novellhall Chapter 311 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Chapter 311 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Chapter 310 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (Seeking monthly votes)
Just as Chen Xun saw the message from Director Yang Chao, he saw an overseas phone call.
It was directed by Gunn.
"Chen! My Star-Lord! Disney and Marvel have just officially finalized the deal!"
"The first draft of the script for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is out, everyone's back, you have to come back!"
"James, you're being too polite."
Chen Xun smiled and said, "Guardians of the Galaxy is my home. As long as the script is fine, I have no reason not to come back."
"I knew you'd say yes!"
Gunn whistled excitedly on the other end of the phone, then his tone became serious: "I've had my assistant send the script to your email. You should be able to guess the core plot, which is Star-Lord's origin story, his Celestial father who has lived for millions of years, Ego."
"This is the absolute core of the second part, and it's also what's giving us the biggest headache right now."
Chen Xun understood.
In the previous version of "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2", the character Ego was played by Kurt Russell.
The veteran actor perfectly captured the divinity of a god, the warmth of a father, and the madness and obsession in his bones.
She is one of the most outstanding characters in the entire film.
However, in this life, Gunn clearly encountered a bottleneck in casting.
"We've been looking for someone for quite a while."
Gunn's tone was full of helplessness: "The character of Ego is too special. First of all, he has to have global fame and be able to keep Star-Lord's father in check as a god who has lived for millions of years."
"He needs to be able to portray extreme contrasts, from a gentle and tolerant father in the first half to a mad and obsessive villain in the second half. His acting skills must be top-notch."
"The most important thing is to fit into the crazy vibe of our Guardians of the Galaxy; you can't be too aloof."
"We looked around Hollywood, but they either didn't have the right presence to support the Celestial race's character."
"Either they can only play tough guys and can't portray warmth and contrast, or their schedules are booked three years in advance, which doesn't fit our filming schedule at all."
Gunn paused, his tone earnest: "Chen, you understand Star-Lord best, and you're the one most deeply connected to this character. Ego is Star-Lord's root; whether this role is chosen well or not directly determines the success or failure of the second movie."
"Do you have a suitable candidate? Whoever it is, Marvel and I will give priority to your recommendations."
Chen Xun's mind raced through suitable candidates when suddenly, a figure crashed into his thoughts.
Jackie Chan!
When he was filming "The Ancient One," Jackie Chan played his master. The two spent more than three months together on set and developed a great rapport.
The character of Ego seems tailor-made for Jackie Chan.
In terms of global fame, Jackie Chan is the most influential actor in the Chinese film industry worldwide. His kung fu comedies are popular all over the world, and his popularity is in no way inferior to that of Hollywood A-list stars.
In terms of acting skills, he can play a warm-hearted father or a mad villain; he can handle comedy or serious drama.
His acting range is more than enough to portray the character of Igor.
When it comes to action scenes, no one in Hollywood knows better than Jackie Chan how to make them visually appealing, entertaining, and memorable.
His kung fu comedy style and the absurd, exciting, and funny tone of "Guardians of the Galaxy" are a perfect match.
Not to mention, Jackie Chan's involvement will directly boost the box office of "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" in the Asian market to another level.
This is what Disney and Marvel have always dreamed of.
"James, I have a perfect candidate, Jackie Chan."
The other end of the phone went silent for a moment, followed by Gunn's gasp and a loud slam of his hand on the table, his voice cracking with excitement: "Jackie Chan? My God! Chan! How could I not have thought of that! He was born for this role!"
Gunn realized it instantly.
He is a fan of Jackie Chan and has said in interviews more than once that his film style has been influenced by Jackie Chan's kung fu comedies.
Many of the action sequences in Guardians of the Galaxy bear the influence of Jackie Chan's films.
"My God! Jackie Chan's action scenes, his comedic timing, his global influence! And his personal relationship with you! If you two played father and son, the audience would absolutely go crazy!"
Gunn became increasingly excited as he spoke: "What an incredible lineup! The people at Marvel headquarters will absolutely go crazy when they find out!"
He had considered casting Chinese actors before, but his first thought was always Chinese actors in Hollywood, completely forgetting Jackie Chan, who was far away in the Chinese film industry.
After being enlightened by Chen Xun, he instantly felt that the role of Igor was perfect for Jackie Chan.
"Chen, I know you worked with Jackie Chan on 'The Ancient One,' and you two have a very good relationship."
Gunn's tone instantly became incredibly earnest, even pleading: "Could you please go and invite him yourself?"
"Your word is more effective than a hundred emails from Marvel. If he's willing to come, we can change any details about the character, he can design his own action sequences, and we can discuss salary, scheduling, and everything else. We at Marvel will offer him the highest level of treatment!"
He knew it all too well.
Actors of Jackie Chan's caliber have no shortage of film offers, nor are they short of money.
If Marvel officially extends an invitation, they will most likely only receive an official rejection.
But Chen Xun is different.
The two had collaborated before and shared a mentor-student relationship.
If Chen Xun speaks up, the probability of success will increase at least tenfold.
"no problem!"
Chen Xun smiled and agreed: "Send the script over now, and I'll personally hand it over to him and talk to him about it."
"But let me make this clear first, I can only act as a go-between. Whether he's ultimately willing to take the role depends on the script and the character."
"That's enough!"
Gunn cheered on the other end of the phone, "Chen, you're my savior! If Jackie Chan comes, this movie will definitely be even bigger than the first one! We're going to create a new legend!"
After hanging up Gu En's call, Chen Xun looked at the night view outside the window and couldn't help but smile.
In his past life, he never imagined that one day he would be able to personally bring Jackie Chan into the Marvel Universe and have him play a pair of god father and son.
Without delay, he immediately dialed Jackie Chan's number.
The phone was answered after only a couple of rings, and Jackie Chan's familiar laughter came from the other end: "Why did you suddenly decide to call your master?"
"Congratulations! You just got nominated for an Oscar for your film, and now you've made headlines in China—the entire film passed censorship uncut! Impressive!"
It's clear that Jackie Chan has been keeping an eye on his activities.
Since finishing filming "The Ancient One", Chen Xun has jokingly called Jackie Chan his master.
Jackie Chan also said that Chen Xun was his best apprentice.
Chen Xun exchanged a few pleasantries with a smile before getting straight to the point: "Master, I'm calling to discuss a collaboration with you."
"In Marvel's 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,' I'll be playing Star-Lord again. Now there's a key character who's Star-Lord's father, Ego, the Celestial creator god. You were the first person I thought of. I was wondering if you'd be interested?"
Jackie Chan on the other end of the phone paused for a moment, clearly surprised: "Playing your dad in a Marvel superhero movie?"
Chen Xun's face darkened.
Why does it sound a little strange when Jackie Chan says that?
"right!"
Chen Xun explained the character's setting, the core of the script, and Gu En's sincerity to Jackie Chan in detail: "This character is not a simple tool villain. He has a complete character arc. In the first half, he is a gentle father, and in the second half, he is a mad god who has lived for millions of years. There is a lot of room for acting skills to play."
"Moreover, you can design the action scenes yourself. Director Gunn is a fan of yours and said that as long as you are willing to come, all conditions can be negotiated. Marvel will give you the highest level of treatment."
He paused, then added, "We could work together again, as master and apprentice, and play father and son in a top Hollywood blockbuster."
There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by Jackie Chan's hearty laughter, his tone full of interest: "Ah Xun, since you've spoken up, how could your master not give you face?"
"Besides, the role of your father, a god at that, is incredibly interesting! Send me the script, I'll read it tonight and give you a definite answer tomorrow!"
What Cheng Long finds most frustrating is not acting, but the repetitive roles he plays.
In recent years, most of the scripts Hollywood has offered him have been to play kung fu masters, with action scenes from beginning to end, leaving him no room to showcase his skills.
But Igor's character is different.
It has dramatic scenes, action scenes, tender moments, and moments of madness. It has enough depth, and it also has the added bonus of the master-disciple relationship with Chen Xun. How could he not be moved?
After hanging up with Jackie Chan, Chen Xun forwarded the script to him.
Gunn's messages exploded, more than a dozen in a row, all asking about the progress.
Upon learning that Jackie Chan had agreed to read the script and would most likely accept the role, Gunn immediately posted a meme of himself jumping up and down, saying that he had already sent an email to Marvel headquarters overnight, and that Disney executives were in an uproar.
Early the next morning.
Jackie Chan called directly.
"I've finished reading the script, and I'm taking the role!"
Chen Xun had just finished his morning exercise and, wiping the sweat from his brow, couldn't help but laugh: "Master, did you stay up all night?"
He heard a slightly hoarse voice on the other end of the phone, as if the person was tired.
"you do not say!"
Jackie Chan's laughter was as hearty as ever: "When you sent it to me, I said I'd watch it tonight, and once I started, I couldn't stop! This Igor is so interesting!"
He has made kung fu movies his whole life, playing countless chivalrous and righteous good guys, as well as roles that are both righteous and evil, but he has never taken on this kind of character.
The creator god of the Celestial race who has lived for millions of years.
The first half portrays a gentle and tolerant father who makes up for his son's lifelong regrets, while the second half depicts a cosmic tyrant who sees life as worthless and is obsessed to the point of madness.
The film seamlessly switches between tenderness and ruthlessness, maximizing the tension in the dramatic scenes and offering endless possibilities for action sequences.
What moved him even more was the meaning behind the character.
"I've been in Hollywood for so many years, and all they ever offer me are roles as thugs, cops, or kung fu guys who can only fight. Nobody has ever given me a role as a creator god."
Jackie Chan's tone carried a hint of emotion: "They always think that Asian actors can only play supporting roles, can only be tools, can't carry a core villain, and can't play a god."
"Now you've handed me this script, asking me to play Star-Lord's father, one of the top celestials in the Marvel Universe. I can't let this opportunity slip by."
"Besides, this is a collaboration with you."
Jackie Chan added with a laugh, "We were master and apprentice in 'The Ancient One' last time, and this time we're playing father and son in Marvel. How interesting!"
"Never before have two Chinese actors carried the core storyline of a top-tier commercial film on the big screen of Hollywood. This time, let's open their eyes."
Chen Xun felt a warmth in his heart.
He knew that Jackie Chan, with his current status, had no shortage of film offers or box office revenue. He accepted the role partly because of the role's appeal and partly because of giving face to his apprentice.
"Don't worry, Director Gunn has already said that as long as you accept the job, all conditions are negotiable."
Chen Xun said earnestly, "You can design the action scenes entirely, and the details of the character and the lines can all be adjusted according to your ideas. Marvel will give you the highest level of treatment, with you and me in the same billing and center position in global promotion."
"These are all secondary!"
Jackie Chan didn't care: "You can tell the production team that I can accommodate the schedule, and my management team can handle the contract details with Marvel."
"I only have one request: my scenes with you must be intense, the dialogue scenes must be touching, and the action scenes must be exhilarating. We can't let the global audience down."
After hanging up with Jackie Chan, Chen Xun immediately forwarded the message to director Gu En.
Less than ten seconds later, Gunn's phone rang like crazy. The moment he answered, a near-hysterical cheer came from the other end, and you could even hear him jumping up and down: "Chen! You're a savior sent by God! Jackie Chan agreed? He really agreed? My God! I'm going to Disney headquarters right now to pop some champagne!"
He didn't give Chen Xun a chance to speak, speaking rapidly: "I've already spoken with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. Knowing Jackie Chan was willing to join, he immediately approved the offer, giving Jackie Chan top-tier global A-list compensation!"
"The contract includes the right to independently design action scenes and provide suggestions for character creation. All promotional materials will feature you alongside the characters—you'll definitely receive the highest level of recognition!"
"I'll have the scriptwriting team tweak the script right now, giving Jackie Chan's character more room to develop. We want audiences worldwide to know that Jackie Chan isn't just a kung fu master; he's a top-tier actor who can carry the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe!"
Gunn knew all too well what Jackie Chan joining meant.
Jackie Chan is the most well-known Chinese actor in the world.
Even viewers who aren't interested in superhero movies would be willing to go to the cinema if they saw Jackie Chan's name.
Not to mention his father-son relationship with Chen Xun.
One is Star-Lord, Hollywood's newly crowned Oscar winner and Marvel's most popular actor; the other is a global kung fu legend and a veteran of the film industry.
This cast alone is enough to raise the expectations for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 to the max, and the box office guarantee is 30% higher than the first film.
Disney executives, who were initially worried about the box office ceiling for the sequel, immediately adjusted the film's marketing budget upon learning that Jackie Chan had confirmed his participation.
They directly added $1500 million to their global marketing budget.
They even held meetings overnight to give Ego more screen time, making him one of the most classic villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
At noon Los Angeles time (midnight Beijing time), the official Twitter and Weibo accounts of "Guardians of the Galaxy" simultaneously released a major official announcement.
The entire Guardians of the Galaxy are back!
Peter Quill's legend continues!
Welcome back Oscar-winning actor Chen Xun, reprising his role as Star-Lord and leading the Galactic Team on another cosmic adventure!
An even bigger surprise: Jackie Chan has joined the cast, playing Ego, Star-Lord's father, a Celestial!
See you in the universe this summer of 2017!
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