Upon hearing Cage's sigh, Kevin set down his glass of wine and asked directly:
"So, what do you think? Captain Jack Sparrow, the sole protagonist of the film. Do you think you're suitable for the role?"
Yes, while the script remained the same, Kevin had clearly made adjustments to certain characters and their roles.
In his version, the original male and female leads became supporting characters that drove the plot. In his script, there was only one true protagonist: Jack Sparrow.
This wasn't a risk but rather the key factor for the success of Pirates of the Caribbean in his hands. Everyone knew that the greatest factor contributing to the success of Pirates of the Caribbean was Johnny Depp's unique and captivating portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow.
From Kevin's perspective, the character saved the film. The charm of the character had surpassed the film itself, and Pirates of the Caribbean succeeded because of Captain Jack Sparrow.
Understanding this, Kevin knew that if no one could replicate the Jack Sparrow he had envisioned, Pirates of the Caribbean would likely fail.
Similarly, if Sparrow could make a comeback at this moment, he believed that even after a decade, Pirates of the Caribbean would achieve unbelievable success.
Cage shook his head, furrowing his brows, revealing a hint of regret in his expression.
It seemed that he truly loved the character of Jack Sparrow.
"This is a great character, but it's not suitable for me."
"Kevin, you didn't come to me just for this role. What is your purpose? Just say it directly."
At this point, Cage glanced with heartache at the expensive wine casually placed beside Kevin. It was the finest wine he had imported from France.
A bottle worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Don't think for a moment that this price is cheap. Excluding luxury items and deliberately hyped products, wine itself is actually a relatively inexpensive and common beverage in France.
Ten thousand dollars per bottle is already at the top end of the high-end spectrum.
Even Cage himself sipped it slowly and cautiously, unwilling to waste a drop.
Unlike Kevin, who drank it like water, taking big gulps as if it were a regular beverage.
Feeling sorry for the wine, Cage quickly put away the remaining bottle and took out a can of iced cola from the fridge, handing it to Kevin.
Only then did Kevin, in a mischievous manner, quickly finish the wine in his glass and then crack open the can of cola, taking a big gulp.
Even in the cold days of December, Kevin still enjoyed iced cola in the villa.
As for the wine, he couldn't discern its quality, but he enjoyed seeing Cage's distressed expression while not wanting to show it in front of him.
Kevin wasn't surprised that Cage could tell he wasn't wholeheartedly suggesting him to play Captain Jack Sparrow. Their respective images were too different from their past roles.
Although Cage was willing to challenge himself with unfamiliar roles, it had to be in arthouse films. Running into commercial films, no matter how popular they were, awards would be out of his reach for him.
That didn't align with Cage's acting style.
Kevin couldn't possibly be unaware of this, but he still came to visit.
So, he must have had other intentions.
Cage stared at Kevin intently, trying to figure out what he was up to.
"Refreshing!"
The carbonation burst in his mouth, delivering a strong impact that made Kevin feel exhilarated.
Setting down the cola, Kevin, satisfied, spoke up:
"Do you happen to know an actor named Johnny Depp?"
A complex emotion flashed across Cage's face as he replied:
"How do you know that I know him?"
Kevin chuckled.
"Just heard about it by chance."
"Oh, so you really know him?"
Cage nodded, appearing to reminisce and ponder as he spoke:
"His ex-wife is a top Hollywood makeup artist who has collaborated with me on many occasions."
"She didn't want to live a normal life with Depp and chose to divorce him. Feeling guilty, she asked me to help Depp as a way to make it up to him."
"As for Depp... I have to say, he is a genius in acting. A genius actor, you know?"
"He's the kind of person who can bring a unique charm to a character."
"However, he's still a scoundrel."
Cage's face was filled with complex emotions.
That guy Depp had actually stolen his money to go have a good time at bars. Despite feeling sorry for Depp, Cage even let him stay at his property for free because he saw that Depp had nowhere else to go.
"Well, can you help me get in touch with him?" Kevin couldn't help but ask.
Cage nodded.
Kevin came to him for sure because of a role. Although Depp was a scoundrel, it didn't conflict with the fact that he was a talented actor. Cage was also happy that Depp could get such a good role.
Once he agreed to Kevin's request, Cage wasted no time and picked up the phone to call that scoundrel, Depp.
After a loving scolding and a string of profanities, Kevin vaguely heard that Depp was on his way here immediately.
Delighted, Kevin took the opportunity to show off his skills. He took out some meat from the fridge and he and Cage started a barbecue party outside, waiting for Depp's arrival.
Kevin, like Cage, wasn't accustomed to having strangers in his home. Therefore, there were no housekeepers, chefs, or bodyguards present. Kevin's approach was to have his bodyguard and driver rent a house in a regular residential area below Beverly Hills. When he needed them, he would simply call and inform them to come over.
Cage did something similar.
On the other side, Zack Snyder also received a message from Dawson, a hot new director in Hollywood, inviting him to be the assistant director for his new project.
As a music video director, Zack Snyder always yearned to become a true director.
However, there was a world of difference between being a music video director and a film director.
If nothing unexpected happened, Zack Snyder estimated that it would take him at least several more years to get the opportunity he desired.
However, the opportunity came faster than he had imagined.
The position of assistant director for Steve Kevin was undoubtedly a pathway. As long as he did well, it would greatly enhance his resume.
With a little investment, there would be possibilities.
After all, having experience with major projects could impress many investors.
As a music video director for several years, Zack Snyder had also accumulated some connections. Now he just lacked this kind of opportunity to take off.
At the moment he received the message from Dawson, Zack Snyder packed up all his belongings, not even bothering to ask the landlord for a refund on the rent.
He headed straight to the address of Dawn Films, intending to plant himself nearby.
As his mentor, as long as Kevin's Dawn Films didn't betray him, Zack Snyder was willing to work within this film company indefinitely.
That was his current mindset.