I recommend someone perfect for the role, it gets rejected due to their nationality.”

“Ah, I see. Don’t worry, we’ll cast anyone, whether they’re a Korean actor or a Hollywood actor, as long as they can handle the role well. Acting is the most important thing.”

The plump executive’s smile widened.

“Even if it’s an alien.”

Around lunchtime, in Korea.

In the largest screening room of a major multiplex cinema in Gangnam, a movie had just finished. Or rather, the press screening of ‘Island of the Missing’ had just concluded. Soon, the end credits of the movie began to roll on the huge screen, and the lights inside the dark theater brightened.

Immediately.

-Swish.

Numerous reporters and critics who had just watched ‘Island of the Missing’ raised their hands.

-Clap clap clap clap clap!

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap!

Applause erupted. It was a rare occurrence at a typical press screening. Of course, given that the director was the renowned Kwon Ki-taek, they might have been showing courtesy, but this was more than just politeness.

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap!

The applause from the reporters and critics was filled with genuine praise. Their faces were all smiles, indicating ‘It was great.’ Then, the actors, including the affable director Kwon Ki-taek, who were seated in a row in front of the screen, stood up and bowed. The composed Kang Woo-jin followed suit.

Woo-jin, who had a strong sense of self, bowed deeply while thinking.

‘It’s completely different from what I saw during the test screening?! Amazing. It was so much fun, it’s still fun even after watching it again.’

He was internally ecstatic. It was true that the quality was significantly higher than during the test screening, but he was biased. Anyway, Woo-jin and the actors bowed to the reporters and critics one last time before leaving. The reporters who remained in the theater checked the photos they had taken while packing their bags.

At the same time.

“Wow, ‘Island of the Missing’ was better than I expected? Honestly, I’ve been disappointed by many movies that were hyped up based on the director’s and actors’ reputations, so I didn’t have high hopes this time either.”

“Better? Just better? Your evaluation is too harsh! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.”

The evaluations of the gathered reporters came one after another. As a result, the buzz in the theater amplified instantly.

“As expected of director Kwon Ki-taek. The directing is incredible… this movie is definitely going to be a hit. When I say it’s fun, everyone does well.”

“Haha, reporter Kim, you’re really smitten, aren’t you? Well, but it’s definitely on a completely different level compared to the recent movies that have been released. The fun, tension, story, there’s nothing to criticize.”

“After that monster appeared, I thought it was a monster hunting movie… but in the end, humans are the real monsters.”

“Hey, no spoilers.”

Of course, not all the reporters were full of praise.

“Was it fun? I thought it went off the rails a bit when the monster appeared.”

“Really? Hmm, well, I didn’t understand it either. Overall, it felt a bit boring. Is it forced tension?”

“Exactly, exactly. It’s a shame. Did I have too high expectations because it was a Kwon Ki-taek movie?”

“It felt like it had a big scale but lacked substance.”

But they were a very small minority. Most of the reporters were giving quite generous scores.

“There were no acting flaws either, right?”

“That’s right, this is how it should be, right? If you cast one bad actor by taking some under-the-table money, the whole movie is ruined. It’s so good because there’s nothing annoying to watch.”

At least 80 points, and many gave 100 points.

“Ryu Jung-min is in better form than when he was slacking off, and Ha Yu-ra was also good even though I thought she would struggle a bit because of her hiatus.”

“It’s understandable since they have experience… but what is Kang Woo-jin really? From the mid-point of the acting, I thought he was a real madman?”

“Ah, honestly, in terms of acting, Kang Woo-jin is outstanding… I saw some gossip saying he was possessed by a ghost, but I think he’s possessed by a god. A god of acting. Ah, this is a good line. I should write it in my article.”

“Supporting actor award? No, it’s a lead actor award. He’ll definitely get a lead actor award next year, that guy.”

“With this level of quality, I think it’ll easily surpass 5 million viewers? What’s the break-even point [BEP] for this?”

“Just looking at the scale and the actors’ levels, it’s roughly 5 million.”

The reporters took the comments of the critics who attended and then dispersed one by one.

“No… was I the only one who got goosebumps when Kang Woo-jin and Ryu Jung-min were running with different expressions in front and behind each other?”

While remembering the impact of the actor Kang Woo-jin.

After that.

Articles about ‘Island of the Missing’ began to spread in the media.

『Director Kwon Ki-taek’s highly anticipated work ‘Island of the Missing’ held its first press screening today… Critics rave』

Numerous reporters who attended the press screening moved quickly.

『[Photo] The main cast of ‘Island of the Missing’! Ryu Jung-min, Kang Woo-jin, Ha Yu-ra, etc. give double thumbs up/Photo』

『’Full of praise’, the expressions of the critics who attended the ‘Island of the Missing’ screening were bright』

It was genuine, as expected. Even though they watched a free movie, the reporters who attended the press screening were ruthless. If it wasn’t good, they would write scathing articles. But currently, there were no complaints about ‘Island of the Missing.’

『”No acting flaws”, the reason why ‘Island of the Missing’ is highly anticipated』

But the press screening wasn’t the end of it. There was more to come until the release. In other words, the marketing and advertising/promotion of ‘Island of the Missing’ had officially begun. Of course, it had been ongoing before, but with about three weeks left until the release, it had to be amplified several times more.

About two days passed like that.

April ended and May began. Monday, May 3rd. Around the time when ‘Island of the Missing’ promotions were dominating various social media platforms.

『’Island of the Missing,’ which was scheduled to be released on the 20th, has been changed to May 19th… targeting Buddha’s Birthday』

『’Red Day’ [a public holiday in Korea], ‘Island of the Missing’ grand release on May 19th』

Kang Woo-jin had once again departed for Japan.

『[Star Talk] ‘Island of the Missing’ release is just around the corner… Kang Woo-jin departs for Japan after greeting reporters/Photo』

It was an unavoidable choice due to his packed schedule. The next time Woo-jin would return to Korea would be around the end of May. In other words, he would have to hear the news about the release of ‘Island of the Missing’ from Japan. Regardless, even if Kang Woo-jin wasn’t in Korea, the projects related to him didn’t stop.

Especially, ‘Leech.’

“Cut, NG. Hee-ryung, I’d like to see a bit more anguish in your eyes.”

“Yes. Director, I got it-”

“Let’s go again.”

‘Leech’ was like a runaway train. It was the same whether Kang Woo-jin was on set or not. As the days went by, the flow, the pace, and the speed increased. Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had been cutting down on sleep, was even pulling all-nighters.

Because he had to do filming and rough editing simultaneously.

It was impossible to meet the deadline for the Cannes Film Festival without pushing himself.

Then, on the 4th.

Audience screenings of ‘Island of the Missing’ were held in movie theaters across the country. Of course, it was an event for promotion and marketing, and not only many audience members but also acquaintances of the ‘Island of the Missing’ actors were invited to the screenings. For example, in Kang Woo-jin’s case, PD Song Man-woo and writer Choi Na-na from ‘The Benevolent Evil.’

“Wow, this is my first time receiving an invitation to a screening. It’s amazing…”

“Unfortunately, it seems we won’t be able to see our Woo-jin.”

“Huh?? Are the actors coming too?”

“I heard there’s a stage greeting scheduled. The actors will come except for Woo-jin, who went to Japan.”

“Awesome.”

“Well, we’ll have to be satisfied with Woo-jin in the movie.”

“I’m really looking forward to it… I saw the trailer, and Woo-jin’s character is really unpredictable.”

“Haha, me too. I wonder what kind of acting he’ll use to blow the audience away this time. Anyway, the impact will be different from when he was ‘Drug Dealer Lee Sang-man.’ It was a big deal back then too, but this time he’s a proper lead.”

Kim So-hyang, the general director, and other executives of Netflix Korea. Of course, there were many people who had connections from past works. Director Shin Dong-chun from ‘Errand Boy,’ ‘Profiler Loafer,’ ‘Male Friend,’ etc.

Hwa-rin was also invited, but.

“I’ll hold back. I’ll watch Woo-jin’s movie late at night with full concentration. Yes, not as a colleague, but as a fan.”

It seemed she intended to watch the movie as an audience member, with a fan’s perspective rather than a screening. Director Kim Do-hee and the actors from ‘Drug Dealer.’

“Finally, Woo-jin’s lead role movie is being released. But director? Why do you look-”

“Hoo… I feel a bit strange. I should be cheering him on, but I also feel like it might surpass ‘Drug Dealer.'”

“I also feel a bit bittersweet, but that’s always been the case in the movie industry, right? I’m more excited than disappointed. I’m curious what kind of monster Woo-jin will be this time, instead of ‘Lee Sang-man.'”

“Me too. Thinking about it makes me impatient again, let’s go in quickly.”

Star writer Lee Wol-sun from ‘Freezing Romance’ also made an appearance. They weren’t all gathered in one movie theater, but it was a gathering of incredibly influential people.

The atmosphere was heating up.

But this explosive picture wasn’t just for ‘Island of the Missing.’ In the movie industry, May, the month of family, was the starting point of the peak season. From May to about September, the summer, family month, school vacations, and holidays increased the number of customers in theaters several times more than usual.

Naturally, it was a green light for ‘Island of the Missing,’ and it was also why they set the release date to target the peak season.

The problem was.

『Only 4 movies, including ‘Island of the Missing,’ are being released on May 19th, ‘Buddha’s Birthday,’ the peak season for theaters officially starts』

That meant that a plethora of new movies were being released. Blockbuster movies by various masters and movies by famous top actors. Of course, popular Hollywood movies were also being released one after another. Domestic distributors and foreign film import distributors wouldn’t miss the peak season either.

In other words.

『The current theater scene is a ‘bloody battlefield’, who will be the winner among the flood of new movies? Attention is focused on the selection of ‘tentpole movies’ [major films expected to generate significant revenue]』

There were too many competitors for ‘Island of the Missing.’