Johnny Depp, who had done many questionable things, heard his good friend and brother-like figure Nicolas Cage calling him over.
Immediately declining all his other activities, he hopped in his car and headed towards Cage's mansion.
Within a little over an hour, he arrived at Cage's mansion near Hollywood.
Upon entering, he saw Cage and an unfamiliar stranger having a barbecue party.
"Hey, Cage!" Depp naturally walked up to their barbecue grill, picked up a half-pound beef skewer, and started eating.
Kevin also introduced himself, "I'm Steve Kevin, the director of Saw, Get Out, and Mission: Impossible."
Kevin's name had long been known throughout Hollywood, thanks to the success of his films.
Depp then realized that the young man before him was the most popular up-and-coming director in Hollywood.
"Hello, I'm rock star Johnny Depp!" Depp greeted with a smile, still identifying himself primarily as a rock musician, even though he was now doing better in the film industry.
"Hello, Depp," another future superstar in Kevin's eyes.
Different from his rebellious and eccentric appearance in public, Depp seemed more normal during this private gathering.
At least, he didn't exhibit the same rebelliousness and eccentricity as he did in his public appearances.
This made Kevin somewhat sigh in amazement. The entertainment industry had indeed developed rapidly. It would be another year or two before Huaguo (China) would start playing such characters.
But here, people had already started playing such roles in the American entertainment industry.
After Kevin and Depp exchanged a few words, Cage called out to them to move the grilled skewers to a nearby table.
After arranging the skewers, they took out some good beer and enjoyed a delicious meal, lounging on the large sofa in the living room, completely disregarding the mess outside.
After all, a phone call the next day would have someone come to clean up.
After chatting for a while, Cage finally brought up the main topic.
"Depp, the next film by Director Kevin is looking for you as the male lead. He doesn't know you, but he found me because I know you."
"This film is a role you must take on. The male protagonist is outstanding and will make you a superstar in Hollywood."
"Most importantly, this is a big-budget production costing over a hundred million dollars!"
Before this, Depp had only shined in Edward Scissorhands, but even then, people had a hard time recognizing him because of the makeup.
Although he wasn't an unknown in Hollywood, he wasn't considered a big shot either.
For a director like Kevin to approach him for the male lead was a clear indication of his value.
Depp's expression immediately turned serious.
"What kind of role is it? Can I have a glimpse?" Unlike Nicolas Cage, who had a strong background, Depp wasn't as picky when it came to roles.
In Hollywood, most of the stars pursued art films because they couldn't land lead roles in commercial films.
If they had the opportunity, who would refuse a commercial film and go for an art film instead?
Wasn't the mighty dollar appealing?
Kevin nodded and handed over the script, explaining, "This is a high-budget fantasy film, and I think the character's temperament aligns well with yours. That's why I wanted to contact Cage and you in advance."
"However, due to the massive investment, the sole protagonist of this film will have to go through interviews with executives from multiple companies to be approved."
"I also hope that you can secure this role and portray the Captain Jack Sparrow I have in mind."
At this point, Kevin was extremely nervous as well.
If the Jack Sparrow of the present couldn't bring out the charm of Captain Jack Sparrow, he would have to take the risk of choosing someone else to play the character.
There was even a possibility that the project would be delayed due to the lack of a suitable actor.
Kevin couldn't afford to shoot Pirates of the Caribbean with an unsuitable actor, as it would only ruin his reputation.
If, in the future, when Kevin's position in Hollywood was more stable, he wanted to take on higher-risk projects or original films, that would be fine.
But at this moment, Kevin wouldn't jeopardize his future due to a small impulse.
...
Depp quickly read through the script and was instantly drawn to the character.
In an era where witches still existed in the Middle Ages, men became thieves on the high seas, searching for treasures across the world.
This setting was incredibly enticing.
And everything revolved around Captain Jack Sparrow, the captain of the fastest ship in the Caribbean, the Black Pearl.
Jack Sparrow was different from the typical perception of a ruthless pirate, as well as the adventurers people regarded as heroes.
He had the reputation of being one of the nine most powerful pirates in the Caribbean, but his character was carefree and even a bit effeminate.
At the same time, he was a skilled liar, and both his morals and rhythm were highly questionable.
However, despite having so many flaws, he also had numerous shining qualities.
He was fearless when it came to saving his friends, even in the face of danger.
That's the kind of complex and multifaceted character that establishes a very vivid and lifelike image of a captain.
The moment Depp finished reading the script, he knew he had to get this role.
It was a character that would undoubtedly leave a mark in film history, and he would regret it for the rest of his life if he missed it.
Looking at the two silent individuals beside him, Johnny Depp confidently said, "Leave it to me, Director Kevin. This role is mine."
Kevin nodded. "Come to the Pirates of the Caribbean set at MGM Studios for the audition in a week. I believe in you."
Looking at Depp's confident gaze, Kevin was instantly convinced.
Some people talk about hard work, but in Kevin's view, talent is often the most important aspect in the arts.
Take the past example of Liu Tianwang, for instance. When it comes to singing, he can't match Zhang Tianwang, and in terms of acting, he has a huge gap with Liang as well.
No matter how hard he works, the difference between him and others is visible to the naked eye.
It's not to say he's not good, but to emphasize one point: the importance of talent in the film industry.
And there's no doubt that Nicholas Cage and Johnny Depp are such geniuses.
When a talent like this assures Kevin that he can do well, it shows he has that kind of confidence.
And Kevin is willing to believe in the promises of such a talent.
Kevin didn't say much for the rest of the time.
After having their fill and some drinks, Angelina went out for work, and there were no women in his villa.
So, he decided to spend the night in Cage's villa.
With a few beers, they had a good night's sleep...