HWI 128

Hollywood What If Chapter 128

The first round audition officially started. The long line of men almost counted over 700. These 700 men were actors who wanted to prove themselves. 

Most of them were freelancers who didn't have agents. And most of them were semi-amateurs who worked in small production crews. Some of them had experience in acting, in theaters or screens. 

One thing was sure, most of them went to the audition in the hopes of getting cast. 

Taken was a successful blockbuster. The movie already surpassed the $500 million mark. Kazir Grey became a billion-dollar-worth director since his three movies were more than 1 billion combined. 

Even though the chances were minuscule, these actors didn't lose hope. It would be more depressing if they didn't try. 

So one by one, the men wrote their information and gave photocopies of their documents and 2×2 ID pictures. 

The casting director and other members of the production crew would take a few minutes to look at the actors one by one. Their requirements were simple, as long as they pass John Wick's basic appearance, they would call them. 

Unfortunately for these 700 men, they didn't have info about the role, especially John Wick. They have no idea about who the person was, his age, appearance, and his affiliation. 

But one thing was clear, John Wick was the protagonist because, well, the title of the movie was John Wick, obviously. 

Only selected actors had an idea about John Wick. They were privileged enough to read the portion of the script. 

"Sir, can you please take off your shirt? You know the drill."

The casting director maintained his stoic expression while looking at the man. 

They just gave each actor a few minutes to show off.

"Yes."

The man, Viggo Mortensen, casually took off his shirt. He knew that this was a standard procedure. Auditions related to action movies need this kind of request. 

Viggo Mortensen was in Hollywood since the 1980s. He showed up in some movies such as Carlito's Way, Daylight, and G.I. Jane. His most notable role was in Lord Of The Rings as Aragorn. Although that role would be around the 2000s and his future was still unknown. 

Even though Viggo Mortensen was cast in some movies, he unfortunately didn't receive an invitation for John Wick. He didn't read the script, he was clueless overall. He just understood that this movie might be his way to stardom. 

Viggo Mortensen thought that he and Liam Neeson had the same standing but Taken just gave Liam Neeson the push he needed. Now, the man was a certified 1st tier actor. 

The casting director and other people nodded. They started writing something on their papers and noted his name. 

'He didn't have abs but his body has a good figure. He can take a few months to train his body to get the right fit.',

As of now, Viggo Mortensen had long hair and a short beard. His age was 41 years old which was within their requirements. Furthermore, his facial features passed the requirements too. 

Viggo Mortensen passed the first round of auditions. He wore his shirt again and thanked the production crew. He left the room. 

When he was a few meters away from the Grey Pictures, he turned and looked at the building. Actually, he auditions for the role of Bryan Mills too. Unfortunately, Viggo Mortensen didn't get the role. He didn't even pass the first-round audition. 

When he watched the movie, he regretted the fact that he didn't work hard enough. Especially when Taken was the highest-grossing movie this year... No one knows that Titanic which would be released on December 19 would be the winner of this year. 

Only Kazir Grey knew that his movie could only get a second place this year because Titanic was going to flood the world. Even though many people congratulated him, Kazir just smiled. 

Technically, Titanic was a movie of 1997 since it would be released on December 19, 1997. 

"Perhaps this time, the role of John Wick will be mine."

Viggo Mortensen said to himself. He was depressed lately because Taken took a toll on him. 

Because of that, he didn't cut his hair and forgot to trim his beard. So now he had long hair and a beard. He was actually scared about it because it might affect his audition. 

He didn't know that his exact appearance was the reason why he passed. 

The first round audition ended around 10 pm. More people showed up to join the audition. As for the people who didn't reach the audition room, it was unfortunate but they should have went to the audition earlier. 

Tomorrow, their job was for the auditions of other casts. The demand for the protagonist was stronger so they have different schedules for it. 

While Viggo Mortensen was watching a tv show, his phone rang up. He didn't recognize the number but he still picked up the call. 

-- Hello? Is this Viggo Mortensen?

"Ah, yes, this is Viggo Mortensen."

He stood up and left the apartment to get a better reception. 

-- We want to tell you that you passed the audition. We recommend you train your body from now on in case you get the role.

"Y- Yes, thank you so much."

Even though he went to many auditions, he was still happy whenever he get approval. At least he felt like his hard work was worth it. 

The call ended quickly. The crew has more actors to contact. They would filter the actors until the worthy were left. 

[Note: I know it's unrelated to the novel but I still have to say it. Earlier in the morning, my grandmother died in cardiac arrest. I cried a lot, my Mom and Uncles almost lost it. If there's a good thing, I feel motivated because I was reminded how precious my time is. So I don't want to waste time doing nonsense. I love writing and I want more people to appreciate my novels. So yes, I successfully wrote four chapters today, with bloodshot eyes, that is. There's no internet in my grandma's house so that might be another reason why I wrote four chapters. Let's see tomorrow if I can write more than that. Motivation, go and possess me!]

[Another Note: I guess we all know who's going to take the role. I wrote this chapter around 8 pm Philippine time and the leading vote was Viggo Mortensen. I do apologize if I can't post their pictures in the 1990s. I will try to do it next time if another poll happened.]