Chapter 152: Determined to Win

Chapter 152: Chapter 152: Determined to Win

After sending the message, Irene rubbed the bridge of her nose, her fingertip sliding over Johnny Depp’s name on her phone screen.

She was well aware of this actor’s talent and his controversies. Hollywood never lacked gifted stars who came with their own ’trouble magnet’ nature, but a role as complex and charming as Captain Jack indeed required a soul mad enough and yet sober enough to handle it.

If it weren’t for the excessive risk of recasting, she wouldn’t want to deal with this ’collection of troubles’ either.

Half an hour later, Johnny’s call came through directly. The faint sound of a piano could be heard in the background, and his voice carried a hint of urgency, yet was very serious:

"Regarding Disney’s concerns, I can promise you that from the day I join the set, alcohol will vanish from my life. I’ll report to the set two hours early every day. I can sign any agreement to prove it."

Irene could hear the earnestness in his words and couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

"I believe you, Johnny. But on the day of the audition, you’ll be facing not just Disney executives, but also a strong rival like Hugh Jackman. His action scene foundation and audience appeal are things Disney values very much."

"I’m not afraid." Johnny’s voice held an almost paranoid certainty. "Hugh is a great actor, but he’s too ’straight-laced.’ Captain Jack is rebellious and rule-breaking to the bone. I believe I am the perfect Jack Sparrow." 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ

After hanging up, the weight in Irene’s heart lifted slightly.

Johnny’s ’determination’ wasn’t just empty talk. Once this actor fell into a role, he would immerse himself entirely, even to the point of ’self-sacrifice.’

She opened her computer and sent a message to the casting director: ’Schedule Johnny Depp’s audition for the last slot to give him enough time to prepare. Also, expand Captain Jack’s audition segment by another ten minutes and add an improvised monologue. I want to see how far he can take the "madness."’

Meanwhile, in a seaside cottage on the outskirts of Los Angeles, Johnny Depp was adjusting his expression in front of a mirror. He had cut off his neat hairstyle, letting his hair pile messily on his head.

The agent stood to the side, his face full of helplessness. "With so many film projects in Hollywood, you’ve set your sights only on Pirates of the Caribbean?"

"Of course, Jack Sparrow and I have a spiritual resonance!" Johnny replied without looking up.

"But Fox is insisting on signing for three films consecutively—12 million dollars for the first, 16 million for the second, and 20 million for the third. But if the box office is a hit, the salaries for the latter two will be far from enough! Not only that, they’re requiring you to sign a strict behavioral constraint agreement."

Johnny casually tossed his phone onto the table, picked up a shark-tooth ring to wear on his index finger, and grinned at his reflection. The corner of his mouth, missing a tooth, twisted to one side as he said nonchalantly, "Isn’t there still a box office back-end?"

"But the points are only 2%, and it requires the global box office to exceed 500 million! Even the cap is only 5%!"

Usually, for this kind of franchise, actors wouldn’t sign for several films at once. They worry that if the first film in the series becomes a massive hit, the salary increases for subsequent films would be limited by the contract, preventing them from maximizing their profits.

On the other hand, the production side worries that if the first film’s box office is disappointing or the actor’s suitability is lacking but they are bound by the contract, it would be difficult to revive the franchise for sequels.

Only teams with immense confidence in their projects would require actors to sign multi-film deals, and only new actors would give up visible future benefits for the present.

But Johnny Depp had been around Hollywood for a long time. It was impossible for him not to see how much Fox and Disney valued Pirates of the Caribbean. Asking his agent to give up substantial future dollars was truly no easy task.

"Tell them I’ll sign," he said to the air, as if conversing with Captain Jack. "Money isn’t important. What matters is that I am him, and he is me."

The agent: "...Dammit!"

As night fell over Los Angeles, the lights in the studio remained on. Irene was marking up the audition list, the scratching of her pen on paper sounding particularly clear in the quiet room.

On the list, the names ’Jonathan Pryce’ and ’Geoffrey Rush’ were circled, with ’Suitable for Captain Barbossa’ noted beside them. Among the candidates for the female lead, Elizabeth, Keira Knightley’s profile was placed in the most prominent position. Disney highly recommended her, saying she possessed both the elegance of a noble lady and a hidden, unyielding tenacity.

A soft ’knock, knock, knock’ sounded, and Loren’s figure appeared at the door.

He was wearing a light gray jacket and carrying a thermal bag, a gentle reproach on his face. "Director Irene Coppola, it’s nine o’clock at night, and you’ve been working for a week straight."

Irene looked up and saw his familiar smile, a wave of guilt instantly washing over her. She put down her pen and rubbed her aching eyes. "Sorry, Loren, I lost track of time once I got busy."

Loren walked in, placed the thermal bag on the table, and took out the pasta and hot soup. "Bought it from your favorite place. Hurry up and try it."

He sat beside her, his fingers lightly brushing the dark circles under her eyes. "Our last proper date was a month ago. I asked you to go to Malibu Beach, and you said you had to revise the script. I asked you to an art exhibition, and you said you had to communicate details with the costume designer. Irene, have you sold yourself to the movies?"

Irene smiled apologetically, feeling a bit self-reproachful. She had indeed neglected her boyfriend’s feelings lately. She picked up the audition list from the table, hesitated for a moment, and gently closed it. "I’m sorry, I’ve neglected you. I promise not to work tomorrow and spend the day doing whatever you want to do."

Loren’s eyes lit up. "Really?" He immediately pulled out his phone and opened an event page. "It just so happens there’s a small charity auction tomorrow at a private club in Beverly Hills. I heard there are many interesting collectibles. Shall we go together?"

"Okay," Irene agreed without hesitation. She picked up a fork and took a bite of the pasta. The warm texture soothed her weary stomach and relaxed her tense nerves slightly.

The next afternoon, Irene changed into a simple cream-colored dress paired with low heels and walked into the private club in Beverly Hills with Loren, who was wearing a dark suit.

The auction house was decorated elegantly and warmly, with crystal chandeliers refracting soft light. Guests chatted in small groups, and the air was filled with the aroma of champagne and coffee.

As the two reached the entrance of the auction hall, they saw Loren’s parents.