The richest actor in Hollywood.

After a brief consultation, Akiva Goldsman was the first to leave the audition room, followed by David Heyman. The two seemed to have matters to discuss and, after turning the corner down the hallway, they entered the same office.

In the audition room, Matthew didn't even glance at Francis Lawrence as he walked straight to the door, ready to leave. Just as he was about to open the door, Francis Lawrence walked over.

"Sorry, Matthew," Francis Lawrence said, but his face showed no sign of apology, only a barely perceptible smugness. "The decision on the audition results still depends on acting skills."

Matthew stopped, withdrew his hand, turned to look at Francis Lawrence, and imitated Helen Herman's demeanor and tone, saying calmly, "Is that so?"

This indifferent attitude made Francis Lawrence somewhat puzzled, but he still said, "Of course."

Matthew stood by the door, calmly looking at Francis Lawrence. Lawrence frowned slightly and added, "Whether you admit it or not, the situation is quite clear."

"What's clear?" Matthew deliberately asked.

Francis Lawrence's frown deepened. Matthew Horner was obviously being stubborn; these star actors all had their pride.

He took a deep breath, relaxed, and said, "Matthew, you are indeed a big star, but the decision for this role is not in my hands or yours. The real decision-maker is Akiva Goldsman."

Matthew rarely responded, "That's true."

Francis Lawrence couldn't help but laugh. "Didn't you see Akiva Goldsman's attitude just now?"

"I saw it." Matthew shrugged and said casually, "The audition for the role of Annie isn't over yet. There's still another actress auditioning tomorrow. It's too early to say anything now."

Hearing this, Francis Lawrence shook his head and said, "Does it matter, Matthew? You and I both know that tomorrow's audition is just a formality. The choice for this role will definitely be between Paula Patton and Alexandra Daddario."

"No!" He quickly corrected himself. "The role of Annie already belongs to Paula Patton."

"Even if Paula Patton gets the role," Matthew asked directly, "so what?"

A hint of disdain appeared on his face. "Do you really think that getting this role will give you more power in the crew than I have?"

Francis Lawrence laughed, "Of course not."

He walked past Matthew, opened the door to the audition room, and walked out first.

The crew didn't consist only of him, the director, and Matthew, the male lead; there were hundreds of members. The outcome of this audition would soon spread throughout the entire crew. What would the others think then? Who would they see as having more authority in the crew?

True authority was established through practical actions like this, not by merely being named a co-producer.

This way, he could both avenge his defeat in the male lead competition and give his girlfriend an explanation, while also supporting the black actor community he cared about. It was perfect.

Most importantly, the satisfaction of overpowering a top-tier star in the crew felt even better than hooking up with three black women at once!

After leaving the audition room, Matthew looked at Francis Lawrence's departing figure and sighed softly. Under normal circumstances, Francis Lawrence's recommendation, Paula Patton, would definitely beat Alexandra Daddario for this supporting role.

When he first saw Paula Patton during the audition, she seemed very familiar. After thinking it over carefully, he recalled seeing this black actress in two films: one was either the fourth or fifth installment of Tom Cruise's "Mission: Impossible," where she played Ethan Hunt's partner, and the other was the game-adaptation movie "Warcraft," where she seemed to play a female orc.

Although he found Paula Patton extremely unattractive and completely not to his taste, she appeared to be the leading lady in that "Mission: Impossible" movie. She was likely a black pearl in the eyes of some heavy-taste individuals.

In this case, Alexandra Daddario's looks and figure wouldn't hold much advantage, especially with her generally average acting skills. It would be strange if she could outperform Paula Patton.

However, the decision for the role didn't solely depend on the audition.

When Matthew initially recommended Alexandra Daddario to the crew, he considered the various practical needs of the production and Alexandra Daddario's own strengths and weaknesses. His recommendation was not without reason.

Moreover, he had communicated with both Alexandra Daddario and Amanda, and they had made calls to New York. Their advantages could be turned into practical operations.

Alexandra Daddario had previously acted in two films, and playing simple eye-candy roles wasn't a problem. As long as her strengths could actually help the crew, there was over an 80% chance that Akiva Goldsman would kick Francis Lawrence and Paula Patton out.

If the crew chose Paula Patton, they were just choosing an actress, whereas Alexandra Daddario could bring much more than just an actress.

Once Francis Lawrence's figure completely disappeared down the hallway, Matthew moved and walked forward, quickly arriving at an office door, where he gently knocked.

"Come in."

Hearing Akiva Goldsman's voice from inside the office, Matthew pushed the door open and walked in.

"Matthew," Akiva Goldsman said, curious, "What's up?"

Matthew pulled out a chair and sat down, first greeting David Heyman, and then addressing Akiva Goldsman, "I have some thoughts about the actress for the supporting role of Annie."

Akiva Goldsman temporarily put down his work and said, "Regarding Alexandra Daddario?"

Matthew nodded, about to speak, but Akiva Goldsman raised his hand to stop him and continued, "Matthew, we've had a great working relationship, and you're a key member of the crew. We always value your opinions as long as they're within reason."

"Yes," Matthew acknowledged.

Although their negotiations had been intense and contentious at times, that was just part of the normal process. It wouldn't affect their cooperation after the formal contract was signed.

Akiva Goldsman wasn't finished. He paused, then said, "But in terms of the actress for the supporting role of Annie, your recommendation, Alexandra Daddario, is clearly not as good as Paula Patton."

Since they still had to work together, and Matthew was currently a top box office star, Akiva Goldsman needed to show appropriate respect and softened his tone, "Annie is the most important role after the male lead. With a more suitable actress available, the crew can't take unnecessary risks."

Matthew nodded, "I understand."

Hearing this, Akiva Goldsman smiled. The Matthew he knew never caused trouble for the crew once an agreement was reached.

"Akiva," Matthew suddenly changed the topic, "Are we still planning to shoot the outdoor scenes in New York on location?"

"Yes," Akiva Goldsman nodded, "Filming on location will better create that feeling of desolation, loneliness, and realism."

Matthew continued, "Shooting on location in a city like New York is very difficult."

Akiva Goldsman sighed, "Difficult is an understatement. There are two scenes, one on the Brooklyn Bridge and another in Washington Square. Clearing those locations for filming involves a lot of work. I've already flown to New York twice to negotiate with City Hall, but we haven't gotten the permits yet. We're planning to go again next month with Warner Bros. people, but..."

He shook his head again. Even with Warner Bros. personnel accompanying him last time, they hadn't been able to reach an agreement with City Hall.

Shooting in a city like New York, if it was just small-scale exterior shots, blocking off a small section of road or a building wasn't hard. But for those two scenes, they needed to block off the entire Brooklyn area and Washington Square, which would cause a series of chain reactions. The New York City Hall had to be cautious.

Compared to these issues, the choice of actress for a supporting role was a minor problem.

Matthew had been quietly observing Akiva Goldsman. Now, he suddenly brought the conversation back, "Akiva, there might be something about Alexandra Daddario that you're not aware of."

"Oh?" Akiva Goldsman looked at Matthew, puzzled.

Even David Heyman perked up and looked over.

"Alexandra Daddario's father is currently the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York," Matthew said directly. "He's rumored to be in line to head the counter-terrorism unit in New York later this year. He has significant influence in New York politics."

Akiva Goldsman immediately grasped the implication, "You mean he could help with the New York location shoots?"

Matthew didn't answer directly but nodded slightly and added, "These things are handled privately."

Akiva Goldsman promptly said, "I understand."

David Heyman also chimed in, "This won't leave this room."

Matthew stood up, "David, Akiva, I'll be taking my leave now."

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