The air in the studio was thick with anticipation. Ethan and Liam sat side by side, trying to maintain their composure as they prepared for what would likely be one of the most important days in the production of Silent Heroes. The auditions for the role of Jimmy Rivers were about to begin, and the room was filled with industry heavyweights and actors ranging from F-Tier to B-Tier, all hoping to land the part.
At the far end of the room, Lindsay Corbett and Tom Allen from TRN sat quietly, reviewing their notes on the project. Next to them, Mr. Davis, the head of Beacon Studios, was speaking in low tones with Paulson, who sat with a neutral expression on his face. Rachel, who had been a key ally for Ethan and Liam, offered a supportive nod as she glanced at them from across the room.
The room had been set up for the auditions, with a long table where the decision-makers sat and a space in front where the actors would perform. A few chairs had been scattered around the room, where actors waiting for their turn sat, glancing at their scripts or mentally preparing.
The range of talent was undeniable. Some of the more seasoned, higher-tier actors looked calm and composed, while others, mostly F-tier and newer faces, were visibly nervous. It was a competitive environment, and everyone knew that landing the role of Jimmy would be a defining moment in their careers.
Ethan leaned over to Liam, whispering. "We've got a lot of talent in the room. But we need to stay focused. Jimmy's not about star power—it's about emotional depth."
Liam nodded. "Exactly. Let's see who can deliver the nuance we need."
The first few auditions began, with actors stepping forward one by one to read their lines. The audition scene was a crucial one—a moment where Jimmy, haunted by his memories of the war, sits alone in a makeshift clinic, tending to the injuries of his comrades but losing himself in the ghosts of the men he couldn't save.
An F-tier actor, Connor Maddox, stepped up first. He was young, with a raw, unpolished energy that caught Ethan's attention. As he started reading the lines, it became clear that Connor had the potential to dig into the vulnerability of the character, but his delivery lacked the subtlety that Jimmy required. The emotion was there, but it needed more control, more restraint.
Liam made a few notes as Connor finished, and Ethan could tell from his expression that they both agreed—good, but not quite there.
Next came a B-tier actor, Harrison Tully, who had worked with TRN on a few high-profile projects. He was polished, smooth, and confident. His performance was technically strong, but there was something missing. The depth of Jimmy's struggle, the quiet battle he fought internally, didn't come through in Harrison's performance. It felt more like he was going through the motions, rather than truly embodying the character's pain.
As the auditions continued, Ethan felt the pressure building. A few more actors came and went, each bringing something different to the role, but none quite hitting the emotional complexity they needed.
Then came Dan Lawson.
Ethan had been waiting for this moment. Dan had approached them with a sincerity that had caught them off guard, and now, it was time to see if he could deliver.
Dan stepped forward, his posture relaxed but with a seriousness in his eyes that immediately drew the room's attention. He didn't waste time—he nodded to the casting assistant, who cued the scene, and then he was Jimmy.
It was immediate. Dan's entire demeanor shifted. His movements slowed, his shoulders slumped slightly as if carrying the weight of years of war and trauma. When he spoke, his voice was low and measured, but there was a tremor of vulnerability beneath the surface.
"Why do I still see their faces?" Dan, as Jimmy, said quietly, his hands trembling as he pretended to clean a wound. "I was supposed to help them… but I couldn't."
The room seemed to hold its breath as Dan continued. He wasn't just delivering lines—he was living them. Every word, every pause, was filled with an undercurrent of pain and guilt. His eyes, though downcast, seemed to reflect the thousands of unspoken thoughts running through Jimmy's mind—the memories of the battlefield, the weight of his failures, and the unshakable burden of survival.
Ethan could feel the tension in the room shift. Lindsay and Tom exchanged a glance, clearly impressed. Even Paulson, who had been largely uninterested during the earlier auditions, was leaning forward slightly, watching Dan with more intensity than before.
Dan continued with the scene, his voice cracking at just the right moment, his breathing shallow as he struggled to maintain control. The final lines of the scene were delivered almost in a whisper, but they carried the weight of everything Jimmy had been through.
"I should have saved them," he said, his voice barely audible, "but I couldn't. And now… I don't know how to save myself."
The silence that followed was palpable. For a moment, no one moved, as if they were afraid to break the spell Dan had cast over the room.
Ethan exhaled slowly, glancing at Liam, who had a similar expression of awe on his face. This was what they had been waiting for. Dan had transformed into Jimmy Rivers, bringing a depth of emotion that no other actor had come close to. It was raw, heartbreaking, and utterly captivating.
Rachel, sitting across the room, gave a small, approving nod, clearly impressed by what she had seen. Even Mr. Davis, who had remained stoic for most of the audition, leaned back in his chair, looking satisfied.
Paulson, however, remained silent, his expression unreadable. Ethan couldn't tell if he was pleased or frustrated that one of his preferred actors had delivered such a strong performance.
As Dan finished, he stood still for a moment, letting the emotion of the scene settle before stepping back into himself. He looked at Ethan and Liam, waiting for their reaction, but there was no trace of arrogance or assumption in his gaze—just a quiet professionalism.
"That was…" Ethan started, struggling to find the right words, "incredible."
Dan smiled, the intensity of the scene fading as he returned to his usual confident self. "Thanks. I knew Jimmy was a special character, and I wanted to do him justice."
Lindsay leaned forward, her voice thoughtful. "You captured something very real there, Dan. That was exactly what we needed to see from Jimmy—subtle but devastating."
Tom nodded in agreement. "I've seen a lot of auditions for roles like this, but you brought something unique. You really understood the character's internal struggle."
Paulson, to everyone's surprise, spoke up, his tone neutral but with a hint of approval. "Well done, Dan."
Ethan exchanged a quick glance with Liam, both of them knowing that this was the performance that could seal the deal. Dan Lawson, despite his ties to the Old Guard, had just delivered the most compelling audition for Jimmy Rivers they had seen. And in that moment, it was clear to everyone in the room.
After a few more comments and a brief discussion, Dan thanked everyone and left the room, leaving behind an undeniable impression.
As the door closed behind him, Ethan turned to the others. "I think we've found our Jimmy."
Lindsay and Tom both nodded, clearly on the same page. Even Mr. Davis seemed to agree, though he remained silent.
The decision wasn't official yet, but Ethan felt a surge of relief. Dan Lawson had come in, delivered an unforgettable performance, and proven that he was the right choice for the role. The battle for Silent Heroes was far from over, but with this casting, they had taken a major step forward.
Ethan leaned back, letting the weight of the moment settle over him. They had their Jimmy.
Now, the real work would begin.