Full-time actor

Jason Reed compiled the list of nominees and handed it to Chen Yu.

"These are the Chinese filmmakers who performed well in the auditions, and our final selection will be made from this list."

Chen Yu nodded in response to Jason Reed's words.

The cast for the movie "Mulan" is quite large. In addition to the roles of Gong Li, Jet Li, and Donnie Yen being pre-selected, many other characters are still needed.

Chen Yu opened the list of selected candidates and saw several familiar faces.

After pondering for a long time, Chen Yu closed the list in his hand.

The film "Mulan" was released 11 years earlier than the previous one, and some of the actors had not yet debuted.

Especially the actress who played Mulan as a child, who was only two years old.

Based on.

Some roles require careful consideration.

Yang Lu has been handling the casting process in China, integrating the list of candidates submitted from the open auditions with Jason Reed.

Fortunately, this is the final stage, and most of those who remain after going through multiple rounds of selection are the best of the best from the preliminary rounds.

During this period, Liu Yifei was clearly somewhat distracted.

The news flooded the internet.

She has supporters, but she also has many opponents.

The reasons for the opposition are mostly the same: her image is simply not in line with Mulan.

It fails to capture the innate heroic spirit of Mulan.

She tried her best to overcome her emotions, and all she could do next was to prove herself with her abilities.

The time has come for casting for "Mulan".

this day.

Major media outlets have gathered at Disney, knowing that today will be a historic moment.

After all, this is Disney's first co-production with China, and it's launching such a big IP that has shocked both domestic and international audiences.

This will likely cause a huge uproar.

Jason Reed has picked up Chen Yu and Liu Yifei, who are dressed relatively casually today.

Aside from attending major film festivals and other mainstream events on a regular basis, the two of them prefer to prioritize comfort.

"Unbelievable, the entire casting process was like a film festival."

"This is the first time Disney has seen such a grand occasion since it encountered a financial crisis."

Jason Reed doesn't shy away from discussing these topics.

in contrast.

More than anything, people praised Chen Yu for his courage in launching the project.

In fact, Chen Yu felt the same way about Jason Reed.

Compared to other executives at Walt Disney Studios, Jason Reed's primary task was to advance cooperation between Walt Disney and China.

For more than a decade, it has been the same.

There was absolutely no negligence whatsoever.

This time, even though Disney owns the film rights IP for "Mulan," Chen Yu still retains absolute control over the film.

In contrast, the story of Hua Mulan in China is a public cultural heritage.

Whether it's Disney's 1998 animated film or the live-action movie to be released this year, they are all secondary creations based on this public story.

To sum up.

It was only natural that Chen Yu had the final say in making the decision.

The car slowly drove towards Disneyland, a place they had visited several times before.

For Chen Yu and Liu Yifei, this was already a familiar routine.

As for now.

The area around Disneyland was already packed with media reporters, who were eagerly awaiting Chen Yu's arrival, as this would help them get firsthand information.

Who wouldn't want to gain the upper hand?
At this moment, Chen Yu was no longer the greenhorn he had been back then.

He now possesses resources and power that the entire Hollywood fears, and coupled with his personal status and influence, he has long been someone that everyone vies for.

"OMG! It's Heal Chan."

One of the reporters looked at the Bugatti slowly approaching. With such a grand presence, it must be Chen Yu.

For a while.

All the media reporters flocked to the scene.

They surrounded the Bugatti, their most important task at the moment being to get all the information about "Mulan" from Chen Yu.

"Hey! Chan."

"In your casting strategy, do you prioritize domestic box office performance in China or global market recognition?"

Why was Liu Yifei chosen as the female lead?

"Would you consider replacing her if a more suitable actress were found?"

It must be said that the questions asked by the media reporters were somewhat deliberately designed to create conflict.

"Crystal, do you feel any pressure about becoming the first Chinese Disney princess?"

Liu Yifei was suddenly asked a question.

His gaze unconsciously drifted to Chen Yu beside him.

She still had a faint smile on her face; she had mentally prepared herself before coming.

To succeed, one must inevitably encounter difficulties and obstacles.

The questions from the media reporters were relatively friendly; compared to the news online, they were only more outrageous.

"I believe that the most important thing for an actor is to immerse themselves in the role of Mulan."

"We should not be distracted by so-called pressure."

"I'm trying not to put too much pressure on myself. Right now, my main focus is on understanding and interpreting Mulan."

"This carries a different cultural significance for me, and it is my honor."

Such a sincere answer surprised the media reporters present.

They've already envisioned it in their minds.

Faced with this kind of question, Liu Yifei might appear embarrassed.

after all--

Liu Yifei was able to land this role simply because of her boyfriend's talent.

If she were to secure the role of Mulan based on her own abilities, her chances of doing so would be slim.

only.

Liu Yifei's composure drew applause from everyone present.

Chen Yu turned his head to look at Liu Yifei.

Once upon a time, the little girl beside me was already capable of standing on her own.

Through her experience in the entertainment industry, she has become clearer about what she wants.

After answering the question, the three continued walking towards the interior of Disneyland.

The group took the elevator directly to the 19th floor.

"Look at this!"

"So many people have come here because of Mulan."

As the elevator doors slowly opened, Jason Reed looked straight ahead and raised an eyebrow at where Chen Yu was.

Compared to when he left, the number of people has increased significantly.

Filmmakers from all over the world have gathered at Disneyland, and today is a unique experience for them as well.

The arrival of Chen Yu and his group also caused quite a stir.

Chen Yu's popularity and public attention are now vastly different from what they used to be.

After a year of major moves, Chen Yu's presence has long since transcended the level of the Chinese entertainment industry.

There is probably no one else, either domestically or internationally, who can compare to him.

When people saw Chen Yu, they clearly felt a greater sense of belonging.

Foreign country.

Chen Yu was like their pillar of support.

Many people greeted Chen Yu, saying that even if he wasn't ultimately chosen, the trip would still have been worthwhile.

"Brother Yu!"

Li Jie looked at Chen Yu in front of him, his expression a mixture of joy and solemnity. Chen Yu nodded in response; he naturally remembered the person before him.

The previous life.

She played the Rouran Khan in the movie "Mulan".

Overall, their acting skills and abilities are quite good.

Moreover, Li Jie was already well-known worldwide before she played Mulan.

Back in 1993, his first portrayal of Bruce Lee made him an instant star.

If that's the case, then the two of them do have a fairly close relationship.

They were all actors who portrayed Bruce Lee.

In addition, he played the lead role of Moki in Disney's live-action adaptation of "The Jungle Book" in 1994.

In general.

These years have been Li Jie's peak period.

Even though he is less famous in the entertainment industry now, it still cannot erase his previous honors.

Look around.

Most of the important characters from the previous Mulan story have already arrived.

Excluding some characters whose ages don't match.

Ma Tai waved to Chen Yu, who played Mulan's father in the film Mulan, and he also showed great enthusiasm for Chen Yu and Liu Yifei.

While his name may not be a household name both domestically and internationally, the roles he has portrayed in numerous well-known film and television works have certainly left a deep impression on people.

Before filming "Mulan", he was already a well-known Chinese face in Hollywood.

In the 2001 "24" series, his portrayal of a Chinese agent was quite classic.

Especially with "Rush Hour 3" a couple of years ago, this work brought him back to the top.

Chen Yu greeted them one by one.

Currently, he is not only the top decision-maker for the movie "Mulan".

Like everyone else present, he was an actor struggling in Hollywood.

As a result, Chen Yu's appearance did not create any sense of distance among the people; on the contrary, it gave them a sense of security in an instant.

Especially the feelings of those present, who saw the greatest banner of their own camp in a challenging battlefield.

This feeling was enough to make them proud.

Chen Yu suddenly remembered when he first auditioned for the role of the Joker. When he stepped into the audition room, he was an Asian person who looked out of place among a group of white people.

but.

He broke through this obstacle.

As for now, he has the power and the right to decide the casting of his works.

The group walked into the office.

As Chen Yu appeared, the casting director team and some Disney executives stood up.

It's important to know that Chen Yu has the final say in casting.

Given his current status and position, everyone present had no choice but to show him respect.

“Hello Chan”.

"I'm really looking forward to the next casting call."

Richie Ross quickly approached, fully aware of the changes in Disney's ownership structure. As the new chairman of the film group, he was naturally quite clear about it.

Especially for Chen Yu.

He paid a lot of attention to it on a regular basis.

This promising young Chinese filmmaker has made a stunning debut for Disney.

And they acquired a stake in Disney.

Those inside the organization naturally knew the conditions he offered and greatly admired his abilities and adventurous spirit.

Chen Yu looked around.

This time, apart from Jason Reed appearing as a producer, the rest of the people present were from the Screen Actors Guild.

Sean Bailey was also present.

President of Live Action Films at Walt Disney Studios, a position specifically designed for the development and production of live action films.

It's not surprising that it appeared here.

Everyone stood up and waited for Chen Yu and Liu Yifei to take their seats.

In fact.

Many people are somewhat dissatisfied with Liu Yifei's sudden appearance in "Mulan," but they can't really interfere with the matter.

Chen Yu now holds decision-making power at Disney.

The reason for stepping in when Disney was in crisis was simply to secure the rights to "Mulan" for Liu Yifei.

About this question.

They offered no comment other than agreeing.

Even though they also believed that Liu Yifei was not qualified to play Mulan, they could only watch helplessly.

As Chen Yu sat down, the rest of the people present took their seats.

"alright--"

"Now that everyone is here, we can begin the auditions."

Jason Reed looked at the staff outside.

The latter understands it perfectly.

They immediately began their work.

After hearing the sounds from inside, the people outside the door were ready.

They made a special trip to Burbank in hopes of landing a role in this film.

As for now.

All they have to do is use every trick in the book.

"Distinguished actors, you may now enter in order."

"I hope that you will all get what you want in today's casting audition process."

It took Chen Yu less than two years to go from an auditioner to a decision-maker.

Only when power is in our own hands can Chinese films better reach the international community.

As soon as the staff member finished speaking, Li Jie was the first to walk into the audition room.

After scanning the room, his gaze fell on the person in the very center.

It was Chen Yu and Liu Yifei.

That calm and composed demeanor gave Li Jie an immense sense of security.

He had thought that Chen Yu's involvement in decision-making meant he was merely a marginal figure in the eyes of Hollywood, but he never imagined that Chen Yu held the ultimate decision-making power in this seat.

Before doing it instead.

Neither the director, the producer, nor the actors' union has absolute power.

As for now, Chen Yu has clearly broken this rule.

Li Jie breathed a sigh of relief.

His gaze fell on where Chen Yu was.

"I'd like to hear your understanding of the Rouran Khan's motives as a villain?"

Jason Reed was the first to ask a question.

For this kind of supporting role interview process, everyone focuses more on discussing the role.

Upon hearing the question from the person in front of him, Li Jie looked at Chen Yu first.

Then his gaze gradually hardened.

I think—

"The Rouran Khan's motivations mostly stemmed from a sense of crisis regarding the survival of his people, as well as national and personal grievances."

"However, he is not just a bad person."

"Their core motivation is nothing more than trauma and a distorted sense of mission."

Chen Yu looked at Li Jie in front of him.

No wonder he was able to land the role of Rouran Khan; his motivation and logic in portraying the character were quite sound.

Seeing Chen Yu nod, the others present naturally understood its true meaning. (End of Chapter)