I Was Mistaken As A Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 379

When Director Ahn Ga-bok suddenly made that comment, all the foreigners in the meeting room turned their attention to him. From the general producer of ‘Pierrot’ to all the key staff.

“Huh?”

“Huh-”

Each team was filled with prominent figures from Hollywood. All of them focused on Director Ahn Ga-bok. It wasn’t just because he was the director of ‘Pierrot’ and had influence, but also because his words were quite unexpected. The one who questioned him was the female producer standing alone in front of the U-shaped table, who had a sharp demeanor. She slightly narrowed her brows.

“…An open audition or screen test? Are you suggesting a public audition?”

Although they had already roughly understood, the interpreter translated for Director Ahn Ga-bok, and he slowly nodded, replying in reasonably good English.

“That’s right. It’s just an opinion, but I thought it would be beneficial for ‘Pierrot’ to have open auditions and screen tests.”

For reference, ‘Pierrot’ was planning to hold the role auditions and screen tests on the same day. In Korea, Director Ahn Ga-bok’s word would have been the final decision, but this was Hollywood. He was essentially in a hired position, and the decision-making power, if anything, lay with the producer or the film company.

However, even in Hollywood, the director’s influence was not insignificant.

Though not as dominant as in Korea, producers and film companies tended to respect the wishes of the hired director. It was a matter of professional courtesy. Moreover, Director Ahn Ga-bok was currently a very sought-after director in Hollywood, both in terms of buzz and experience.

Still, the key staff in the meeting room murmured.

“Openly? Would the actors agree to that?”

“It would be difficult, especially since actors have a lot of pride.”

“What’s the reasoning behind this?”

Everyone’s curiosity was voiced by the female producer.

“Going public—is there a specific reason you thought of that?”

In Korea, open auditions were quite common, but in Hollywood, while not unheard of, they were rarely implemented, especially for top-tier actors. Of course, Director Ahn Ga-bok was aware of this. He stroked his wrinkled cheek and spoke.

“Firstly, instead of filming the actors’ performances separately and trying to gauge their chemistry, I think it would be better to compare them on the spot.”

“Hmm-”

“It may be my personal desire, but ‘Pierrot’s’ emotional depth is definitely not easy to portray. Frankly, I don’t want to make a mistake due to even a slight misjudgment.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok had worked on 100 films. He had made countless choices and decisions, and surely, there were many regrets. Although he had become accustomed to them over his career, those regrets had turned into lingering attachments in his mind. It would surely be the same this time. Even though the production system in Hollywood was different from Korea, and the sense of responsibility was relatively less, Director Ahn Ga-bok had no intention of taking this Hollywood debut lightly.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that ‘Pierrot’ hinges on the actors, and I want to minimize mistakes as much as possible.”

The female producer and some of the key staff nodded. Around that time, Director Ahn Ga-bok continued.

“Secondly, I think there needs to be transparency among the actors themselves. ‘Pierrot’ is inherently unique, challenging, and unconventional, and as a result, it has garnered quite a bit of attention from the media and the industry. I hope there won’t be any unnecessary rumors during the actor selection process.”

“…That’s something we also want. Rather than judging the actors’ skills in isolation, you’re saying that seeing each other’s different interpretations and performances will create a more collaborative atmosphere? Both internally and externally.”

In short, it was about preemptively shutting down any nonsense or gossip. In addition, Director Ahn Ga-bok had another thought.

‘If Woo-jin gets the role—’

There was a high possibility that baseless rumors would spread, claiming that Director Ahn Ga-bok’s influence was involved. That would severely tarnish the reputation of both Director Ahn Ga-bok and Kang Woo-jin. It was something to avoid at all costs in his first Hollywood venture.

Director Ahn Ga-bok spoke again.

“Lastly, I also want to see if the actors are truly vying for the role.”

In other words, he wanted to see their desire to win the role, regardless of their pride. Well, this part was also Director Ahn Ga-bok’s personal conviction. But he wasn’t being unreasonable.

“It’s just a suggestion; it wouldn’t be a problem if it’s not done publicly.”

With the female producer’s guidance, the conversation with the key staff continued for a while. Everyone’s opinions were different, but slightly more people agreed with Director Ahn Ga-bok’s idea. Soon, the female producer crossed her arms and made a decision.

“We respect the director’s suggestion; let’s convey it to the candidate actors.”

At this moment, a chubby man among the foreign key staff raised his hand and asked.

“Hmm—but while the other actors might not be greatly affected, is Kang Woo-jin okay? After all, it’s his first time in Hollywood, and everything must be unfamiliar.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok’s answer was quick.

“He’s fine. No, perhaps Kang Woo-jin will be the most composed among the actors.”

The dozens of key staff tilted their heads. On the other hand, a gentle smile had appeared on Director Ahn Ga-bok’s wrinkled lips. It was because he was reminded of Kang Woo-jin’s determined face.

‘He’d rather welcome it; I’ve created a stage for a monster to unleash his talent.’

A few hours later.

Around the time night fell in LA, some rather unexpected news was delivered to several top actors in Hollywood. The starting point was ‘Columbia Studios,’ one of Hollywood’s ‘Big Five’ [the five major film studios]. They were asking for the opinions of the male lead candidates for ‘Pierrot.’

The top Hollywood actors who had already passed the preliminary meeting for ‘Pierrot’ were naturally taken aback.

“What? They’re going to make the auditions and screen tests public?”

“Well, ‘Columbia Studios’ just contacted me. It didn’t feel like a confirmation, but rather like they were asking for our opinion.”

“What’s that? Going public means—we have to watch each other’s acting.”

“That’s right.”

“…It’s uncomfortable. Is there really a need for that?”

“Not at all. But conversely, there’s no reason not to do it either.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m confident.”

However, they didn’t go into a frenzy. Currently, ‘Columbia Studios’ had officially announced the male lead candidates to the world. In other words, the actors were aware of their competitors and were investigating each other.

“And if we refuse this, it could create an image of running away.”

“Ah.”

“The other actors might take it lightly. Especially Chris Hartnett. He likes challenges.”

“…Hmm.”

“It’s strange to ask the other actors, and if we’re the only ones to refuse this.”

“It’ll look like I’m the only one who’s scared.”

“That’s right. Of course, if you don’t want to do this project, you don’t have to agree.”

“What are you talking about? I told you, ‘Pierrot’s’ script is better and more interesting than any other project I’ve seen in years. I’m overflowing with ambition.”

Therefore, the Hollywood actors gradually began to consider accepting the proposal. Naturally, Kang Woo-jin’s name was also mentioned.

“Good, I was wondering why that Kang Woo-jin got into this, but now I can see him directly.”

He was the only Korean actor in ‘Pierrot,’ and there were so many rumors about him among the Hollywood actors, which made it even more intriguing. Chris Hartnett, compared to the other actors, was exceptionally welcoming.

“Going public means we can see Kang Woo-jin’s acting, right? I’m in favor. Good, I actually wanted to ask for it to be public.”

“Ask?”

“If I could observe him when he acts. But if everyone can see him fairly, there’s no reason to refuse.”

Chris, who had a slight connection with Kang Woo-jin compared to the other actors, and whose first meeting had been memorable, was the quickest to agree.

“Tell them I’m definitely going for the public option.”

As a result, most of the actors came to similar conclusions. Although their reasons were different, it was not a problem for ‘Columbia Studios.’

And.

“Woo-jin.”

This news was also delivered to Kang Woo-jin in Korea. It was around the time when the entire country was in an uproar over Woo-jin’s Hollywood debut. Due to the time difference, it was the afternoon of the next day in Korea, but it was almost simultaneous. Kang Woo-jin had finished his morning schedule and was in the middle of a commercial shoot.

“Yes, CEO.”

Choi Sung-gun didn’t beat around the bush.

“‘Columbia Studios’ sent an urgent email. They’re asking if it would be okay to make the ‘Pierrot’ auditions and screen tests public?”

Kang Woo-jin, with his indifferent face, thought.

‘What’s that? Is it something they need to ask with an urgent tag? Is it because it’s Hollywood?’

Whether it was genuine or a concept, it didn’t matter. Whether it was public or private, it didn’t matter at all.

“I don’t mind.”

“Yeah, well, I know your answer. But you know, right? When they say public, it means all the Hollywood top actors, their key staff, and executives will be watching your acting.”

Kang Woo-jin’s answer was the same. No, it was even more resolute than before.

“I can take them all down at once.”

After that.

Time melted away. Soon, Wednesday the 15th dawned, and around this time, ‘Columbia Studios’ in Hollywood, which had sent the unexpected news to the candidate actors a few days ago, confirmed the open auditions and screen tests.

“How about the end of January for the auditions and screen tests?”

“It would be better after the year-end and New Year’s atmosphere has calmed down a bit.”

“Then, January 28th?”

They were setting the official audition and screen test date. At the same time, Hollywood was buzzing about ‘Pierrot.’ From the start, ‘Columbia Studios’ new project was huge, so it was a hot topic, and this time, with the announcement of the project title and the male lead candidates, it became a hot topic once again.

While other Hollywood actors like Chris Hartnett were frequently mentioned, the foreign press often mentioned Kang Woo-jin’s name.

The rumors in Hollywood were also excessive.

For the mega-film company ‘Columbia Studios,’ there were many firsts and challenges. Anyway, the end of the year in Hollywood was hottest with ‘Pierrot’ as the top topic.

Then, on the 16th.

Kang Woo-jin could be found at a large year-end party hosted by a major domestic company. Since he was the advertising model, it was natural, and the reporters who attended this party.

“Woo-jin-ssi!! Please give us some information about Hollywood!! When are you going over there!”

“Do you talk with Director Ahn Ga-bok?!”

“You’re competing with those Hollywood top actors, right?! Are you confident?!!”

“What is the ‘Pierrot’ project about!”

“Have you discussed any other Hollywood projects?!!”

“How do you feel about being the first Korean to advance to Hollywood!”

“Woo-jin-ssi! Kang Woo-jin-ssi!! Please give us a brief comment!”

The actors, staff, and others all bombarded Kang Woo-jin with similar questions. Woo-jin, with his poker face, was honestly getting annoyed.

‘Ugh, my ears hurt. Well, I understand it’s the first time, but it’s a mess every time I go, so it’s a bit tiring. I can’t do this, subspace go [a reference to a fictional space for personal retreat].’

But he had to endure it.

Those who sit on the throne must bear the weight of the crown. Until now, there had been no cases of a Korean actor taking the lead role in a Hollywood project, although there had been some similar cases of Korean actors advancing to Hollywood. No, there were very few even in all of Asia. Especially for a two-year-old actor [referring to his relatively short career].

However, this was just the beginning. Of course, only a few people, including Kang Woo-jin, knew this.

When he recently went to Hollywood, he had discussions with three places. ‘Columbia Studios,’ Joseph’s ‘Universal Movies,’ and ‘Walt Disney Pictures.’ Listing them, three of Hollywood’s ‘Big Five’ were involved with Kang Woo-jin.

‘No, ‘Pierrot’ alone is causing this chaos—if the rest are announced, it’ll be more than a volcanic eruption, won’t it?’

As such, while Kang Woo-jin was clearly standing out, things related to him were also progressing steadily.

『‘Hollywood Debut’ Kang Woo-jin’s ‘Beneficial Evil’ Enters Full Editing, While Being Covered Again by Foreign Press』

『‘Leech,’ ‘Strange Geisha’ Cross-Release in Korea and Japan, Kang Woo-jin Promotes Actively!』

It was around this time.

A strange rumor began to circulate in a domestic film-related community.

-[Did you guys hear the rumor that Disney is doing a live-action remake of one of their masterpieces??]

-[What are you talking about all of a sudden? There hasn’t been any rumor about that]

-[The comment below lololol, another troll has appeared]

-[If a Disney live-action rumor spreads, the foreign press would go crazy lololol, right now it’s all about Pierrot and Kang Woo-jin]

-[What rumor?? Tell us]

-[It’s a troll, don’t feed it]