Chapter 178: Chapter 178: Not Allowed
The director and producer felt a pang of bitterness in their hearts upon hearing this.
The news of Julian Campbell joining the project had long been announced, and now that the originally confirmed female lead was unable to participate due to an accident, replacing her with Ophelia Wilson was a decision made after considering various reasons.
Besides being a current popular star, another reason was that Ophelia is bringing investment into the project.
"Julian, why are you still acting childish?" Ophelia Wilson smiled graciously, "My acting skills are right here, and I can certainly play the female lead well. I don’t want the series I’m part of to be scolded by the audience."
"I’m aware of your acting skills." Julian coldly sneered with a hint of another meaning, "What’s disgusting is having to act as your love interest!"
If she didn’t have acting skills, how could Ophelia Wilson thrive in the Seymour Family?
Such a person, to make him act enamored on screen... it disgusted him to the point of feeling like last night’s dinner might come up.
"Teacher Smith, since Ophelia is already here, why not let her audition first and then decide. After all, we’re all here for the sake of the production." The producer, always a diplomat, first pressed a hat of consideration onto everyone’s heads.
Benjamin Smith frowned, gestured with his hand, about to speak, but was interrupted by Julian: "If she’s going to be the female lead, then my role needs to change."
Julian’s words shocked the entire crew.
He was already confirmed as the male lead, so why the change?
"Change to what?" the director asked in confusion.
"Male supporting role," Julian responded, and the director immediately shook his head, "No, no... how can you play the male supporting role?"
This drama had Benjamin Smith as the screenwriter, a great script, strong direction, and significant investment; all the actors he invited were big names, aiming for a massive hit upon release.
"Why can’t I play the male supporting role?" Julian smiled, his bad-boy charm exceptionally alluring, "Doesn’t Julian playing the supporting role make the series even classier?"
"Fine, it’s settled. Either I play the supporting role, or I terminate the contract. It’s not like I can’t afford the penalty." Julian had the backing and confidence to do as he pleased.
The director looked at the producer with difficulty, and the producer helplessly turned to Benjamin Smith.
Everyone knew Julian and Benjamin Smith were on good terms; they were all counting on Benjamin to talk Julian out of it.
Benjamin glanced at Julian and nodded, "Alright, Julian, you take the supporting role."
"Teacher Smith!" the director exclaimed in surprise.
"The screenwriter himself agreed, who could better understand the story than the screenwriter?" Julian sneered, "Anyway, the public announcement only stated I would participate; it didn’t specify that I was the leading man."
The director and producer went aside to discuss, while Benjamin quietly thanked Julian.
Initially, he intended to reject Ophelia Wilson, but Julian made a concession, sacrificing for the sake of what Benjamin had poured his heart into.
"Don’t be so formal with me; we’re practically family," Julian nonchalantly flicked his fingers.
"Having you play the supporting role..." Benjamin sighed softly, "it’s not commensurate with your status."
"Don’t you think the supporting role stands out more than the lead?" Julian raised an eyebrow, patted Benjamin on the shoulder, "Don’t worry, I won’t lose out."
Thinking of the character in the series, Benjamin smiled knowingly; if he hadn’t known that Julian wouldn’t suffer a loss, he wouldn’t have agreed.
"Director, I’ve compromised. But I have a say in the actress who plays the second female lead." Julian said to the director.
"No way!" Ophelia Wilson unexpectedly interjected to reject it.