Because My Big Fat Greek Wedding was a low-budget comedy, no major stars were trying to get a part in it.
So, Wald Pictures didn't do a big, open casting call. Instead, they just invited a few actors they thought might be good for the roles.
The first actor walked in.
When Zane Blackwood saw who it was, he was speechless.
"Joaquin?" Zane said, his voice a little flat. "What are you doing here?"
"Mr. Blackwood," Joaquin Phoenix replied, looking a little bit sheepish, "I heard the company was starting a new movie, so I asked Mr. Fitch for a chance to audition."
Hearing this, Zane immediately looked over at Kevin Fitch, who was trying his best to look innocent.
"What's the matter, boss?" Kevin asked, pretending to be confused.
Why are you pretending? Zane thought.
Zane genuinely liked Joaquin. He was a very hardworking actor.
Wrong Turn, The Human Purge Project, Memories(Memento)...
Zane counted in his head. Joaquin had already worked with Wald Pictures on three movies, either as the star or in a big supporting role. And now, he was here for My Big Fat Greek Wedding!
He was on his way to becoming Wald Pictures' most-used actor.
Are you planning to just set down roots here? Zane couldn't help but think.
He wasn't the only one. Many of the other employees looked surprised to see Joaquin in the audition room again.
In fact, Zane's guess was right. That was Joaquin's plan.
Joaquin's older brother, River, had once been a huge star, a "Golden Boy" in Hollywood. But River had a lot of problems, used drugs, and was very outspoken. He often cursed out producers and said mean things about the big companies.
He had made a lot of enemies.
Now, River was gone, but the problems he'd left behind were passed on to his brother, Joaquin. For a long time, Joaquin could only get tiny roles.
It wasn't until Zane Blackwood showed up that Joaquin finally got a chance to be a star in Wrong Turn.
Even now, many of the big Hollywood studios were still afraid to hire Joaquin. They were worried he'd be loud and cause trouble, just like his brother.
Of course, with The Human Purge Project and Memories also being hits, Joaquin's career was finally turning around.
"Joaquin," Zane said, "the big studios didn't know you before, so I get why they were nervous. But it should be fine now. I just read in the newspaper that a couple of other movie companies have invited you to be their star."
"Yes, that's true," Joaquin said. "I did get offers from two companies. But when I heard this company was starting a new film, I turned them down."
The truth was, Joaquin believed in Wald Pictures.
Zane was suddenly at a loss for words. He didn't know what to say.
The actress playing the female lead, Nia Vardalos, was 36 years old.
But Joaquin? He was only 24!
The age difference between them was 12 years. This movie wasn't about an older woman and a younger man. If Joaquin played the part, it would just feel... weird.
"Boss, makeup can fix that!" Kevin Fitch suddenly jumped in. "I believe in Joaquin's acting skills. He can totally play someone in his thirties!"
Zane shot an annoyed look at Kevin. He then looked back at Joaquin, who had a very hopeful look on his face.
"Fine," Zane sighed. "I'll give you a chance to audition."
"Thank you, Mr. Blackwood! Thank you, Mr. Fitch!" Joaquin said, his face lighting up.
"Don't thank me yet," Zane said, holding up a hand. "The character is supposed to be an older guy. If your audition doesn't meet my requirements... I don't care how many movies we've done together. I'll cut you. Don't blame me."
"Understood, Mr. Blackwood."
...
The 20-minute audition finished.
Zane had watched the whole thing with a look of total astonishment on his face. Joaquin's performance was way better than he had ever expected.
"Boss, what are you waiting for?" Kevin urged from the side. "Wasn't his performance good enough? No! It was perfect! He fits the part perfectly. I feel like the role was made for him!"
Zane had to nod. He was right. Some actors were just so talented they could play any age.
"No rush," Zane said, trying to think. "Let's see the other two candidates first."
John Corbett, the actor who originally played the part in Zane's old life, had also been invited.
When Zane saw John Corbett, he felt a little pang of frustration.
Why?
Because John Corbett made him think of the TV show Sex and the City.
Zane had really wanted to make that show. He had contacted the owner of the script, but he had been rejected.
"Offer more money?"
"No!"
The script's owner looked down on Zane's company. He said he would rather sell it to HBO for less money than sell it to Zane.
"Hmph! I can't stand those 'lucky' young kids who just get rich," the man had said. "Zane Blackwood is just a lucky guy. I'll never sell him the script, even if I have to throw it in the trash!"
Zane just couldn't win with some people.
...
Zane watched John Corbett's performance. It was... good.
But... compared to Joaquin's performance, it just felt a little... bland.
"Boss, what are you thinking?" Kevin asked, confused. "Joaquin was clearly better!"
Zane was hesitating for a simple reason: using the original actor from his old life (John Corbett) was a sure-fire way to make the movie a hit. Changing the actor, even to a better one, was a risk.
However...
It didn't take long for Zane to make up his mind. He was going to give the role to Joaquin.
Why? A schedule conflict!
John Corbett had just signed a contract to be in Sex and the City. He couldn't be in both places at once.
In that case, Zane smiled and chose Joaquin without a second thought. It was meant to be!
...
Zane handed all the work for My Big Fat Greek Wedding over to Kevin. He got up and headed to the Paramount Pictures movie lot.
Today was the big "kick-off" ceremony for his new movie, 300 Spartan Warriors.
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