571-575

*Chapter 571: Luca's Flushed Face*

Seeing the scene before him, Luca’s face turned red.

“Director Kelly, Ms. Nina Hoss is scheduled to film A Woman in Berlin during November and December. She won’t have time to take on another role,” said casting director Jenny Johanna.

“Alright, I understand.”

At the dining table, Luca quietly responded as he nibbled on bread and sipped milk.

After a busy period, his hair had grown out, his beard was unkempt, and his clothes were wrinkled. He now looked more like a director than the heartthrob Luca Kelly.

“Director, should we consider casting in Hollywood? A lot of actors have contacted me, expressing interest in collaborating with us,” Jenny suggested.

“Hmm… I’ll think about it,” Luca muttered, stroking his beard. He felt a bit annoyed; those people had a knack for poaching talent.

Out of the entire movie, these two roles were the hardest to cast.

The second female lead, Brigitte, was a German film star. The actress playing her needed to be beautiful and well-known, but there were only so many German actresses, and even fewer fit the bill.

As for Colonel Hans, the main antagonist, the role seemed easier to fill—anyone with a naturally menacing look could try.

But it wasn’t that simple. Luca had a preconceived idea of what Hans should look like. During auditions, he couldn’t help but compare every actor to Christoph Waltz. Dozens of candidates later, none of them satisfied him.

Luca sighed, and suddenly the bacon on his plate seemed unappetizing. He put down his fork, picked up the newspaper on the table, and casually flipped through it. His eyes caught an entertainment headline: Kate Winslet Filming New Movie The Reader* in Germany.  

The mention of The Reader triggered a vivid memory in Luca’s mind—a scene where Kate Winslet’s character, in a skirt, propped one leg on a chair, slowly sliding down her panties and sheer stockings.

From top to bottom, her movements were tantalizing, revealing just enough to stir the imagination. It was beautiful, sensual, and rivaled the voyeuristic charm of Malèna’s iconic scenes.

Luca shook his head, banishing the improper thoughts.

The reason he thought of this wasn’t mere lust. In The Reader, Winslet played a German woman and a former SS guard. Her features were slightly stern, and with makeup, she looked like a stoic German woman. Being an international star, she’d be perfect for the role of Brigitte.

But Winslet had a close relationship with Leonardo DiCaprio. Would she agree to help him out?

---

After finishing breakfast, Luca spent the day busy with the film crew. By evening, he returned to his hotel and picked up his phone to call Winslet, who was also in Germany.

“Luca?”

“Good evening, Kate. Am I disturbing you?” Luca asked politely.

“Not at all. I’m just surprised you’re calling me at this hour,” came her voice, accompanied by the sound of running water.

“Kate, I’m currently in Germany filming Inglourious Basterds. There’s a role I think you’d be perfect for, so I wanted to ask if you’d be interested in looking at the script?”

Luca explained.

“Is it Diane Kruger’s role? Ha! I heard in the news she ditched you to join Brad Pitt’s new movie. How amusing—it’s rare to see someone brave enough to snub a big shot like you.”

Luca’s expression darkened. “Kate, if you’re not interested, just say so.”

“How could I not be? Of course, I’d love to take a look. But I’m busy shooting for the next few days and can’t come to you. Can you come to me instead?”

“Sure. How about tomorrow afternoon?”

“Perfect. See you tomorrow.”

---

The next day, Luca flew from Brandenburg Film Studio in northern Germany to Bavaria Film Studios in Munich, one of Germany’s largest filming bases.

The Reader was being filmed that day in an old, rundown apartment.

“Mr. Kelly, please follow me. Kate is still filming. Would you mind waiting in the lounge?” Winslet’s assistant escorted him.

“Not at all. Thank you,” Luca replied.

After sitting in the lounge for a while, boredom set in. He got up and asked the assistant, “Miss Sally, could you show me where Kate is filming? I’d like to watch.”

The assistant hesitated briefly but eventually guided him to the set’s perimeter.

The crew was shooting inside, with a sign on the door indicating a closed set.

From his position, Luca could see through a partially open door. The male lead was peeking inside cautiously, his movements tentative.

Curious, Luca adjusted his angle to get a better view.

Thump-thump. Thump-thump.  

One glance, and his heart began pounding uncontrollably.

The scene was exactly as he had envisioned, but on set, Winslet’s movements were slower, even more provocative.

Suddenly, Winslet turned her head, her sharp gaze piercing through the door crack. Luca and the male lead instinctively turned away.

“Cut!”

“Kate, you turned too early. Let’s go again!” the director called out.

Hearing this, Luca sighed in relief. That head-turn was part of the scene; Winslet hadn’t caught him peeking.

“Boss, what’s wrong? Why are you breathing so hard?” Anne, his assistant, asked curiously.

“Don’t look. They’re filming. Let’s wait in the lounge,” Luca said, pulling her away.

---

Half an hour later, Winslet walked into the lounge, still in her costume, her bare calves indicating she wasn’t wearing stockings.

“Luca, sorry to keep you waiting,” she greeted him with a smile.

“Oh, not at all. I just got here,” Luca replied, giving her a quick hug.

“Really? I thought I saw someone who looked a lot like you near the set earlier. Wasn’t that you?” Winslet teased.

“Ahem… no, I’ve been in the lounge the whole time,” Luca said earnestly.

“Alright, I must have been mistaken.” Winslet smiled knowingly as she sat down.

They soon began discussing business.

After reviewing the script and hearing Luca’s explanation, Winslet said, “A German movie star who’s actually an Allied spy? Sounds intriguing.”

She thought for a moment before smiling and saying, “Alright, I’ll do it!”

“Thank you, Kate. But there’s something I need to tell you. If you change your mind after hearing it, I’ll completely understand,” Luca added hesitantly.

“Oh? What is it?” Winslet asked.

---

*Chapter 572: Am I Really Destined to Be the Ultimate Villain?*

“Ross, Eli, Jenny, what do you think about having Kate Winslet play Bridget?”

At his desk, Luca pulled out a photo of Kate from The Reader and showed it to the three of them.

“She’s perfect!”

Director Eli Roth nodded and said, “Winslet looks German, has more star power, and is a better actress than Diane. If she plays Bridget, I have no objections.”

Casting director Jenny Johanna studied the photos. “Bridget’s character is pivotal to the climax of the plot. I was worried Diane wouldn’t be able to pull it off, but Winslet is a true A-list star. Having her in this role would be perfect.”

“No objections here either,” Mr. Ross added, setting the photos down. “The crew is ready to go. We can’t delay anymore. Finding the right actor for the part isn’t easy.”

Luca nodded. “That just leaves Colonel Hans, the big villain. He needs to be evil and twisted enough, but none of the actors we’ve seen in auditions…” He shook his head. “They just don’t feel quite right.”

“Luca, aren’t you being too picky? You can’t fully gauge an actor’s abilities just from an audition,” Mr. Ross commented.

“I know, but you all saw Mr. Waltz’s audition. Compared to him, aren’t the others lacking by quite a bit?”

Director Eli nodded. “Waltz’s performance was unforgettable. During his audition, even acting opposite him gave me pressure.”

“So, are you suggesting we stick with Mr. Waltz?” Ross looked at Luca.

Luca turned to Jenny. “Get in touch with him. See what his conditions are. If necessary, we can raise his pay.”

“Got it!”

The next day, Jenny came back with bad news. Negotiations failed—Waltz had accepted a new role in Pitt’s upcoming film Burn After Reading and turned down their offer.

“So, now what? Where are we supposed to find a top-tier villain?” Luca asked, his face dark.

“We should’ve set the breach penalty higher back then,” Eli lamented.

Luca shook his head. “Too late for that now. No one expected people to prioritize personal favors over professional principles.”

With a cold scoff, he added, “If they’ve chosen their side, they should be ready for the consequences of being on the wrong one.”

“Mr. Ross, why are you staring at me? Do you have something to say?” Luca asked.

Ross stroked his chin and picked up a small mirror, holding it up to Luca. “Don’t you think you’re a good fit?”

“Me?” Luca was momentarily stunned. He glanced at his reflection—scruffy beard, gloomy expression, but his natural handsomeness still shone through. “I’m not suitable. I’m too good-looking. Since when do Gestapo officers look like me? Besides, I’m not German.”

Ross twitched his mouth. “Luca, you’re an actor too. Haven’t you thought about challenging yourself?”

“I think it’s a good idea too,” Eli chimed in. “If your looks don’t match, makeup can fix that. Once you’re in a German uniform, you’ll be every bit the part. Who’s going to say you don’t look German enough?”

Jenny Johanna nodded in agreement. “Luca, I think it’s worth a try. At the end of the film, Aldo carves a swastika into Colonel Hans’ forehead and says, ‘This is my masterpiece.’ If the director himself plays Hans, that line will feel even more ironic.”

“But my appearance…”

“That’s not a problem. If your acting is good enough, the audience will forget about your looks. And I have another thought,” Ross said, smiling as he patted Luca on the shoulder. “Luca, this wouldn’t be your first time playing a villain. In Match Point, you killed your pregnant lover. In The Prestige, you killed so many people you became numb to it. In North Country, you bullied your ex. Your villains leave deep impressions. What’s one more?”

“No, no, I’ve never planned on playing villains. Colonel Hans is way too evil. If I play him, I’ll be typecast as a bad guy forever,” Luca protested, shaking his head. Ever since becoming an actor, his goal had been to be a superstar like Tom Cruise or Leonardo DiCaprio—handsome and heroic. Playing villains was never part of the plan.

Back then, he didn’t have a choice. Now that he had the clout, he wanted to stay on the “good guy” path.

“Luca, since you’re not interested, we’ll keep looking. But to avoid further delays, I suggest we lower our standards,” Ross proposed.

“Yeah, it’s our only option. Among German actors, Waltz is top-notch. Finding someone as good as him is near impossible,” Jenny sighed.

“Let me think about it for a bit,” Luca said, rubbing his temples.

“Take your time. We’ll get back to work,” Ross said as the three of them left the office.

—

“Mr. Ross, do you think Kelly will agree?” Eli asked in the hallway.

Ross smiled slightly. “It’s likely. Waltz isn’t available, and he’s not satisfied with the others. The only option left is for Luca to do it himself. His acting isn’t the issue.”

“I don’t think so. Luca’s aiming to be a superstar—a proper idol. Playing Colonel Hans would damage his image,” Jenny pointed out.

Eli nodded. “Yeah, I feel like Luca’s got an ‘idol complex.’”

Ross chuckled. “Image? Idol complex? Don’t forget, in the eyes of American audiences, Luca’s already a scumbag and a bad guy. In real life, he’s practically a villain. Isn’t it perfect for him to play one on screen?”

“Uh, hahaha…”

Eli and Jenny burst into laughter. After laughing out loud for a bit, they covered their mouths and walked off, laughing all the way.

That afternoon, after wrapping up the day’s work, the three of them approached Luca again.

“Luca, have you made a decision?” Ross asked.

Luca set his work aside and scratched his head. “Fine, I’ll do it myself.”

“Haha! Luca, I have to say, this is a brilliant decision.”

“Absolutely!” Eli and Ross nodded enthusiastically.

“Luca, are you sure?” Jenny asked.

Luca nodded. “I wrote the character, so I know how to play him. I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving it to someone else.”

“Then it’s settled. Everything’s ready. I suggest we start filming immediately—we’ve already lost two weeks,” Ross said.

“Alright.”

After they left, Luca sighed deeply, feeling a bit helpless. He’d never planned on playing villains, but one after another, he kept landing these roles—and excelling at them.

This time, the stakes were even higher. If he did poorly, it would hurt his reputation. If he did well, it would damage his “heroic” image. But if he didn’t take the role, the movie might flop, and the losses would be even greater. He was truly caught between a rock and a hard place.

But since he’d accepted the role, he decided to stop overthinking it.

With the cast finalized and pre-production complete, the crew officially began filming.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 573: This Guy is Too Capable*

Inglourious Basterds is a movie that plays like an alternate history of World War II.

During the mid-stage of WWII, battles rage across Europe as the Nazis and the Allies clash in a stalemate.

In the German-occupied central France, a young French woman, Shosanna Dreyfus (played by Mélanie Laurent), witnesses her family’s massacre by SS Colonel Hans Landa (portrayed by Luca Kelly). She narrowly escapes and flees to Paris, where she assumes a new identity as the owner of a cinema.

Her sole mission: avenge her family by killing Colonel Landa.

Meanwhile, U.S. Army Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Robert Downey Jr.) faces a court-martial for severe breaches of military discipline. Given his crimes, execution would be a reasonable outcome. However, desperate times call for desperate measures, and his superiors assign him a covert mission: lead a ragtag band of misfits deep into Nazi-occupied territory to assassinate high-ranking Third Reich officials.

Redemption through blood.

Aldo takes the mission and wreaks havoc behind enemy lines, making the Nazis fear his name—even Hitler himself hears of their exploits.

In one critical mission, Aldo’s team is ordered to infiltrate a cinema and assassinate “Hitler” along with other top Nazi officials. If successful, this operation could end the war.

Disguised as German film star Bridget von Hammersmark (played by Kate Winslet), they gain entry to the cinema. Coincidentally, this is Shosanna’s theater, and she has her own plans for revenge.

Two unrelated groups unite for a shared goal.

In the climactic sequence, they assassinate Hitler, Goebbels, and other key Nazi leaders, effectively ending WWII.

This plot plays out like a darkly comedic and action-packed fantasy.

The film is divided into five chapters.

---

### Chapter 1: "The Jew Hunter"

The first chapter introduces SS Colonel Hans Landa as he ruthlessly tracks down and executes Shosanna’s family.

The story begins in rural France, where a French farmer, Perrier LaPadite (Denis Ménochet), has been hiding the Jewish Dreyfus family. Landa arrives, interrogates the farmer, and eventually coerces him into revealing the hiding spot. What follows is a brutal massacre, with Shosanna barely escaping.

---

*“Inglourious Basterds, Scene 1, Shot 1, Take 1—Action!”*

The setting: Strasbourg countryside. A picturesque farmhouse stands amidst lush greenery—a serene rural landscape.

In front of the house, a French farmer, Perrier LaPadite, chops wood with an axe. His daughter, Julie LaPadite (played by Léa Seydoux), hangs laundry on a line.

The first shot is a wide-angle view, establishing the location and introducing the characters.

“Papa~”

Julie calls out, hearing the distant hum of engines. She pulls aside a white sheet to see several German motorcycles approaching.

The riders are Nazi officers on a hunt for Jews.

---

Parts of the scene had been pre-filmed, but today’s focus is on dialogue and performance.

Director Luca Kelly stands on the sidelines, arms crossed, observing the actors. Despite rehearsals, something feels off during the initial take.

“Cut!”

Luca approaches Denis Ménochet, who plays the farmer. A seasoned theater actor, Denis is skilled but new to film, and he’s missed some nuances.

“Denis, your performance is solid overall, but during the scene where you wipe your brow, your emotion needs to be subtler—focus on the eyes,” Luca advises.

Luca demonstrates: the farmer lowers his axe, calls for water, and sits on a stump. His eyes reveal anxiety, fear, and a quiet resolve. He wipes his face, betraying his inner turmoil with no exaggerated gestures.

Watching this, producer Mr. Ross chuckles. “I’ve always said Luca was born to direct.”

“Back when we shot Step Up, even as the writer, he practically directed the scenes. He just gets acting and blocking.”

Director Eli agrees, “With Luca guiding the cast, we’ll save a ton of time.”

Initially budgeted at $75 million (enough to hire Brad Pitt), the film’s cost was cut to $50 million after casting Robert Downey Jr. and other stars with lower fees. A smooth shoot could reduce costs further.

---

“Alright, let’s do it again!”

Luca returns to the director’s chair, and the scene resumes. This time, the actors nail their performances, and the crew films an additional take to ensure perfection.

Next up is the tense showdown between Colonel Hans Landa and farmer Perrier LaPadite.

Luca steps in front of the camera, now in character as Landa. With his officer’s cap, dark blue SS uniform, and polished leather boots, he exudes the chilling charisma of a high-ranking Nazi.

“Is this the home of Perrier LaPadite?” Landa asks loudly, gesturing dramatically.

“I am Perrier LaPadite,” the farmer replies.

“Ah, delighted to meet you, Monsieur LaPadite!” Landa grins and shakes his hand warmly. “I am SS Colonel Hans Landa.”

“What can I do for you, Colonel?”

---

Farmer Pierre asked coldly,

"I hope you’ll invite me to your house so we can sit down and talk," said Colonel Hans.

"Of course, this way!"

At first glance, this scene appears simple, but it carries profound symbolism. Colonel Hans represents Germany, while Farmer Pierre represents France.

When Hans Landa barges into Pierre’s house, it mirrors the German army’s occupation of France.

Hans extends a warm handshake, attempting to connect with the farmer. Despite Pierre’s aloofness and reluctance, under the overwhelming force of authority, Pierre has no choice but to comply.

This single scene reveals Pierre’s personality and his ultimate decision—he has no choice but to hand over the Jews.

After three takes, Director Eli declared it a wrap.

The crew then moved to a new location to shoot the indoor scenes.

Luca, playing Colonel Hans, had most of his scenes in Chapters 1, 3, and 5, totaling only seven or eight scenes. Though the role wasn’t large, delivering a great performance wasn’t easy.

Aware of the differences between himself and the original character, Luca constantly adjusted his expressions and demeanor during filming, especially when it came to managing his smile.

He needed to smile in a way that didn’t look friendly—something unsettling and even maniacal.

This was particularly challenging because of his natural good looks. No matter how he smiled, he looked charming—especially in a military uniform, where his smile practically lit up the room.

Ultimately, he took the makeup artist’s suggestion and added a few dark lines to his face. When he smiled, the lines would stretch, creating a discomforting effect, which was exactly what he aimed for.

During his adjustment period, filming didn’t go smoothly—each scene required seven or eight takes. However, as he settled into the role, the shooting became much more efficient.

“I am an efficient hunter of Jews because, unlike most German soldiers, I can think like a Jew. They, however, can only think like Germans,”

Hans said with a maniacal smile, holding a glass of milk.

The farmer puffed on his corncob pipe silently. The pipe symbolized his resistance and autonomy within his own home.

In a darkly humorous twist, Hans pulled out an oversized briar pipe, asserting dominance. As he smoked, he said,

"Now, I need my men to conduct a thorough search of your home to clear it from suspicion. If we find any illegal persons, your family will be in grave danger.

If you voluntarily confess, there’s no need for a search. Additionally, I should mention, providing information proactively comes with a reward—your family will remain free from harassment by the German military during our occupation."

Hans stared at him coldly for a moment before continuing,

"You’re harboring enemies of the state, aren’t you?"

“Yes,” Pierre admitted, submitting.

"They’re hiding under the floorboards, aren’t they?"

“Yes.”

“Show me where they are.”

Tears in his eyes, Pierre pointed to the floorboards.

Hans stood up. "We’ve been talking for so long, and there’s no movement below. They don’t understand English, do they?"

“No.”

“Excellent.”

Hans pretended to leave, picking up his hat. Then he summoned his soldiers, who opened fire through the floorboards.

Everyone beneath was killed, except for the heroine, Shoshanna, who fled from the hole.

Hans aimed his gun at the running girl.

“Cut!”

“That’s a wrap!”

After a week of filming, the first chapter was successfully completed. Next, the crew moved to the Brandenburg Film Studio to shoot the second part.

“Mr. Kelly, Robert Jr. and Tom Hardy have arrived,” said Lawrence Bender, the assistant director.

“Got it. Send them to makeup. Their costumes need to be spot-on, especially Tom Hardy. I heard he has tattoos on his arm—let’s hope it’s not Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck,” Luca remarked as he walked.

“Haha, don’t worry. I checked during the audition,” laughed Director Eli.

“Good. Eli, thanks for all your hard work.”

“No problem. I have a role in this too, so the directing will be on you,” Eli replied with a grin.

“Fair enough,” Luca chuckled as he got into a car.

Exhausted from the intense schedule, he dozed off while reviewing documents and had no idea how he got back to the hotel.

When he woke up the next day, he was shocked to find a woman in his arms. Startled, he thought, Have I been taken advantage of again?  

---

(End of chapter)

*Chapter 574: What a Little Liar*

"Why are you here?"

"I think I called to tell you I’d be coming?"

"Oh, I forgot. Too much going on lately, my head’s all over the place. Sorry!"

Luca wrapped his arm around Scarlett's waist and kissed her forehead.

"Hmph, I thought maybe you found a lover on set and didn’t want me here!"

Scarlett lay against his chest, her golden hair tousled, exuding seductive charm.

"There's no woman. The whole crew is full of men, and you know I don’t fool around on set—it messes with work."

Luca chuckled.

"Is that so? Yesterday, your assistant and the lead actress helped you out of the car. Her name’s Mélanie Laurent, right? If it weren’t for me, you’d have woken up next to her this morning. So, did you sleep with Mélanie?"

Scarlett traced her nails over his chest, her tone teasing.

"Don’t joke around. Mélanie and I have nothing going on. I wouldn’t want to get involved with the lead actress anyway; my bad reputation would only get worse. As for Mélanie ending up in my bed, that’s impossible—Annie wouldn’t let it happen."

Luca kissed her fingers.

Scarlett curved her lips into a sly smile. "Rumor has it that Mélanie only beat out her competitors for the role because she slept with you."

Smack!  

Luca slapped her rear. "Rumors are lies. Mélanie was chosen by Ms. Jeannie Johanna. I hadn’t even met her before the shoot. Tell me, how could I have slept with her?"

"Ha, if anyone could pull it off, it’d be you."

Scarlett slid her hand under the blanket, her eyes twinkling. "You’re Mr. Big, after all, naturally gifted."

"Haha, I’m not that amazing."

Luca pulled her hand out. "I was so tired last night, I slept like a log. Did you take advantage of me?"

"Nope!"

"Really?"

"Really, I didn’t~"

Scarlett wrapped herself in a blanket and hopped out of bed, swaying her hips seductively as she sauntered into the bathroom.

"You little liar," Luca shook his head and climbed out of bed.

---

Scarlett stayed in France for two days before leaving, having finished shooting her new film and passing through briefly.

Luca was too busy to keep her longer.

After wrapping the first part of filming, the crew moved on to the second.

This section focused on Lieutenant Aldo and his band of misfits terrorizing German soldiers, scalping and smashing their skulls in brutal ways. Their infamy spread fear across Germany.

Since Aldo and his men were portrayed as ruthless anti-heroes, actors like Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Hardy had to exude intense menace.

Filming didn’t go smoothly at first. Downey had the swagger, but he lacked Pitt’s domineering presence, leaving something amiss.

Luca frequently called for retakes, demanding perfection.

In earlier projects, Luca would step in to demonstrate how scenes should play out. However, he realized this method was exhausting and inefficient. None of the directors he had worked with, not even veteran ones like Wong, had done that.

To find a better approach, he consulted directors Lee Ann, Woody Allen, Wong Kar-wai, and Nolan.

Each offered valuable advice:

- *Lee Ann*: "A director directs, actors act. Everyone has their role. If actors fail to deliver, that’s their problem. But if they nail it and the film flops, that’s on you."

- *Woody Allen*: "Trust your cast. If they were your pick, let them perform. Retry as needed until the scene works."

- *Nolan*: "Hand-holding works for rookies, but veterans? It stifles their creativity and leads to friction."

- *Wong Kar-wai*: "A good director works smart, not hard. If you’re wearing yourself out daily, you’re doing it wrong."

Luca took these insights to heart.

The crew noticed a shift. He became less hands-on yet more demanding.

Previously, he’d meticulously coach every actor, no matter the role. Now, he observed quietly from behind the monitor, frequently shouting "Cut!" or gesturing when unsatisfied.

Some actors requested his old guidance style, but Luca refused.

"I’m a director, not a tutor. If you’re unprepared, improve. Messing up 20, 30 takes is forgivable. But screw up 100 times, and you’re out."

Unlike Wong Kar-wai, who had the patience to shoot a single scene hundreds of times, Luca wouldn’t tolerate it.

"Luca, have you lost your spark?" Director Eli asked during a break.

"What spark?" Luca, stroking his stubble, kept his eyes on the monitor.

"At first, you were bursting with passion and energy. Now you’re cold and serious, like you’re in ‘sage mode.’"

"Stop joking. Isn’t this how directors work? Don’t you do the same?"

"Well, we think your earlier approach was better. More approachable, less stressful."

"Hmph, back then you called me a workaholic behind my back. Think I didn’t know?"

Luca said flatly.

"Luca, you misunderstood. We genuinely admired your dedication."

"Enough talk. You’ve got a scene next. Mess up, and I’ll tear you apart in front of the whole crew."

"...Got it."

Eli grimaced. He believed Luca meant it. Just days ago, Hardy had shown up drunk, delaying production. Luca made him reshoot over 50 takes.

"Sigh, I regret taking this small role."

"Your choice. Now finish it—even if you have to crawl."

"Fine!"

Eli stepped onto the set, bracing himself.

"Scene 13, Take 2, Action!"

Chapter 575: Member of the $1 Billion Club

“Boss, can you finish eating before you start writing?”

Early in the morning, Anne entered the dining room and saw him scribbling in a notebook while gnawing on a piece of bread. His hair was unkempt, and his scruffy beard made her secretly sigh in pity. Such a handsome man—why did he choose to be a director?

“Anne, do you need something?”

Without lifting his head, Luca continued to sketch ideas in his notebook. Even though the movie script was complete and he had a clear vision in mind, turning those ideas into real shots required a lot of planning.

“Boss, the box office results for Atonement are out. Want to know?”

“Go ahead.”

“The U.S. domestic box office grossed $62,927,067.”

“No $100 million?” Luca asked in surprise.

“Boss, it’s a British film. This performance has already surpassed many expectations.”

“Oh, right. What about Europe?”

Luca dipped his bread into soup as he asked.

“In the UK, after seven weeks in theaters, it has earned £37.71 million and is still showing. Media estimates suggest it might surpass £40 million before it’s taken off.”

“How much is that in dollars?”

“Over $52 million,” Anne replied after thinking for a moment.

“So the total box office has crossed $100 million?” Luca said with delight.

Anne rolled her eyes. “The global box office surpassed $100 million two weeks ago. I told you then.”

“Oh, I remember now. What’s the global total at the moment?”

“$138 million. Brazil contributed $15 million and currently ranks third on their annual box office chart. Estimates suggest Atonement might reach around $170 million before it’s done.”

“That much?”

Luca was a little stunned. He remembered the original figure being around $130 million—where did this extra $40 million come from? Could it be his doing? But wasn’t his reputation... not great?

“What’s the American media’s reaction? When the movie was released, they said I wasn’t suited for romantic films and that I dragged it down. What are they saying now?”

Anne chuckled lightly. “The media seems conflicted. They can’t figure out why the box office is so high. Some say it’s because of the film’s quality, a touching story, and stellar performances.

Others think you just got lucky.

And some credit excellent marketing.

Many people are enthusiastically recommending the film online, including both celebrities and ordinary viewers. Some even say you and Keira Knightley look amazing together.

The UK’s HELLO! magazine website and Brazil’s People magazine both named you the most handsome and charismatic actor in the world.”

“Heh, that’s an exaggeration. I’m not that good-looking.”

Luca rubbed his beard with a grin.

Anne glanced at him. If people saw how he looked right now, she wondered what they’d think.

“And some people are drawn to the romantic scenes between you and Knightley. They’re very curious to see your chemistry.”

“That scene is indeed quite good,” Luca said with a smile. No matter the era or place, the allure of such moments shouldn’t be underestimated.

“Go on.”

“Well, Atonement is your fourth film as a lead and your ninth film overall to gross over $100 million. The profits are extraordinary. The Hollywood Reporter named you the youngest, highest-return, and most capable actor in the $1 Billion Club.”

Anne read from the document in her hands.

“Is this the company’s PR spin? The youngest $1 billion club member should be someone from the Harry Potter cast—they’ve already passed $4 billion. And Keira’s three years younger than me and joined the club last year.”

“It’s different. The Harry Potter actors relied on the books’ popularity, and Miss Knightley hasn’t won any significant awards yet, so she doesn’t quite qualify as ‘most capable.’ In terms of box office, awards, and return on investment, you outshine the others.”

“Fine, it’s all just word games. I’ll need to call Keira to explain. By the way, Anne, what’s the practical benefit of this title?”

“Currently, multiple studios want to work with you, offering up to $10 million per project.”

“So, I’ve officially become an A-list actor?”

“Yes!”

Luca smiled. In the past, he’d dreamed of joining the A-list and imagined throwing a three-day party to celebrate. But why did he feel so calm now?

“Boss, most American actors reach the A-list once they’ve starred in three low-budget films that gross over $100 million. You’re Brazilian, so it took you longer. The offers you’re getting now range from $8–10 million, which is still lower than typical rates.”

Luca nodded. “What projects has Ed lined up for me?”

“Here’s the list.”

Anne handed him a report.

Luca glanced over it. There were six projects, including three major productions. The highest offer was for Warner Bros.’ new project, Sherlock Holmes.

Seeing this, he smirked. If he joined this project, what role would he play—Watson or Holmes?

“Boss, Ed suggests waiting before accepting any roles. With The Proposal about to release, a strong box office performance could solidify your A-list status and help negotiate better fees.”

“Fair point. Let Ed know I’m interested in Sherlock Holmes. Pass on the others—I’ll be too busy next year to take outside roles.”

“Understood!”

Once Anne left, Luca reviewed the schedule for The Proposal, set to release nationwide on November 2.

Seeing the packed filming schedule, he wondered how he could make time for promotions. Ultimately, he decided to squeeze it in somehow.

From that day on, Luca enforced a high-pressure mode on set. Everyone had to be at their best, and any mistakes would earn them a verbal lashing.

...

(Chapter Ends)