53(1): Redoing my Life, Castings and Concerts

First part of chapter 53

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In Stardust Studios, there's a room often used for casual meetings. It was comfortable yet professional. The room was spacious and furnished with expensive furniture. It had soundproof walls, creating a secluded environment for discussions away from the noise of the busy studio. The room consisted of two large plush couches facing each other, with a low coffee table between them.

I sat on one of these couches, facing Tom Hanks, who was engrossed in reading the script for 12 Angry Men. I looked for any hint of approval or critique in his expressions. His face was a mask of concentration as he flipped through the pages of the script, his brows occasionally furrowing in thought, then relaxing as he continued reading. It was difficult to get a read on the man because of this. I could only hear the sound of breathing and the rustling of pages.

Why did they make the room so soundproof?

Henry was very insistent that we start the movie. He was very excited about it, as was Ralph, and they had brought up the script to Christ every time they met. 

So, we decided to pull the trigger and get  started on the movie. I mean, we had to start somewhere. The truth is, Chris and I were kind of dragging the movie along as we were focused on other things. Chris was finishing up Toy Story 2, and I was helping out at Infinite Worlds, my publishing company. We could just start the pre-production now, and later, when we were less busy, could focus our full attention on it.

That was why I was here when Tom had come to record his lines for Toy Story 2. I seized the opportunity to pitch the movie to him. Thankfully, he accepted, and after recording his lines for the day, he gave me some of his time. That was an hour ago, and Tom was still reading, with me sitting awkwardly opposite him.

Landing Tom Hanks for a lead role would not only appease Henry and Ralph but also set a high bar for the production quality we were aiming for, and we could use his connections in the industry to get a good word in for the other actors we wanted to cast.

Tom finally put the script down and took off his reading glasses.

“So…” I began, breaking the silence in the room. I saw his face break into a smile.

"This is one of the best scripts I've read in a while. You have to cast me in this movie," he said enthusiastically.

He leaned forward, his eyes lit with fervor. "The character development is phenomenal. The way each juror's backstory subtly unfolds, influencing their decision-making, it's just brilliant."

“I have no words to describe how good this is, Daniel,” he added.

"And the tension," Tom continued, "it's masterfully crafted. You can feel the heat of the room, the weight of the decision they have to make.”

I just nodded along as he continued his praise. "The dialogue is sharp, realistic; it forces you to think and reconsider your own biases," he said.

"Every character has a moment, a turning point that's so compelling. It’s like watching a perfectly tuned orchestra," Tom said, gesturing wildly with his hands.

“I need to be part of this, Daniel,” he said, almost as a demand.

“I'm glad you like the story, Tom. I didn't think you would like the story this much,” I responded.

“Well, I do, and it's great. You know, this can be done as a play as well,” Tom added.

“Yeah it can maybe we can look in to that after the movie”

“So, which character calls to you the most? I want you for Juror 8, but if you like any other character…” I trailed off.

“Juror 8, I can do that, but I also like the others as well. You know what, give me some time to think. I’ll contact you later,” he said, getting up to leave.

“And Daniel, I want to be in this movie. I am serious,” he said.

“Of course, Tom, you are already in,” I said with a smile.

“Good. If we do this right, we are a shoo-in for the Academy,” he said. “I’ll contact you later,” he added before shaking my hands and exiting the room.

“Well that went well” I said out loud.

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Exiting the room, I made my way to Chris’s office, still buzzing from the positive response from Tom Hanks. As I entered, I found Chris in the middle of a discussion with Dave and Sam.

“I don’t think he is good for that…” he saw me enter. “Daniel, how did it go?” he asked before I could greet them.

I grinned. "Tom loved the script. He’s more than just interested; he pretty much demanded to be cast in the movie."

Chris’s face lit up with excitement. "That's fantastic news!" he exclaimed.

I took a seat next to Dave. "What were you guys discussing?" I asked, curious about their intense exchange before I entered.

Dave turned to me. "We were talking about casting. It’s the major point that will make or break this movie.”

Sam nodded in agreement. "With Tom showing such enthusiasm, we’ve got a strong start, but we need to maintain that momentum."

“Well, Henry and Ralph will be happy,” I said, to which Chris happily nodded.

“Now, which juror will we be casting next?” I asked.

We started discussing potential candidates for the other roles, with each of us throwing in suggestions and considerations. Chris had some awful casting ideas and argued the story should be shifted from the '50s to modern day. I was hesitant to do this, as I liked the '50s setting, and it could also be considered a historical piece as well.

"I was watching Breaking Bad the other day," I interjected, cutting off Chris, who was discussing the benefits of setting our movie in a modern era.

"The one with Bryan Cranston?" Chris inquired.

"Yes," I replied.

"Oh, I love that. Are you suggesting Bryan Cranston for..." Dave's voice trailed off.

"Let me get to the point," I urged, signaling them to be quiet. "A few episodes back, they introduced a new character named Saul Goodman."

"You're talking about Bob Odenkirk," Sam interjected.

"Right, I think he'd be a great fit for Juror 7," I proposed.

"I know Bob personally; he's a good friend. You're right, he's perfect for Juror 7," Sam agreed.

"That's great; having a connection makes it easier," I responded to Sam.

Chris drummed his fingers on the desk, pondering the idea. "I like it, Danny. Solid suggestion."

"Anyone else in mind?" Dave inquired.

"Just one more, Juror 3," I mentioned.

"This has to be a perfect casting ; he's our main antagonist," Dave emphasized.

"That's why I think J.K. Simmons would be perfect," I said, recalling his performance in future films like Whiplash. "He'd be perfect for Juror 3."

Chris's interest piqued. "J.K. Simmons, huh? That’s an intriguing choice."

"Think about it," I elaborated. "Juror 3 is a strong, stubborn character with lots of internal conflict. Simmons could nail it."

"While we shouldn't finalize just yet, I agree with Danny. Simmons could do Juror 3 justice," Sam supported.

Chris leaned back, mulling it over. "I agree with Sam. Let's prioritize him for Juror 3, but keep options open."

"I don’t have suggestions for the others; you guys should compile a list," I mentioned, as I stood to leave an idea that came to me.

"I have one more suggestion," I announced, garnering their attention.

"Mark Ruffalo for the foreman," I proposed which was met with a momentary silence.

"I can see that," Dave finally responded.

"Put him on the list," Chris decided.