Actor in Hollywood Chapter 1099 1097: It's About Participation

Originally, Lucas had no particular thoughts; after all, the main job of a Hollywood actor is to take on different roles. But now that he cald down and thought about it, he suddenly understood that series films are a bit different.

Moreover, both the Jas Bond and Peter Parker roles have already developed their own brand effect, making the selection of actors even more cautious.

But Lucas was slightly surprised, "Did you just say the first one?"

That would an there's a second and third as well?

Is Anson really that unsuitable for 007?

"Second, age."

"Although MGM didn't limit the age range, the buzz from the producers suggested between 18 and 45. However, that doesn't an MGM would actually choose an 18-year-old for Jas Bond."

"An 18-year-old Jas Bond could cause the whole film to skew toward a teenage audience, especially at the expense of 007's appeal to won—sothing MGM absolutely doesn't want."

"If Jas Bond were 18, he would still be in spy school, and the entire story would unfold in a completely different way."

"My personal guess is that MGM would still prefer to choose an actor around 35, matching the target audience's market positioning and aligning with the pri age for Hollywood actors."

All along, Anson knew that for now, age, like being typecast as a pretty face, was a limiting label blocking his path to more roles.

In the original history, after Pierce Brosnan prepared to step down, Henry Cavill was once a candidate for Jas Bond. The young British actor had perford exceptionally well in the auditions, impressing at least four producers.

At that ti, Henry Cavill was practically confird as the new Jas Bond!

However, after countless etings between the producers and the studio, they ultimately dismissed the idea for one reason: Henry's youth—

In 2003, Henry was only 20 years old.

Actually, it wasn't just MGM and the 007 producers' decision. It was more about the global market's positioning. Compared to the teen market, mainstream comrcial films target working and financially stable adults. Naturally, the choice of actors needs to reflect that.

In the end, Henry stumbled at the final hurdle.

The 007 team restarted the audition process, and Daniel Craig erged as the new Bond. At that ti, he was only 35, making him the youngest Jas Bond ever.

For this reason, the production team defined this Bond as a fledgling Jas Bond—slightly reckless and raw, prone to mistakes, and more reliant on physical combat. The first film in the series was also based on the original "Casino Royale," the first book in the 007 series.

From this perspective, considering Anson for "Walk the Line" was already an exception because the role spanned from age 20 to over 40, a range that was no less challenging than "Catch If You Can."

The difference was that in "Catch If You Can," young Frank Abagnale was mostly 17, a role Anson could effortlessly handle; in "Walk the Line," Johnny Cash was often in his 30s, making Joaquin a more suitable choice.

"Additionally..."

Anson paused slightly.

Lucas didn't hide his surprise, "There's more?"

Anson nodded, "Fa."

Lucas didn't understand.

Anson continued to explain.

"007 is a spy, at least in na, and the series always prefers actors who aren't too famous to avoid audiences forming preconceived notions."

"And , I'm too famous now. In other projects, that might be an advantage, but for the 007 series, it could be a disadvantage—perhaps even preventing from getting to the audition stage."

A hint of surprise flickered in Lucas's eyes.

Anson added, "Also, every Jas Bond actor to date has been British."

Lucas: ...

Anson shrugged, "It's one of the three prides of British pop culture—007, Doctor Who, and Sherlock Hols. They insist that these roles be played by British actors to resist the intrusion of other countries' pop culture. This is a market-based decision, and you can't bla them for it."

In fact, based on Anson's knowledge of later events, after Daniel Craig's departure, the 007 team had considered breaking conventions to embrace modern trends—

A Black Bond? An Arican Bond? A female Bond? Or even a 20-year-old Bond?

They contemplated pushing the boundaries and opening up a new landscape because when Daniel Craig took over, he faced a wave of criticism from the dia and the public for not being handso or elegant enough, even looking sowhat rugged. This completely shattered people's traditional image of Jas Bond; no one expected that a younger Daniel would inject new life into the series, rejuvenating 007.

Given that success, why not go all out?

As a result, various rumors circulated for over three years about Daniel Craig's successor, filling every corner of the dia. Even reports of Daniel potentially returning for another film were persistent. By the ti Anson crossed over, there was still no clear answer.

The latest reports indicated that an actor had already been offered the contract and was awaiting signature—

Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

Yes, the sa actor who played young Anson in "The Butterfly Effect."

In the end, the 007 team remained conservative. Look at the labels on Aaron Taylor-Johnson:

British. Thirty-five (the age when preparing to sign the contract). Male. White.

While he wasn't another Daniel Craig, he was practically chosen based on the sa template.

Surprised? Unexpected?

And that's twenty years from now, so in 2003, Anson was highly skeptical that the 007 series would seriously consider him for Jas Bond.

Lucas didn't know much about the film industry, but he was smart enough to grasp the depth in Anson's words, "So, Edgar still insists you audition?"

Anson shrugged, "Hey, it's 007, everyone's dream. When the opportunity arises, who could bear to miss it?"

Then he added, "Besides, it's a great marketing strategy."

Imagine TMZ's latest headline—

"Anson Wood Could Be the Next Jas Bond!"

It would undoubtedly drive traffic, igniting heated discussions that could benefit both Anson and 007. The hype alone could give the film a solid boost of anticipation.

Of course, there would also be controversy, and it's likely people in the UK wouldn't favor this possibility.

But regardless, tying Anson to another iconic franchise after "Spider-Man" would be a direct testant to his current teoric rise, even allowing him to take his career to the next level and avenge Sony Columbia's recent backroom tactics perfectly.

So, from a marketing perspective alone, Edgar wouldn't want to miss this significant opportunity.

Lucas didn't agree, shaking his head slightly, "I don't think Edgar is doing it just for the marketing. He might genuinely believe you have a chance."