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**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.

---

(Continued...)

**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)*