Chapter 156: Captain Jack’s Audition, Part 3

Chapter 156: Chapter 156: Captain Jack’s Audition, Part 3

Johnny’s performance was indeed highly infectious. He interpreted Captain Jack’s madness, wickedness, and romance to the fullest, even exceeding expectations.

But she always felt something was off. Johnny’s madness was too overt, carrying a deliberate ’grotesqueness,’ as if he were trying his best to show the character’s uniqueness, yet it lacked a hint of restrained loneliness.

The Captain Jack in Irene’s mind was mad on the surface, but hidden within was an ultimate longing for freedom and a secret pain from the past. In Johnny’s performance, this deep emotional expression was slightly insufficient, favoring outward behavioral mania instead.

Of course, this wasn’t a problem of acting skill, but rather a subtle deviation in the understanding of the character.

Perhaps Johnny wanted to grasp the ’madness’ label too much, and instead ignored the complexity of the character.

However, this deviation was not unadjustable. As long as targeted training was conducted after joining the cast to guide him toward deeper emotional expression, the character would surely become more well-rounded.

"Thank you for your performance, Mr. Depp. We will inform your agent of the results directly," the casting director, John Owen, said quickly upon seeing that no one else was speaking.

Depp smiled casually, nodded, and left.

By the time the auditions for the four big stars ended, the setting sun was already low in the sky. Golden light spilled through the windows of the studio, plating the props and silhouettes in a warm yellow.

The people behind the long table began an intense discussion.

Disney’s Amy Pascal insisted: "Hugh Jackman is the safest bet. His action scenes and audience appeal are both top-notch, his box office draw is guaranteed, and he can drive the Australian market. He represents the lowest risk."

Fox’s Adelaide Griffin countered: "Robert De Niro’s acting skills are beyond doubt. He just hasn’t found the right feeling yet. Give him another chance to polish it, and he’ll definitely reach expectations. Plus, his involvement would elevate the film’s artistic stature."

The CAA representative added: "Jim Carrey’s comedic talent is unique. He can expand to new audience groups, especially younger viewers, which the other three cannot do. As long as he tempers his exaggerated performance slightly, he’ll fit the character." ℴ

Everyone had their own stance and ideas, and the reasons given were varied. Irene glanced at Jerry Bruckheimer. "Jerry, what do you say?"

Jerry looked back at her, didn’t immediately state his position, but flipped through his notes. After a while, he spoke:

"Hugh Jackman is too upright, Robert De Niro is too steady, Jim Carrey is too bouncy, and Johnny Depp is too wicked. If you’re asking who fits best, I don’t think anyone truly aligns with the Captain Jack in my heart. But out of the four, Jim Carrey and Johnny Depp are slightly closer to the character."

Irene nodded, as it was similar to what she thought. She added:

"I agree with Jerry. Everyone’s performance still has subtle deviations from the Captain Jack in my mind, but Jim Carrey and Johnny Depp’s performances fit our film’s style better.

It’s just that both of them focused too much on outward madness, ignoring the inner loneliness and struggle of a pirate. I suggest we arrange for these two to have a screen test in costume next, and incidentally ask about their thoughts on signing for three movies consecutively, as that point is very important."

Jerry nodded, clearly agreeing with Irene’s view.

He looked at the group:

"I know everyone is worried about Johnny’s conduct issues. But when he came for the audition today, he arrived an hour early, remained focused throughout, wasn’t perfunctory at all, and even took the initiative to communicate character details with the casting director. It’s clear he really cares about this role. Moreover, his understanding of the character far exceeded our expectations."

Irene hadn’t expected Johnny Depp’s performance this time to receive Jerry’s approval. It seemed that the reason Johnny played Jack Sparrow in her previous life was likely also due to Jerry Bruckheimer’s lead.

Since Jerry was optimistic about Depp, things would be much easier to handle.

After the audition ended, everyone packed their materials and left one after another. Jerry, walking at the back, spoke up to keep Irene behind: "Irene, wait a moment. There are still some matters regarding Captain Jack I’d like to discuss with you further."

The others looked back, their eyes lingering between Irene and Jerry for a moment, but they said nothing.

"Is something the matter, Jerry?" Irene put down her things and sat in her seat.

"Who do you think is more suitable, Jim Carrey or Johnny Depp? Don’t give me the runaround. Although I was invited by Disney, I’ve also invested in this, and I need the person who fits best."

Irene’s eyes widened slightly. She hadn’t expected him to be so direct, and she didn’t know that Jerry Bruckheimer had also participated in the film’s investment.

"You seem surprised that I would invest in the movie?" Jerry asked, seeing Irene’s expression.

"Shouldn’t I be? Disney gave up a share to you? Why didn’t I know?" Irene looked confused. This was no small matter. Disney’s own share was only 35%. How much would they give up? It probably wouldn’t be more than 10%.

"For every movie I produce, my company participates in the investment and production. Before your project was handed to us, I was planning to create a pirate movie for Disney, but that was just a preliminary idea. Before it was even decided if the protagonist would be male or female, your project proposal reached my hands."

Hearing this, Irene couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat. If she had been two months slower, this movie might truly have had nothing to do with her.

"So, my level of importance for this movie is no lower than yours. Tell me your true thoughts. Captain Jack was created by you. You know better than anyone what he should be like."

"From the moment I recommended Johnny Depp for the audition, the choice for Captain Jack in my heart was already determined." Irene didn’t beat around the bush with Jerry and directly stated her truest thoughts.

"Then Jim Carrey..." Jerry smiled halfway through. "I understand your intention now. But before we talk about that, I’m truly curious—why are you so certain that Depp is the only choice for Captain Jack? In my view, Jim Carrey’s comedic tension and physical expression actually fit the pirate’s sense of madness quite well."

Irene smiled, her tone firm: "Madness is just Captain Jack’s shell, not his core. Jim Carrey’s madness is outward-facing and carries a strong aggression, like a swinging scimitar, sharp and exposed.

But Jack is different. His madness is the sobriety of a drunkard—staggering and smiling on the surface, even somewhat absurd, but beneath his eyes are calculations, a paranoia for freedom, and a clarity of knowing that since the world is crazy, it’s better to be crazier than it is."