Since that day, Laila stopped putting on a friendly face. If making the filming process go faster meant she had to look stern, she was all for it, even if it turned her into an evil queen.
Surprisingly, this change in demeanor left the kids utterly intimidated. They behaved well during the shoots and were no longer so unruly around her. Although filming went more smoothly, Laila found herself with mixed feelings and couldn't quite get into the holiday spirit.
Fortunately, the veteran actors all knew this was her "strategy", and not only did they not find her difficult to get along with, but they would also wink and tease her from time to time.
The Christmas holidays were approaching, an important holiday in the United States similar to the Eastern New Year. Laila decided to give the film crew some time off, but she needed to handle an important matter: casting for the role of Iron Man.
In the future, the Iron Man franchise not only brought in enormous global box office revenue but also marked the awakening of the superhero film genre. A significant part of its success was attributed to Robert Downey Jr., who portrayed Iron Man. He brought the character to life and transformed the Playboy image into a charismatic presence on the big screen. His charm resonated with audiences worldwide.
Laila wished she could cast him in her movie, but there was a significant concern. She had moved up the Iron Man filming schedule several years ahead of time. Laila knew about his turbulent past, which included divorce, legal troubles, and stints in jail. It was only with the help of a good father figure that he managed to turn his life around.
In later years, when he portrayed Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. had reformed and wasn't a liability. Laila wasn't sure if he had fully transformed at this point. If he reverted to his old habits and got into trouble again, it could drag the entire film crew down. Laila had to think this through before considering him for the role.
"Robert isn't the same as he used to be," Roy assured her. "You can check with his agent. He's been performing well in his recent roles, and I haven't seen him indulging in any vices. At most, we've gone to a bar together, but he rarely even gets drunk anymore."
Laila gave Roy a sidelong glance. "You've been going to bars again?"
Roy coughed lightly, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Don't sweat the details. I've improved quite a bit; I don't throw punches so easily now."
"I hope so," Laila said, still remembering that Roy and Robert had met in a bar brawl over a woman. If she and the Old Downey hadn't intervened, these two might have ended up behind bars.
"Has Robert been working on any movies lately?"
"A while back, he went out with me..." Roy hesitated for a moment, glanced at Laila, and then continued, "To go to a bar. He mentioned being in a TV series and playing a role, but I think it's a waste of his talent."
Laila didn't miss the implication and chuckled. "You want me to cast him as the male lead in the movie?"
"If you could, that would be the best. However, it's just a suggestion. I know you haven't had the best impression of Robert since that incident. It would be great for him to regain his glory in one of your movies, but if you can't get past your negative feelings about him, it may not happen in this lifetime."
"Do you really think he's changed?" Laila began to reconsider, encouraged by Roy's endorsements. She was willing to give him a chance. A Robert Downey Jr. with potential and a reformed past could be the real Iron Man in her eyes.
"Find a time and arrange a meeting with him for me," Laila requested.
"Sure, I'll do that right away," Roy said, delighted that his friend was getting this opportunity.
When Robert Downey Jr. heard from Roy that Laila wanted to meet him and might offer him a role, he was taken aback.
Things were different from their initial encounter when he was a star, and she was a teenager receiving her father's inheritance. Now, Laila was one of the most prominent directors in Hollywood, and Robert had struggled through divorce, legal issues, and jail time to make it as a supporting actor in her productions. Would she really give him a chance?
"Can I?" he suddenly hesitated.
Roy punched his shoulder, saying, "Buddy, what are you so worried about? She's Laila, not a man-eating monster. She's so beautiful, are you seriously afraid to meet her?"
"It's not that." Robert Jr. found Roy's comment somewhat amusing – what did her looks have to do with this? "What I mean is, will she give me a role?"
"Well, you won't be in her current 'Harry Potter' project for sure. But don't forget there's 'Chicago' and 'Iron Man.' Many people who appeared in her movies as supporting actors have found success. Even if you can't land a lead role, getting a standout supporting role could be a great opportunity to showcase your skills, right?"
Robert Downey Jr. was intrigued by this suggestion. He had his moments of glory when he was a talented actor with an Oscar nomination. Now, he was stuck in some second-rate movies and TV shows, and to say it didn't bother him would be a lie. If he could make a comeback through one of her films, he was willing to do anything.
"I understand! Thanks, buddy!" He believed that the opportunity had something to do with Roy's influence on Laila. Otherwise, why would he suddenly want to give him a chance after all this time?
There was no time to waste. Roy directly took Robert to Laila's office. In his view, when they had such a close relationship, why make a special appointment to meet? They should seize the moment, as what if Laila wanted to offer him a role, and someone else took it in the meantime?
So, Laila met Robert Downey Jr. in her office.
"BOSS," Robert said, glancing at the grinning Roy beside him, and cleared his throat softly, "You wanted to see me?"
Laila responded with a thoughtful "Hmm," carefully examining him from head to toe. "You're looking good. Have you been hitting the gym lately?"
"Yes, I've been working out consistently," Robert replied. He felt a bit self-conscious under her scrutiny but remained open to her observation.
"Before I ask you any more questions, there's an important matter I'd like you to answer honestly."