Kazir's decision to specifically ask Ed Helms and Pedro Pascal to audition for the hangover was not without reason.
Firstly, they had worked together before and had excellent chemistry.
During filming, both men were very reliable and dedicated to their work, which made Kazir feel very confident in them.
Secondly, from a cost perspective, choosing them would save a lot of money.
The maximum their current salaries would reach is two million.
Some might wonder if Ed, having just gained some fame, would demand an exorbitant price.
Kazir felt that it wouldn't come to that; after all, he had just started to make a name for himself in the industry, and if he were to act like a big shot now, it would undoubtedly ruin his future.
"He would at most dare to ask for 2.5 million; anything more would be risky. I hope his agent is sensible and doesn't mess things up," Kazir mused to himself.
Such matters are always negotiated between the agent and the production company; before a deal is finalized, the actors do not even show up, so Kazir could only think about it.
Thirdly, Kazir had a keen eye; he firmly believed that these two would definitely become big stars in the future, at least becoming familiar faces to the audience.
These three points were arguably the main reasons Kazir chose them for the audition.
Besides these, another important point was that both men greatly respected Kazir.
On set, as the Director, Kazir was always decisive.
He hated it when someone questioned his authority; in his opinion, a film set must have its rules, and the Director's decisions were beyond doubt... "It was a pleasure working with you, Enrico."
"The feeling is mutual," Enrico Pusi and Kazir shook hands, both smiling at each other.
They both had a deep impression of their first meeting.
It was Enrico who had initially received Kazir's script, but they hadn't managed to collaborate back then.
Enrico felt that the subject matter of Se7en was too bloody, and such a film was bound to flop at the box office. Furthermore, Kazir was an unknown at the time, yet he was determined to be a Director, which Enrico found utterly preposterous, so he didn't take it seriously.
"Who would have thought that Se7en and napoleon dynamite could make it into the top ranks of last year's box office charts?" Enrico couldn't help but sigh inwardly, regretting his earlier shortsightedness.
By the second week of February 1996, Se7en's North America box office had soared to 202 million, and its global box office had surpassed the 400 million mark—a feat Kazir could boast about for a lifetime.
Not to mention napoleon dynamite, which also sold 250 million globally; this achievement was equally impressive.
"I hope his next film can gross over 100 million at the box office... that way, I can also get a share of the dividends," Enrico thought, calculating his own benefits.
It's well known that producers' incomes are not low; industry giants like Jerry Bruckheimer, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and George Lucas earning hundreds of millions a year is not uncommon, and Enrico naturally hoped to earn more himself.
"Let's start the auditions!" The two exchanged smiles...
"I must get this role, I have to secure it..." A fat man kept muttering to himself in front of the mirror, as if psyching himself up, trying to calm himself down.
This person was Jack Black, 27 years old this year.
He officially debuted in 1992, starring in the film 'Bob Roberts,' but unfortunately, this film didn't make him famous.
Later, he collaborated with Wesley Snipes and Sylvester Stallone in 'Demolition Man,' but he only played a minor role with hardly any presence.
In 'Dead Man Walking,' he also only made a brief appearance, a mere cameo.
And 'Waterworld' was even worse; all his scenes were cut, and practically no one knew he had acted in that movie.
Three days ago, his agent said there was a new project, the hangover, inviting him to audition.
Jack Black was thrilled to hear this news, feeling it was a rare opportunity.
He walked out of the restroom and sat in the waiting area, looking around at the room full of actors, all his competitors, who would probably bite each other to get a role.
Compared to the big-name actors, he hadn't even received the full script, only half of it.
But just by looking at this half-script, he knew that this role was significant, and if he could play it well, it might change his destiny.
Making it to the final audition, Jack Black felt he was lucky.
Generally, auditions usually go through three rounds: the first round mainly checks if the actor's appearance meets the role requirements; the second round tests the actor's acting skills; and in the final round, the producer and Director personally oversee and select the most suitable candidate from many actors.
For people like Ed Helms and Pedro Pascal, because they were relatively familiar with Director Kazir, they easily passed the first two rounds.
If he could land this role, Jack Black felt his acting career would be stable.
He couldn't help but glance at Ed Helms, who was reading the script—just based on the film napoleon dynamite, this guy had gone from an unknown to a familiar face in Hollywood; one film directly propelled him to fame, a combination of luck and skill that was truly enviable.
"Next, number 13, Jack Black," the staff member called out.
"Coming!"
Jack Black quickly responded, pushed open the door, and walked in, immediately seeing the camera placed in front.
"Good morning, Mr. Jack Black," Kazir greeted with a smile.
"Hello, Director Gray," Jack Black responded enthusiastically, nodding.
"You've received the script, so you should know the character's positioning, right?" Kazir asked.
"Clear," Jack Black quickly nodded.
"Then choose a scene to perform!"
"Then I'll choose the part where Alan first sees the tiger," Jack Black said.
"Start," Kazir commanded.
Jack Black instantly got into character, playing a man who had just woken up from the hangover, stumbling into his imagined bathroom... Suddenly, his eyes widened, as if he had seen something terrifying, accidentally kicking Phil's crotch, then letting out a yell and rushing out, shouting as he ran: "There's a tiger in the bathroom! There's a f***ing tiger in the bathroom!"
Kazir and Enrico watched very seriously; despite the amusing performance, they tried to keep straight faces—after all, this was work, and they had to maintain a professional attitude.
Reiner was diligently recording the scene; the camera in the audition room was there to facilitate review later, to select the most suitable candidate from the many auditioners.
After the performance, Kazir said expressionlessly: "Thank you, Mr. Jack Black, you may leave."
"Thank you, Director."
Jack Black felt completely uncertain; he saw the two big shots' faces were as stiff as iron, and he couldn't discern their thoughts at all.
He swallowed, retreating with a bewildered expression.
"He's the one."
As soon as he left, Kazir immediately made a decision.
"Of all the candidates for Alan we've auditioned, he's the most suitable," Enrico also agreed.
[PS: Jack Black played Steve in 'Minecraft: The Movie' in 2025.]