[T/N: Finally found an alternative raw source for the novel after the last website closed down.]
[Chapter 202: Casting for The Rock]
After partnering with Universal Studios and establishing the The Rock Studio, the project's preparations sped up significantly.
Robert took on the role of producer, with Linton as the screenwriter and co-producer, Michael Bay as the director, Tim representing Universal as the first production manager, and Blake as the second production manager. Additionally, a financial supervisor from the Firefighter Fund Insurance Company was assigned to the crew, forming the decision-making team for the The Rock production.
Other key positions like assistant directors, art director, sound director, stunt coordinator, set designer, makeup artist, prop master, and pyrotechnician were gradually filled. Except for the pyrotechnician, Linton did not interfere with these appointments.
The explosions in The Rock were even crazier than those in Speed, requiring top-notch safety measures for the crew. Hence, the pyrotechnician was crucial and needed to be reliable.
Considering the pyrotechnician Cassio from Speed was steady, highly professional, and well-regarded by the crew, Linton decided to hire him again.
...
Starting from early May, after over three months of preparation, the pre-production was mostly completed. The entire crew was in place, shooting locations were finalized, and construction for some scenes to be built at Universal Studios was underway, expected to finish in three weeks.
...
The film included many special effects shots, so the crew continued working with Industrial Light & Magic, investing a solid $6 million. The effects shots were finalized, and the miniatures needed were being constructed.
...
Communication with the Pentagon liaison office in Hollywood went smoothly. Pilots and Marine Corps personnel assigned by the military had contacted the crew. Weapon types and quantities were already negotiated, and the military stood ready, just awaiting the team's call.
...
Next up was casting. Given the huge investment, Linton, as screenwriter and co-producer, had to participate.
The Rock was mainly a male-driven story with three key characters carrying heavy screen time: FBI's chemical weapons specialist Stanley Goodspeed (Nicolas Cage's character), Marine Corps General Frank Hummel (Ed Harris's character), and former British agent Captain John Patrick Mason (Sean Connery's character).
Choosing the right actors for these three was half the battle won.
"Let's discuss potential actors for the main roles. Do you have any suitable audition recommendations?" Robert chaired the meeting.
Tim spoke first: "Sylvester Stallone is interested in Goodspeed."
"Stallone's image seems quite different from Goodspeed's," Michael Bay objected.
"So his agent requested changes to the character's profile..."
"The script is finalized, and main character details won't be changed," Linton interrupted.
"Alright, though Stallone has box office appeal for action films, let's exclude him," Tim changed his stance decisively.
"How about Harrison Ford? A seasoned star with unquestionable box office power. I think he's fit to play Goodspeed," Kenneth suggested.
"Too old. He's 51, and Goodspeed is a young chemical weapons specialist."
A string of other nominees were proposed but failed to generate consensus.
"Let me suggest some audition candidates," Linton asked assistant Megan to distribute prepared profiles.
"For Stanley Goodspeed, I suggest Nicolas Cage; for General Hammer, Ed Harris; and for Captain Mason, Roger Moore. Their looks and acting fit well."
Nicolas Cage and Ed Harris were not big stars but respected Hollywood actors with solid track records, suitable in appearance and skill.
Roger Moore, the actor for Mason, was the third James Bond but lately had slowed down professionally, partially retired. His image and talent were solid, though his fame had waned. But he and the others were also affordable, with Cage's fee estimated around $3 million at most.
"For Captain Mason, Sean Connery would be more suitable and famous than Roger Moore," Tim dared to say, glancing at Linton.
"Right, both have similar looks and acting abilities, but Connery is far more famous."
"Then why not consider him?"
"Two reasons. First, his fee is reportedly no less than $10 million. Our budget won't allow any actor over $5 million unless they agree to a pay cut. Plus, being a CAA client, with CAA pushing package deals aggressively, he likely wouldn't reduce his fee and might demand packaging or investment roles."
"True, his fee is too high and CAA has been tough lately. What's the second issue?"
"Sean Connery has a reputation for being difficult -- short-tempered, impulsive, heavy drinking and drug use. Michael Bay is a rookie director; will he handle Connery's on-set behavior? That's a worry," Linton cautioned Michael Bay.
"I also heard about that -- Connery throws tantrums, disrespects directors, and bullies younger actors. Not suitable to cast him," Michael Bay agreed.
Michael Bay was relieved; bringing such a temperamental star to his first film could spell disaster. Unlike Linton, who commanded respect and fear with just a glance, Bay feared losing control.
"Forget Connery then; let's stick with Roger Moore," Tim backed off.
"Using Roger Moore has another advantage. During research, I found he actually served as a real British intelligence agent during WWII. That could be a great promotional point for the film's release."
"Seriously? That's impressive," the group reacted with surprise.
"Yes, after all this time, official files have been declassified. Tim, you can verify this with our British contacts."
"Great. I'll contact our UK colleagues after the meeting. If true, it'll be a huge plus for our marketing."
"Also, for the two main female roles -- Goodspeed's fiancee and Mason's daughter -- I have suitable candidates. Take a look," Linton instructed Megan to distribute info on Sophie Marceau and Charlize Theron.
These female roles were basically eye candy and didn't drive the plot. Choosing anyone suitable was fine.
Everyone had private opinions but dared not oppose the bosses' picks, especially since the women were truly beautiful, likely to help with the box office.
"Looks good to me. They're perfect."
"They're so stunning; audiences will love them."
"Okay, Robert, send audition invitations to these five actors. For others, you decide. I won't get involved further."
*****
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