Chapter 47: Tom Cruise Pays a Visit and the Male Lead is Chosen
To put it simply, in action spy films, the female lead primarily needs to possess beauty.
This is a typical male-driven genre.
The last major casting decision left to make naturally revolved around the male lead.
Although Kevin had already decided in his heart that Tom Cruise would definitely be the male lead in the "Mission: Impossible" film, he couldn't say for sure if Tom Cruise had the same intention at this earlier time. Moreover, those who actively seek opportunities often aren't appreciated by others. Therefore, Kevin chose to hold a large-scale casting process.
At the same time, this casting process served as a form of invisible promotion for "Mission: Impossible." Countless media outlets began reporting on the film.
...
"Classic TV series adaptation, directed by horror film director Steve Kevin, evoking childhood memories for numerous viewers. If 'Mission: Impossible' were adapted into a film, would you go watch it?"
"According to our sources, there is a high level of interest in 'Mission: Impossible' at the moment. Superstars like Nicholas Kevin and Sylvester Stallone have expressed strong interest in the film."
"..."
Tom Cruise looked at the news in the newspaper, remaining silent. The failure of "Ambitious Earth" had a tremendous impact on him. Prior to this, every film he starred in was a blockbuster success, and he had never tasted the bitterness of failure.
Since the failure of "Ambitious Earth," the praises in the newspapers had turned into doubts and criticisms.
Undoubtedly, this had put immense pressure on him psychologically.
But Tom Cruise was still Tom Cruise.
One couldn't become a superstar without having a big heart.
While he quietly recuperated in his villa, the latest news from the outside world reached him.
Steve Kevin's new work, an $80 million investment action film.
And most importantly, it was his childhood memory, "Mission: Impossible."
Tom Cruise had an emotional attachment to "Mission: Impossible" that he couldn't let go of. It was the most beautiful memory of his childhood, and the moment he heard about this project, he couldn't resist.
Seeing the news in the newspaper, Cruise glanced at Nicole Kidman beside him and said, "Darling, let's go visit Kevin at his villa and discuss the matter of the male lead in 'Mission: Impossible'."
Nicole Kidman, feeling a bit anxious, replied, "Darling, what about my role as the female lead?"
Cruise revealed his cold side and said, "Darling, even someone like me would fall in Hollywood if I have consecutive film failures."
"Please let everything continue to go well for me, alright?"
Cruise's message was simple: he needed to prioritize self-preservation and maintain his position before he could pull Nicole Kidman along. While that was the logical approach, women sometimes don't adhere to logic.
A hint of resentment flashed in Nicole Kidman's eyes, but she quickly concealed it and transformed it into a smile. She held Cruise's hand and said cheerfully, "Then let's go together and meet Kevin."
...
Tom Cruise and Kevin's villas were only a few minutes' drive apart. After a short while, Tom Cruise, driving his luxury car, arrived at Kevin's house with Nicole Kidman.
"Cruise!"
"Kevin!"
Seeing Cruise's arrival, Kevin politely stepped out to greet him, with Jolie right beside him.
Kevin and Cruise exchanged greetings, while Jolie and Nicole Kidman observed each other.
Both sides were powerful men who had climbed to positions of influence, naturally leading to some comparison. In terms of pure beauty, Julie couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy when she looked at Nicole Kidman.
She knew she wasn't as beautiful as Nicole Kidman.
However, beauty is not always absolute, and at least Julie had confidence that Kevin would prefer her over Nicole Kidman.
...
"Cruise, do you want the male lead role in 'Mission: Impossible'?"
Kevin pretended to be surprised.
After some small talk, Cruise got straight to the point and asked him for the male lead position.
Cruise's face turned serious as he earnestly said, "That's right, Kevin. You don't know how much I love 'Mission: Impossible.' It's been my favorite TV series since childhood."
"If it wasn't for your idea of making a 'Mission: Impossible' film, maybe in a year or two, I would have come up with the same idea and taken on the role as producer myself."
"Let me be the male lead, Kevin. I owe you a favor."
With the conversation reaching this point, Kevin, who already had a favorable opinion of Cruise, didn't have much to say.
"In that case, Cruise, you can directly participate in the auditions for the male lead in 'Mission: Impossible'."
Cruise let out a sigh of relief.
In Hollywood, there was an unwritten rule that for a high-budget film, if there were no big names auditioning, it meant that the film would only be selecting from among lesser-known actors. Once a big-name actor joined the auditions, other celebrities would only try to sabotage from behind the scenes and wouldn't participate in the casting process.
This meant that Cruise was almost certain to secure the role after going through the remaining process.
...
Everything went as Tom Cruise expected. After completing the necessary steps, Tom Cruise joined the "Mission: Impossible" cast with a price tag of $10 million.
This news quickly spread throughout the United States, accompanied by the collaboration of three film companies. Even before the film began, it had captured the attention of the entire country.
This was the privilege of a blockbuster film.
A blockbuster meant large investments, big-name stars, and renowned directors.
Countless media outlets flocked to the scene, and Warner Bros., MGM, and Paramount, in mutual agreement, decided to hold a press conference.
After the conference, filming immediately began.
...
In Los Angeles, inside a theater, a press conference was chosen to be held.
Kevin, accompanied by the lead actors Tom Cruise and Angelina Jolie, as well as several other important supporting actors, arrived at the press conference.
The president of MGM personally took the stage, adding a different significance to the event.
"President Reed, is there any unknown secret behind your decision to have a small director like Steve Kevin direct a $80 million investment blockbuster film? Is MGM hoping that 'Mission: Impossible' will turn the tide after years of losses?"
President Reed's face stiffened, as these journalists' questions completely disregarded his face.
However, he couldn't get angry because that would be beneath his status.
After adjusting his emotions, Reed smiled and replied one by one, "The reason for having Kevin direct 'Mission: Impossible' is because I believe in his ability. Two consecutive blockbuster films, doesn't that prove his talent?"