The Box Office King of Hollywood

"Hello, Mr. Daniel."

In a coffee shop, Helen Herman, dressed in a business suit, introduced herself with a smile to the man opposite her, "I'm Helen Herman, an agent from Angel Management."

Sean Daniel, in his fifties with brown hair and a balding head, wore old-fashioned glasses and a suit, presenting a conservative and rigid appearance.

After a brief handshake, Sean Daniel nodded, "Hello, Ms. Herman."

He quickly assessed Helen, noting her tailored dark suit, neatly combed hair, plain black-framed glasses, and the lack of jewelry except for a pair of earrings, exuding a sense of efficiency and competence.

His first impression of this female agent was very positive.

Sean Daniel, though not showing it, subconsciously saw Helen Herman as a conservative.

"What brings you to me?"

Recently, many agents had sought him out, like Dwayne Johnson's agent, with predictable motives.

Helen knew how busy producers were and saw no need for pretense, "My client, Matthew Horner, passed the initial audition for the Scorpion King and is one of the four actors selected for the makeup audition."

"You're well-informed," Sean Daniel wasn't surprised.

Helen smiled, continuing, "Matthew has advantages others don't for the Scorpion King role. In the currently screening 'Gladiator,' he played a barbarian leader, somewhat similar to the Scorpion King, and was personally chosen by director Ridley Scott."

Sean Daniel had seen "Gladiator," also a Universal Studios production, and remembered the barbarian character. Anyone used by Ridley Scott, while not necessarily outstanding, should at least be competent.

Helen was aware of Matthew's advantages over the final three competitors. Meeting Sean Daniel was to highlight Matthew's strengths.

Compared to Dwayne Johnson, Matthew was physically at a disadvantage but had overwhelming acting experience.

"Matthew just finished shooting 'Band of Brothers,' produced by Hanks and Spielberg," Helen listed Matthew's advantages, "He underwent rigorous military training from last November and maintained it throughout the filming, looking every bit the warrior, and performed his own stunts."

Against the other two competitors, Matthew's acting might be average, but he had absolute advantages in physique and training!

Hearing this, Sean Daniel naturally thought, "The Scorpion King role is mostly action scenes. A seasoned actor would undoubtedly make filming smoother, and ease often means time and money..."

Helen could tell Sean Daniel was receptive to her words.

Controlling a major production, Sean Daniel was no simple figure. After calling Jack, Helen meticulously planned her strategy, from making a good first impression based on appearance to listing Matthew's strengths, all tailored for Sean Daniel.

A crucial part of her plan was finding the right opportunity.

"I understand," Sean Daniel made no promises, acting as if he hadn't heard Helen's pitch, "Let's wait for the makeup audition. Dwayne Johnson and the other two actors are also excellent."

Hearing Sean Daniel casually mention Dwayne Johnson, Helen took the chance, "I'm looking forward to the makeup audition! While Dwayne Johnson's father was a rare black world champion wrestler, and he himself is a champion, I believe Matthew will outperform!"

To confuse matters, she emphasized, "Mr. Daniel, Dwayne Johnson has never acted in a movie before!"

As if that was the key point.

Sean Daniel's expression soured, not due to Helen Herman. Agents promoting their clients and belittling competitors was common, and he was immune to such tactics.

Already skeptical of Dwayne Johnson's blank acting resume and disliking the idea of him in a major role due to unspoken biases, hearing about Johnson's father being a rare black wrestling champion...

As a conservative Southerner, certain prejudices Sean Daniel harbored deep inside began to emerge.

Having already reluctantly cast a black actor in a supporting role, he was loath to see another in a key part.

"Let's leave it at that. I have other matters," he stood, dismissing Helen with a wave, "Goodbye, Ms. Herman."

"Goodbye…"

Helen watched Sean Daniel leave the café, feeling her words had an impact. After leaving a bill, she also departed.

Considering Dwayne Johnson her client's main competitor, Helen didn't expect him to be disqualified but hoped to sway Sean Daniel against him.

As an entertainment agent, securing roles was her job, aiming to increase her client's chances. However, she knew her efforts were auxiliary; if Matthew's audition performance was lacking, all her efforts would be in vain.

Back at the production office in Pinewood Studios, Sean Daniel retrieved Dwayne Johnson's actor profile from a file cabinet, pondering over it. The more he considered Sommers' recommendation of the wrestling champion, the more problematic it seemed.

Dwayne Johnson's fame could indeed boost the film's promotion, but "The Mummy Returns" was a sequel to a blockbuster, making such promotional benefits marginal compared to the drawbacks.

The biggest concern was Johnson's lack of acting experience. For a minor role, it might be manageable, but for a key character like the Scorpion King, the potential issues were significant. Sean Daniel had seen many newcomers struggle in major roles, causing endless troubles for the crew.

Casting Johnson would likely increase both time and budget costs.

Then there was the salary. As a wrestling star, Johnson's debut film salary would be substantial, and a low offer might lead to his refusal.

Compared to the other three, this wasn't a concern.

And...

Sean Daniel suddenly tossed Johnson's profile onto his desk, stopping his train of thought. All these reasons were just excuses for something unspeakable.

He picked up the phone, instructing his assistant, "It's me. Check on Dwayne Johnson, get me detailed information, including his family background. Keep it discreet, especially from Stephen Sommers."

Previously, he considered using Johnson if no better option arose. But Helen Herman's offhand remark made that possibility increasingly slim.

The assistant was efficient, quickly gathering detailed information on Johnson, a wrestling superstar, and delivering it to Sean Daniel.

After reviewing it, Sean Daniel made up his mind.

However, he didn't alter the makeup audition list; Johnson would still participate. Sommers was the director, and though Sean Daniel had more power, there was no need to create tension.

On a Monday in June, before dawn, Matthew got up early, prepared himself neatly, and ate only two eggs for breakfast to avoid any bulging during the audition. Then, accompanied by Helen Herman, he headed to Pinewood Studios for the makeup room, ready for the makeup audition.

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