In the United States, *Star Wars* is not just a movie; it's a trend, and even more so, a culture.
When George Lucas announced the reboot of the *Star Wars* series three years ago, the whole nation was nearly boiling with excitement. And now, Lucasfilm has officially held a press conference to announce to the entire society that the project *Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace* has officially started!
The press conference almost attracted all the mainstream media across the United States, with Fox TV even broadcasting it live.
Such a grand press conference in Hollywood, apart from *Star Wars*, is unparalleled!
At the press conference, besides the founder of the *Star Wars* series, George Lucas, who was the focus of everyone's attention, the choice of director also shocked everyone.
It turned out to be the hottest and most promising young director in Hollywood today—Dunn Walker!
Previously, Dunn Walker and James Cameron teamed up to create the box office miracle of *Titanic*, which grossed $18.8 billion.
Now, Dunn Walker has chosen to team up with George Lucas. What future does this *Star Wars* prequel hold?
"Mr. Lucas, may I ask what made you choose such a young director like Dunn Walker? Aren't you worried that his lack of experience might ruin the film?"
A reporter from NN asked straightforwardly, directly launching into the question.
George Lucas smiled slightly, "Dunn is an excellent director. The success of *Titanic* has already proven his strength. Please don't judge him with a fixed mindset. Yes, he is young, but at the same time, he is also a genius."
A reporter from *The New York Times* keenly seized the opportunity, "Mr. Lucas, we all know that your good friend Steven Spielberg is Hollywood's genius director. How do you compare the two in your mind? Who do you think is more of a genius?"
George Lucas remained calm, having seen such situations many times, "I'm sorry, this is a *Star Wars* press conference. Any unrelated questions will not be answered."
Dunn could hardly hold back his laughter.
The only person in Hollywood who could have such a bad temper in front of the media is probably George Lucas, and that's because he created *Star Wars*!
Seeing that this old guy was not giving in, the reporters turned their attention to Dunn. "Director Walker, do you understand *Star Wars*? Do you think you have the ability to make this movie well?"
Dunn replied calmly, "I am a loyal *Star Wars* fan, and I will do my best to make this movie so that the fans can have a visual feast next summer."
"If that's the case, can you predict the box office results after this movie is released?"
This question was unfriendly, and there was a faint sound of laughter at the press conference.
Dunn curled his lips, looking at the reporter with a somewhat bewildered expression, "You must be joking!"
"Huh?"
Everyone was taken aback.
George Lucas cleared his throat and quickly said, "Dunn means that the question is ridiculous. He is a director, not a fortune-teller!"
...
Whenever Dunn thought about the *Star Wars* prequel trilogy, he couldn't help but feel uncomfortable.
Not to mention the poor reception of the last two films, even the first one, which had the best reviews, had plenty of flaws when you think about it.
George Lucas might still be ahead of Hollywood in terms of special effects, but when it comes to plot design, he's fallen behind the times.
And the choice of lead actors was even more disappointing.
In *Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace*, the most outstanding performance came from a young girl!
The lead actor, Liam Neeson, had a stiff expression throughout the entire film, and even his face didn't change when he was about to die, making it hard to stay immersed in the movie. The second lead, Ewan McGregor, lacked any Jedi gravitas, with a weak and almost effeminate expression, like a deserter.
On the contrary, a few animated characters had expressions that were so vivid and lifelike that their acting far outshone the two male leads.
Now that Dunn is the director, he must make changes!
Regardless of the box office, the film's reputation must not damage his own!
However, the choice for the lead actor had already been decided by George Lucas long ago—it was the same Liam Neeson that gave Dunn a headache. It's said that Neeson was currently training in fencing and had been preparing for three months.
So, the choice for the second male lead had to change!
The producers of *Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace* were George Lucas and Rick McCallum, the latter being a supervisor appointed by 20th Century Fox, primarily overseeing financial matters. The decision on the actors mainly rested with George Lucas and Dunn.
Given the fame of *Star Wars*, almost every actor responded to the audition invitations.
After five auditions in the morning, the two decision-makers each had their preferred candidate—producer George Lucas recommended Ewan McGregor, while director Dunn Walker recommended Ben Affleck.
"Dunn, Ben Affleck has never delivered a convincing performance. This is *Star Wars*, and even though it's a sci-fi action movie, acting is still important!" George Lucas said earnestly.
Dunn found it amusing. Lucas, Lucas, if I hadn't seen the original cut, I would probably agree with you.
"George, this is different! Action movies have their own standards. We don't need the subtle performances of an art film; we need straightforwardness! Clarity! Impact!" Dunn felt he had to convince him. "Ewan McGregor just won the Best Actor at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, but that was for an art film. He might have even been playing himself. You should understand the complexity of action films. In comparison, Ben Affleck's acting experience is much more diverse, especially since he starred in Michael Bay's *Armageddon*. He can handle the demands of our action scenes."
"That's different..." George Lucas still didn't want to back down, but Dunn quickly interrupted, staring into his eyes. "George, think about it seriously! The lead, Liam Neeson, is Northern Irish. Do we really want the second lead to be another foreigner?"
"Hmm?" George Lucas's eyes narrowed.
Dunn shook his head, "No matter what, *Star Wars* is an American movie. Ben Affleck has a natural advantage. More importantly, what does the script say? Qui-Gon is killed by Darth Maul, and Obi-Wan avenges his master. What does that imply? It means the apprentice must have greater strength and a more powerful physique than the master!"
Dunn paused, his face showing a hint of sarcasm. "With Ewan McGregor's indecisive look, does he seem capable of avenging anyone? Besides, Liam Neeson is six foot three, and Ewan McGregor is only five foot eight. Does that make any sense?"
The other producer, Rick McCallum, who usually stayed out of things, couldn't help but agree after hearing Dunn's argument. "I think Dunn makes a good point. Ben Affleck is also six foot three, strong, with firm facial features, making him a great fit for a Jedi."
George Lucas hesitated.
Dunn frowned and couldn't help but add, "George, *Armageddon* is about to be released. If the box office soars, Ben Affleck, the second lead, could become a huge star across America by next year!"
Rick McCallum gritted his teeth, "George, I agree with Dunn. From both a film and market perspective, Ben Affleck is a better choice than Ewan McGregor."
"Alright, we'll go with Ben Affleck," George Lucas said with a bitter smile, looking at Dunn. "Kid, your arguments are always so convincing."
Dunn breathed a sigh of relief and wiped the sweat from his forehead. "I'm the director, so I have to be responsible for the film."
...
The afternoon audition was for the female lead.
Dunn yawned and took two large sips of coffee. Casting was indeed no easy task.
But the moment the first actress walked in, Dunn froze, and all his fatigue vanished instantly. His mouth dropped open as he muttered under his breath, "Goddess… no, Queen!"
"Huh?"
The crew members turned their heads, seeing Dunn's expression like that of a lovesick fool, and felt embarrassed enough to want to crawl into a hole.
What a disgrace!
Even George Lucas blushed, thinking that Dunn Walker was indeed as reckless as the rumors suggested. This was work, and here he was, scaring the poor girl.
"Ahem!"
George Lucas cleared his throat heavily, and Dunn immediately snapped out of it. Seeing her blushing face, so delicate it seemed to be glowing, his excitement only grew. Barely controlling his emotions, he declared, "I've decided. She's my Queen Padmé Amidala!"
"Ahem..."
This time, not only George Lucas, but all the crew members were coughing.
First a goddess, now a queen...
Director Walker, even if you're professing your love, do you have to do it in such a public setting? This is an audition, this is work!