In simple terms, Salma Hayek had experience in bold and daring films, so she was certainly comfortable with explicit content. There shouldn't be any issues with her portraying the female lead in the film.
After selecting a short scene from the script, Kevin handed it to Salma Hayek for her to perform. After a preliminary assessment of her acting skills and physique, Kevin finally asked, "Do you have an agent?"
Salma Hayek felt delighted in her heart, as she sensed that this question implied that she was likely being considered for the female lead. She quickly shook her head and replied, "No, I haven't been in Hollywood for long. I'm still learning English, and my English isn't particularly good yet."
Kevin nodded and continued, "If you're ultimately selected for the female lead, you'll need to sign with my agent at CAA. Is that okay?"
"No problem!" Salma Hayek responded firmly.
Kevin nodded, allowing Salma Hayek to leave.
One by one, the female roles were auditioned, with dozens of actresses coming in. However, no one had the same impact on him as Salma Hayek did. Although many actresses hinted at him with various suggestions during the audition process, as it was his first work, Kevin was more focused on the success of the film.
As for beautiful female stars, there were plenty in Hollywood. Once you achieved success, there would naturally be no shortage of those alluring companions.
With the auditions for the female lead completed, the auditions for the male lead quickly followed. Ultimately, the male lead in a horror film wasn't as crucial, whereas the female lead had specific requirements due to the scenes involving partial nudity.
Sexy and alluring were the criteria.
Finally, it was time for the audition of the pivotal character in the entire script, the Jigsaw Killer.
After interviewing dozens of people, Kevin was still not satisfied with the candidates for Jigsaw.
Although Jigsaw doesn't have much screen time in the film, his importance is undeniable.
However, at this point in time, the original Jigsaw, Tobin Bell, had not yet entered the entertainment industry.
Being thirteen years ahead of the original timeline, Kevin couldn't simply follow the original casting. Moreover, there were also flaws in the Saw franchise that needed his attention.
...
As dusk approached, Kevin stretched lazily and watched the crowd below disperse. He took out his phone and called Dawson.
"Hey, it's Dawson. What's up, Kevin?"
"I haven't found a suitable candidate for Jigsaw yet. None of the actors over forty meet my requirements. Notify them to relax the age requirement."
"We can address it through makeup if needed."
"Kevin, I have a friend who I think might fit your vision of Jigsaw. How about you come to my house tonight?"
Faced with Dawson's invitation, Kevin hesitated for a second but agreed.
This agent had been quite helpful to him. It was just a meeting, and whether or not to cast the person would be up to Kevin. There was no need to refuse this favor.
"Alright, see you tonight!"
...
A typical American middle-class single-family home, located in a white community.
Inside the house, the hostess was diligently preparing dinner to entertain the upcoming guests.
Dawson and a kind-looking, brainy Caucasian man sat on the sofa in the living room, chatting.
"Greg, trust me, you have this potential..."
"I never thought you saw me that way, Dawson. Am I really suitable to play a serial killer?"
The white man, called Greg jokingly, said.
The two were longtime friends with a great relationship.
Seeing his friend struggling in Hollywood for years, only able to do insignificant jobs that didn't even get credited, Dawson happened to have a project on hand. Out of friendship, it was only natural for him to lend a helping hand.
In fact, Greg came from a decent background.
As a student of the New York University School of Arts, which is on par with the prestigious arts colleges like the University of Southern California and the University of California.
There was no doubt about his talent.
However, sometimes in the industry, what you need more is an opportunity.
Perhaps Clark Greg had just been unlucky, never really getting the chance. And although his family had some savings, it was clear that it wasn't enough to support his development in Hollywood.
He wouldn't refuse his friend's goodwill, of course.
The partially-scripted image of Jigsaw placed in front of him had already deeply captivated him.
The doorbell rang, and Dawson got up to answer the door, while Greg stood up with a hint of nervousness.
The front door opened, and Dawson exclaimed loudly, "Welcome, my friend, the future great director, Steve Kevin!"
Kevin was speechless. While he appeared composed and intimidating at the company, he seemed like a completely different person at home.
It seemed that he could relax and let out his true nature at home.
"Alright, no need for the grandeur. This is the friend you mentioned, right?"
Kevin naturally walked in, shook hands with Clark Greg standing aside, and then took a seat.
At the same time, he had already made up his mind. Jigsaw would be entrusted to him.
As for why...
Clark Greg's performance in future movies and even TV shows could easily convey the feeling of Jigsaw that Kevin had in mind with a slight twist. He had played the role of Agent Coulson, the good guy in the Avengers, the pawn who united the team and the future director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
That was the Clark Greg standing before him.
Due to his fondness for S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, Kevin had looked up some information about Clark Greg. His background was solid, having attended the prestigious New York University School of Arts.
In his past life, it wasn't until 2000 that he finally received editing credit in a movie, and then in 2006, he played a supporting role in a TV series. It was evident that he didn't make much progress in Hollywood.
However, there was one thing that satisfied Kevin: he had a good rapport with the audience. Combined with his sufficient abilities, Kevin believed that Greg's skills were more than enough to portray Jigsaw.
Moreover, with a little makeup, he could easily achieve the effect of a man in his fifties or sixties.
Kevin didn't mean anything else; it was just that Greg did have a mature and stable appearance, which was commonly referred to as looking older.
Clark Greg naturally had no idea that the role he desired had already firmly landed in his hands.
As the thirty-something Greg looked at the young man before him, he couldn't help but feel amazed. Compared to him, who had struggled in Hollywood for so long, Kevin was indeed a genius.
He had been called a talented director in school, and now, even before graduating, he had secured investment from New Line Cinema and the opportunity to direct his own film.
This kind of opportunity was truly enviable.