For super blockbusters like "Star Wars: Episode I," secrecy is paramount. Even for auditions, participants are required to sign confidentiality agreements, and everything is done in secret.
Occasionally, some production teams take their confidentiality measures even further. Sometimes, even the actors and their agents don't know what they are auditioning for. The audition could have nothing to do with the role or script, focusing purely on the actor's demeanor, presence, or reaction. All information is completely sealed off, ensuring absolute discretion.
The only thing they might be sure of is that it's a major film, an important project.
By observing clues such as the number of actors called back for auditions, the number of times they've been seen, the interviewers, the audition content, and the social events that follow, they can deduce that this is a career-defining opportunity—one they must seize.
However, for Anson, the secret is no longer a secret—
Without a doubt, Hayden is auditioning for "Star Wars: Episode I."
Moreover, Anson is certain that Hayden's efforts and perseverance will pay off.
On the other end of the line, however, Hayden is less confident.
"Uh…"
"To be honest, I'm not even sure where I am."
"I'm on a rooftop right now. There's a garden, a pool, and it's packed with people. I've lost track of my agent, and I don't know what I'm doing here. I'm standing behind a potted plant, making this call, but no one can see me."
Anson and Chris exchanged a look, finding it somewhat amusing as they imagined the 6-foot-tall (183 cm) Hayden crouching awkwardly behind a plant, trying to hide.
"I just want to go home."
"My God, I've been here for a month now—auditioning, waiting, auditioning again, and waiting some more. I have no idea what I'm doing anymore."
"Ugh…"
A long sigh.
"I just want to go home, curl up on the couch, crack open a beer, and watch TV with you guys. Watch Anson make a fool of himself on the small screen…"
Anson interrupted, "Oh, I think you'll be disappointed. Chris and the others are already preparing to worship my heroic performance on screen. You better be ready, and get some kneepads."
"And you probably won't even get any beer, because Brad and James have already cleared it out."
Before Hayden could respond, Chris turned around and noticed the mini-fridge, once stocked with beer, was now empty. He couldn't help but let out a frustrated protest, "Hey!"
Hayden didn't need to be there to picture the scene, and he couldn't help but chuckle.
Anson's smile also widened slightly. "Hayden, listen, the fact that you're still in New York means things are going in the right direction."
Hayden took a deep breath. "But there's still no result. What if, after all this effort, I still fail?"
Anson laughed softly. "Then this experience will become part of your résumé. Trust me, Hollywood is a small world—everyone's watching and listening. No matter the outcome, just getting to this point sends a message. Word has probably already spread."
This was the truth—
Just like what happened later to Henry Cavill.
This actor, born in 1983, was often regarded as the unluckiest actor in Hollywood. He missed out on major roles in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," "Twilight," "Superman Returns," and even James Bond.
And!
For all of these roles, Henry made it to the final round, often being one of the last two or three candidates, only to stumble at the finish line.
It was a disaster, an utter disaster.
However, those auditions weren't in vain. They eventually led to him landing the lead in "Man of Steel." His chance finally came.
Simple words, yet they revealed a sense of determination—an unwavering determination.
Hayden's restless and scattered thoughts quietly settled down.
He lifted his chin slightly, showing a trace of confusion and curiosity. "Anson, it seems like you've changed."
Anson: ...
"You've become... more determined, but also freer. No, no, no, I don't even know what I'm saying." Hayden still couldn't find the right words to express what he was feeling.
Anson chuckled softly. "It's because I can always go back and inherit billions. Shh, you better keep that a secret, don't tell Chris and the others."
Hayden burst out laughing.
And, as it happens, laughter led to trouble.
Hayden slapped his forehead. "Oh no, I've given myself away."
"Sorry, Anson, I've got to hang up now. I know your show will definitely be a hit tonight. I'll catch the rerun when I get home. Hope it all goes well."
In a rush, Hayden hung up before he even had the chance to say a proper goodbye.
As Anson looked up, he saw James gulping down beer, standing in front of him with a questioning look.
Anson gestured toward his phone. "Auditions are still going."
James got the hint, exchanging a knowing look with Anson. "Looks like a big movie. A super... big movie."
With that, he raised his eyebrows like wiggling caterpillars and made a funny face before throwing an arm around Anson, lifting his beer high into the air, much like Simba was presented in "The Lion King," showing off Anson to the room.
"Guys!"
"We're in the final countdown. Get ready, the big moment is almost here! Want to drink? No problem—after we watch the show together."
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's give a round of applause for Anson Wood."
Roar!
Not just cheers, but pounding on tables and walls.
Roar, roar, roar!
Even though it wasn't a movie premiere, the thunderous cheers and shouts unleashed an unbelievable energy, causing the entire house to tremble slightly.
In the crowd, Chris, Brad, James, and the others were leading the chants, each one more passionate, each one more wild.
The scene was more raucous than a movie premiere.
Then.
Anson raised his right hand, waving to the crowd, while dramatically pretending to wipe away nonexistent tears with his left hand, his face full of emotion.
"Thank you. Thank you!"
"Thank you all for giving a superstar like me the chance to party with you ordinary folks. I promise you won't forget tonight."
"And now, let's raise our glasses and toast—to me!"
Pfft.
Laughter erupted everywhere.
Jokes, teasing, laughter, and bewilderment filled the air, creating a joyful atmosphere that felt like a real premiere.
With everyone bustling about, they all gathered together, temporarily forgetting the party, setting aside their drinks, squeezing around the TV.
The scene was reminiscent of the 1980s, when televisions were still a novelty and the best window to the outside world. Whenever a classic show or series was on, friends would gather in small groups to watch together, turning it into a social event.
Tonight was just like that.
When the iconic theme song of *Friends* played, everyone hummed along.
When Anson appeared on the small screen, the room erupted in cheers.
It felt like the memory froze in that moment, and everything after that became blurry—just scattered fragments in the mind, unable to piece together.
Everything... blanked out.
No one knew when or how the party ended. Before anyone realized it, they had all passed out, drifting off in a haze.
Until—
"Ahhh!"
A piercing scream shattered the air.