America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 44, Section 46: Why are you two-faced?

After Joseph Gordon-Levitt left, the second person to walk in made Eric frown. It was Shia LaBeouf, the original star of "Transformers".

Eric just said that he doesn't dislike anyone, which is obviously a lie; Shia LaBeouf is the one he hates the most.

However, this guy's agent is quite familiar with his father, so even though he's only 16 and a genuine high school student, he couldn't refuse and had to let him in for the interview.

Since this guy had disappeared for a long time before he transmigrated, many people had forgotten him, but he was definitely a troublemaker in Hollywood, the kind of guy that even Ezra Miller would kneel down and call out to as a senior.

When Shia LaBeouf was 19, he dared to threaten his neighbor with a knife. He was lucky he didn't get hit with an American-style iaido.

After he became famous because of "Transformers", he became arrogant and developed an alcohol addiction, becoming a complete drunkard who was always drinking.

He was first arrested for drunkenly breaking into a Chicago chain pharmacy in an attempt to get a free item.

Not two months after the incident, he was caught smoking illegally in a public place in Burbank. He refused to appear in court after receiving a summons and did not appoint a lawyer. As a result, the court put a bounty on his head for him, which was a somewhat humiliating $1000. Finally, under pressure from public opinion, he paid the fine.

Then came drunk driving, during which his arm was grazed by a car, resulting in a broken arm.

That's why there was a scene in Transformers 2 where Sam was injured – it was because Michael Bay was forced to rewrite the script, and the production team couldn't afford to let one person cause delays.

He then went on to criticize Spielberg for being too old, saying that "Indiana Jones 4" was not up to par and that his starring role in the film was a huge mistake.

He was able to star in "Transformers" precisely because of Steven Spielberg's support.

That wasn't the end of it. Later, during rehearsals for the Broadway play "Orphan," he stalked his fellow actor Alec for a whole month, scaring Alec into calling the police. The production team also fired him.

In 2012, another bombshell dropped: on the set of "Lawless," a drunk Shia LaBeouf attacked Tom Hardy, knocking him unconscious and sending him to the hospital.

His reputation was already ruined, and perhaps because no one was offering him film roles anymore, he went back to directing.

He filmed a short film that won an award, and just as his reputation was starting to improve, he was exposed for plagiarism. He then sent a drone to apologize to the original author, but it flew to the wrong address.

Shia LaBeouf's antics reached their peak in 2019 when he wrote and directed the film "Baby Boy," which depicts his childhood.

In the film, his father can only be described as a villain, and the audience understands the pain caused by his family of origin.

Just when the audience began to sympathize with him, a twist occurred: he admitted on the show that the entire storyline was fake and that he had made it up himself.

To get his father's approval, he even tricked him into signing a fake script, making his father the target of public criticism. This was truly an outrageous and ridiculous act.

This list only includes a portion of Shia LaBeouf's scandals. In addition, there are other misdeeds such as domestic violence against his girlfriend and beating homeless people. Compared to him, Ezra Miller is practically a saint.

Eric would only hire such a lunatic if he were also insane.

Shia LaBeouf, do you know the story of Transformers?

"Yes, I saw it on TV."

"Name a few Autobots and Decepticons for me."

Shia LaBeouf was stunned. What kind of question was this? In fact, he had never watched Transformers. He only knew a little about it because of the audition.

He stammered, "Optimus Prime, Megatron, and...and..."

Eric clicked his tongue a few times: "You don't seem to understand, lying to producers is not a good habit."

Shia LaBeouf hurriedly tried to explain, but Eric didn't give him a chance and continued to press, "Are you a skilled driver? The male lead has a lot of scenes inside cars in the movie."

This question is also a trap for him, because California law stipulates that minors must be 16 years of age or older to apply for a driver's license.

However, it doesn't mean that you can drive on the road as soon as you get your driver's license at 16. There are strict restrictions, such as not being able to drive at night, having to be accompanied by a parent, and not being able to pick up passengers other than your parent.

Due to numerous restrictions, although many people obtain a driver's license at the age of 16, very few actually drive on the road. Furthermore, given the convenient transportation in Los Angeles, students generally rely primarily on public transportation.

Faced with this question, Shia LaBeouf could only try to explain, "Sir, I already have my credentials, and I can practice properly, isn't that right?"

Eric interrupted again: "But we don't have time to practice. We only have two months to film, you know?"

The interviewers nearby were speechless. You were just telling Joseph Gordon-Levitt that it would take three months to film, how come you suddenly changed your mind?

Seeing Shia LaBeouf rendered speechless by the rebuttal, Eric said expressionlessly, "Of course, what I just said is secondary. Let's start with the audition."

Shia LaBeouf froze again, his mind screaming, "Why are you making it sound so serious? You scared the hell out of me!"

But at that moment his mind was in turmoil, how could he get into the zone? He stumbled three times during a simple performance and finally walked out dejectedly.

Eric offered him some words of encouragement, saying he had a bright future and that this was just an off day.

Shia LaBeouf couldn't help but have the illusion that this producer was actually quite good.

After he left, Eric said, "See? Too young. He can't handle the pressure at all. How can he handle the actual filming if he can't even handle a few questions?"

The interviewers were speechless again. You've said both the good and the bad, and it's all the other party's fault.

Outside, seeing Shia LaBeouf on the verge of tears, everyone's hearts skipped a beat. Even though he was an unknown nobody, he shouldn't be in such a sorry state. The interviewer was too ruthless!

After calming himself down, James McAvoy stood up from his seat, while Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender encouraged him.

"You can do it, James. This is the best opportunity you can have. You're Sam."

"I am Sam! I am Sam!"

While hypnotizing himself and taking deep breaths, James McAvoy walked into the audition room.

The moment they saw him walk in, the interviewers knew he was out.

First, there's the height difference. Gal Gadot is 175 cm tall, while the British gentleman in front of her is only 170 cm tall, which is awkward.

Even more significant is his demeanor; he possesses an even more artistic air than Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

With his slender eyebrows, large, dark eyes, thin, dry lips, and small mouth, he looked every bit the part of an art-house film male lead.

If he's willing to sacrifice, the female lead isn't out of the question.

In short, Eric would certainly not be satisfied with his appearance, which is completely unrelated to that of an American hero.

Not long after, James McAvoy came out with a conflicted expression, and Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender rushed up to him to ask what was wrong.

"James, how's it going?"

"I failed. He clearly told me I wasn't suitable, but then asked if I would be willing to play other roles?"

"What role?"

"A minor but important supporting character, someone who gets close-ups and lines, definitely not cannon fodder."

Upon hearing this, Tom Hardy and Fassbender understood why he was conflicted. He auditioned for the lead role but got a minor, unspecified part. How could he not be conflicted?

"James, are you going to accept?"

"Why not? With my current fame, something is better than nothing."

Shortly after James McAvoy failed his audition, Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender were also eliminated.

The former isn't a muscular hunk like Bane yet; he has a roguish charm, the kind of guy that makes viewers immediately realize isn't a good guy, which doesn't fit Sam at all.

Furthermore, Eric recalls that the young Tom Hardy had a history of alcoholism and drug addiction and was likely still undergoing treatment, making it impossible to cast him as the male lead.

The same applies to Michael Fassbender; although he is handsome, his face suggests a rebellious and stubborn personality.

Especially when he frowns, he always gives people a feeling of deep bitterness and resentment, which suits Magneto, but is obviously incompatible with Sam's warm and sunny personality.

Of course, they didn't come away empty-handed; Eric gave them roles as American soldiers, the kind with lines and screen time.

James McAvoy is not suited to wearing military uniforms; Eric gave him the role of a computer expert, which suits his temperament.

These two men are better suited to wearing military uniforms, especially Fassbinder. Eric can already picture him with a ferocious expression as he moves across the battlefield.

Thus, the British trio from Band of Brothers were all killed in action.

Inside the audition room, Eric looked at James Franco in front of him. He wasn't the controversial Fu Lanlan he would become later, but he was the most famous person among those who came to audition today.

"James, give me a side profile, that's good."

"Just frown slightly so I can see, that's fine."

"Smile now."

James Franco smiled slightly, his air of a wealthy young master was undeniable, but Sam's family background was actually quite ordinary.

Eric frowned. "James, relax, open your mouth wider. I need you to laugh heartily, let the laughter ring out."

"OK."

James Franco nodded, readjusted his expression, and now he seemed rather cold and aloof.

Then he opened his mouth wide and laughed, but the force seemed a bit too much, turning into a silly grin.

Several interviewers shook their heads inwardly, because they saw a common problem among young actors, especially those who were both famous and handsome, in James Franco.

These actors know they are handsome, and they know which part of them is the most handsome, so they always show it off intentionally or unintentionally, while trying to hide their shortcomings.

The approach was not wrong, and it was only natural, but over time that kind of temperament would take shape and would be difficult to correct in a short period of time.

After examining his physique and demeanor, Eric asked, "What do you think you can bring to the film?"

"There are many things I can do. I will follow any arrangements made by the director. I can endure hardship and I can do any scene myself. There will definitely be a lot of explosion scenes in the movie. If the director wants it to be more realistic, I can do it without a stunt double. I am confident that I can portray Sam well and present fans with a popular male lead."

The answer was great, and everyone was very satisfied. Everyone likes an obedient and responsible actor.

As they walked out of the audition room, the waiting crowd saw the smile on James Franco's face and felt a chill run down their spines, sensing something was wrong.

Then Jake Gyllenhaal came out and left without saying a word, as he recalled what Eric had just said.

Then there was Ben Foster, who showed no sign of disappointment, which was not surprising, since he never had a strong competitive spirit.

He's been acting in TV dramas all these years, but he hasn't gained much fame. His girlfriend, Kirsten Dunst, became a sensation after starring in "Spider-Man," which made him realize the gap between them.

His unremarkable acting career, marked by repeated failures and setbacks, had long since eroded his will, and he often felt that he was not suited for this path.

He's been arguing with his girlfriend frequently lately, and he's been feeling very down and unmotivated. He just submitted his resume with a "let's see what happens" attitude, thinking that if he gets selected, it'll be a stroke of luck, and if not, so be it.

Fortunately, it wasn't bad; I got a small role as an American soldier.

The auditions continued after Ben Foster left.

Fewer and fewer people were waiting, and more and more people left in disappointment, until only Heath Ledger and Chris Evans remained at the scene.

Unconsciously, the two looked up at the same time, their eyes meeting. Although they didn't know each other, it seemed a little awkward not to do anything since they were the only two left in the large room.

So, the two of them smiled at the same time. Fortunately, Chris Evans was called at that moment, which ended the somewhat awkward scene.

Inside the audition room, the others gradually figured out Eric's methods. He seemed very familiar with these young actors and could always make various demands based on their strengths and weaknesses.

Moreover, it was obvious that he disliked several of them, and his questions were very targeted and aggressive.

He was also very lenient with some of them, such as Jake Gyllenhaal, to whom Eric offered many sound suggestions, and he was also very friendly towards the Band of Brothers trio.

As for Ryan Gosling, who just left, a newcomer who had only been in the industry for two or three years, he was very tolerant and allowed him to fully showcase his characteristics, which indeed suited the character of Sam in terms of temperament.

Of course, there are some shortcomings, such as a slightly long chin, but in this audition, it was already considered very good.

At that moment, the door opened again, and a tall, handsome, and sunny young man walked in and politely introduced himself.

Eric couldn't help but smile as he looked at Tao Zong, who was only 21 years old and still had a youthful and reserved expression on his face.

"Chris, relax, don't be so nervous. This is just an audition, not an interrogation!"

A soft laugh rang out in the room, instantly easing the tension and allowing Chris Evans to relax.

"The interviewer was nice, so why did those people look so worried?"

While muttering to himself, the young Captain America cooperated with Eric by making different gestures and expressions.

His subsequent auditions went smoothly, because in the past two years he had played only high school students, and he was very good at these kinds of roles.

After going through the basic process, the interviewers nodded to each other in approval. He had the right temperament and was handsome; he was a strong competitor for Sam.

Suddenly, Eric stood up from his seat and, amidst the puzzled looks of the crowd, walked up to Chris Evans and circled him a few times.

He then approached the latter with a surprised look in his eyes, grabbed his chin, patted his abdomen and chest, paused briefly, and then released him and returned to his seat.

"Sorry, Chris, I didn't mean any harm, but if you want to get the role of Sam, you'll need to work harder."

Chris Evans was startled, considering Eric's recent action and his own handsome face.

"No way, is he gay?"

"Who cares? This is an A-list production. This is Hollywood. You should have known better, Chris. Just close your eyes, and you can definitely do it."

Clenching his teeth, Chris Evans struggled to say, "Whatever you want me to do, just say the word, sir."

"It's not that complicated. You're too fit and too strong. Sam isn't like that."

"I need you to lose weight. You have to say goodbye to the muscles you've worked so hard to build. This will narrow your wide jaw, and that's what Sam is all about."

Upon hearing this, the young Captain America breathed a sigh of relief, his mood experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions.

In the past two years, the directors who auditioned for roles all asked him to gain muscle, and he always played some big guys. This is the first time I've encountered a role that asked him to lose muscle.

Maintaining your figure is painful, but destroying it is blissful.

With a smile on his lips, the young Captain America walked out of the audition room.

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(End of this chapter)