In the U.S., *Star Wars* isn't just a movie—it's a trend, a culture, a whole vibe!
Three years ago, when George Lucas announced he was rebooting the *Star Wars* series, the entire country practically lost it. And now, Lucasfilm has officially held a press conference, shouting it from the rooftops: *Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace* is officially underway!
The event was massive, drawing nearly every major media outlet in the States. Fox even broadcasted it live—talk about a big deal! In Hollywood, nothing else comes close to this kind of hype except *Star Wars*. No contest!
At the press conference, all eyes were on George Lucas, the mastermind behind the franchise. But the director pick? That's what really blew everyone's minds—it's none other than Hollywood's hottest, most promising young talent, Dunn Walker!
Before this, Dunn teamed up with James Cameron to create the $1.88 billion box office legend that is *Titanic*. Now, he's joining forces with George Lucas. What kind of future awaits this *Star Wars* prequel? I'm already hyped!
A reporter from NN didn't hold back, jumping right in: "Mr. Lucas, what made you pick a young director like Dunn Walker? Aren't you worried his lack of experience might tank the film?"
George Lucas just smiled calmly. "Dunn's an incredible director. *Titanic*'s success proves his chops. Don't judge him with old-school standards. Sure, he's young, but he's also a genius."
A *New York Times* reporter saw an opening and pounced. "Mr. Lucas, we all know Hollywood's genius director is your buddy Steven Spielberg. So, in your opinion, how do you rate these two? Who's the bigger genius?"
Lucas didn't flinch—he's used to this. "Sorry, this is a *Star Wars* press conference. I won't be answering unrelated questions." Stone-cold!
Dunn nearly cracked up laughing. Only George Lucas could get away with that kind of sass in front of the press. I mean, the guy created *Star Wars*—he's earned it!
Seeing Lucas wasn't budging, the reporters turned to Dunn. "Director Walker, do you even know *Star Wars*? Do you think you've got what it takes to pull this off?"
Dunn kept it chill. "I'm a die-hard *Star Wars* fan. I'll give it everything I've got to make this movie epic. Next summer, fans are in for a visual feast!"
Another reporter smirked. "In that case, care to predict the box office numbers after it hits theaters?"
The room buzzed with quiet chuckles—talk about a shady question! Dunn raised an eyebrow, staring the guy down. "Too simple, too soon, bro!"
"Huh?" The crowd blinked in confusion.
George Lucas coughed lightly and jumped in. "Dunn means that's a ridiculous question. He's a director, not a fortune-teller!"
…
Whenever Dunn thinks back on the *Star Wars* prequel trilogy, it kinda bums him out. The last two films tanked in reviews, and even the first one—the best of the bunch—had its fair share of flaws. George Lucas might still be ahead of the game with special effects, but his storytelling? It's stuck in the past. And don't get me started on the main cast—what a letdown!
In *The Phantom Menace*, the standout performance came from a kid—a little girl! Liam Neeson, the lead, rocked a zombie face the whole time, even when he died—no expression, totally pulled you out of the movie. And Ewan McGregor as the second lead? Zero Jedi vibes—his weak, soft look screamed "coward" more than "warrior." Meanwhile, the animated characters had more life and out-acted both of them!
Now that Dunn's the director, he's dead-set on shaking things up. Box office aside, he's not letting this film's rep drag his name through the mud!
Problem is, George Lucas already locked in Liam Neeson for the lead role ages ago. Dunn's been stressing about it—the guy's been training with a sword for three months already. So, the second lead? That's where Dunn's making his move!
For *The Phantom Menace*, George Lucas and Rick McCallum are producing. Rick's the Twentieth Century Fox overseer, mostly keeping an eye on the budget, but casting decisions? Those are in George and Dunn's hands. With *Star Wars*'s clout, every audition invite they sent out got a response—big names included!
After a morning of auditions with five candidates, the two decision-makers picked their favorites. George pushed for Ewan McGregor, while Dunn threw his weight behind Ben Affleck.
"Dunn, Ben Affleck hasn't delivered a standout performance yet," George said, all serious. "This is *Star Wars*. Even if it's sci-fi and action-packed, acting still matters!"
Dunn smirked—he almost wanted to laugh. Oh, Lucas, if I hadn't seen the original cut, I might've bought that. "George, hear me out! Action films have their own rules. We don't need subtle, artsy vibes here—we need bold, in-your-face energy! Instant impact! Boom!"
He wasn't backing down. "Ewan just snagged Best Actor at the British Film Awards, sure—but that was for a drama, maybe even playing himself. Action films are a different beast, and you know it. Ben Affleck's got range. He starred in Michael Bay's *Armageddon*—he can handle our action scenes no sweat."
"Dunn, it's not the same…" George started, but Dunn cut him off, locking eyes. "George, think about it! Liam Neeson's our lead, and he's from Northern Ireland. Do we really want another foreigner for the second lead?"
"Hmm?" George's eyes narrowed.
Dunn shook his head. "*Star Wars* is America's baby. Ben Affleck's got that homegrown edge. Plus, look at the script—Master Qui-Gon gets killed by Darth Maul, and Obi-Wan avenges him. That means the apprentice needs to outshine the master—stronger, tougher! Ewan's wishy-washy face doesn't scream 'vengeance.' And let's be real—Liam's 6'3", Ewan's 5'8". Does that even make sense?"
Rick McCallum, who'd been quiet, piped up. "Dunn's got a point. Ben's 6'3" too, built solid, with a sharp jawline—perfect Jedi material."
George hesitated, still unsure. Dunn pressed on, frowning. "George, *Armageddon*'s about to drop. If it's a hit, Ben Affleck could be the next big thing by next year!"
Rick nodded firmly. "George, I'm with Dunn. For the film and the market, Ben's the stronger pick over Ewan."
"Fine, Ben Affleck it is," George sighed, giving Dunn a wry smile. "Kid, you've always got a solid argument."
Dunn wiped the sweat off his brow, grinning. "Hey, I'm the director—I've gotta own this!"
…
That afternoon, it was time to cast the female lead. Dunn yawned, chugging coffee—picking actors was no joke! But when the first audition walked in, he froze. Exhaustion? Gone. Mouth open, he muttered, "A… goddess!"
"Huh?" The crew turned, staring at Dunn's lovestruck face. Embarrassing much? They wanted to crawl under the table!
Even George Lucas blushed. This Dunn Walker—wild as the rumors said! "This is work, man, you're freaking her out!" he seemed to say with a glare.
"Ahem!" George coughed loudly. Dunn snapped out of it, seeing her cheeks flush red, her delicate face practically glowing. Heart racing, he steadied himself and declared, "I've made up my mind—she's my Queen Padmé Amidala!"
"Cough, cough…" Now everyone was choking—not just George! First "goddess," now "queen"? Dude, tone it down—we're at an audition, not a love confession!
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