Chapter 456: 455

“What!?”

Upon hearing the news, nearly everyone’s first reaction was just like that, eyes wide with surprise, frozen for a few seconds, then they came back to their senses. Happy April Fool’s Day? It once again proved the saying that there’s only a thin line between genius and madness, often they exhibit some identical clinical symptoms. 99% confirmed rumor: Pokémon King Wang Yang will adapt and produce the North American version of the Hong Kong classic film “Infernal Affairs,” and… he will shoot it simultaneously with “I Am Legend”!

What does simultaneous shooting mean? “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy was shot simultaneously, making Peter Jackson the first person in history to shoot three films at the same time; some popular sequels are also shot two at a time, but they’re from the same series, the same crew, on the same set! Actors sometimes play roles in two movies, or a movie plus a TV series, but we are talking about actors. And for the simultaneous shooting of Visionary Wang, there is only one director, two crews, two film sets, and then the director runs back and forth, appearing on the set of “I Am Legend” today, “Infernal Affairs” tomorrow…

“Really?” Even Robert Zemeckis, who inadvertently pushed this forward, was startled upon hearing it. His simultaneous shooting was “Cast Away” on a break while waiting for Tom Hanks to grow a beard and bulk up, taking the crew to shoot “What Lies Beneath” and then resuming “Cast Away”. Who’s ever heard of such madness? Can anyone imagine shooting one story in the morning, another in the afternoon, and still maintain control of the emotions, performance, pacing, shots, cinematography, lighting, and other aspects of both movies?

Maybe Wang Yang shooting them one after the other could turn out to be cinematic classics; it doesn’t mean they would still be classics if shot simultaneously. If confusion arises or a mental block occurs during the shoot, it’s undoubtedly a classic case of shooting oneself in the foot. Such switching is the hardest, capable of blowing one’s mind.

But Zemeckis, familiar with “Infernal Affairs,” could see that Wang Yang had not lost his senses. The similar emotions of the two films gave him confidence to switch effortlessly. “Yang is always young at heart,” Zemeckis couldn’t help but exclaim. “The way ‘old youths’ look for fun is different from us old guys.”

“Pfft—” No matter what Visionary Wang wants to play, isn’t this playing it a bit too big? Fans naturally were also in uproar; even the most hardcore could not help being puzzled amidst their excitement. Why shoot simultaneously? To challenge? As a gimmick? For publicity? Hanna said, “I think it’s like with women, one movie at a time no longer satisfies him.” Emily N. said, “If this is real, he’s even more fascinating, provided the end result isn’t a mess on both fronts.” Jeremy L. said, “Clearly, he’s made this decision because he believes he can handle it, God bless him.” Syna T. said, “This isn’t the first time, and it won’t be the last.”…

Soon, the rumor was confirmed to be true. After planning and various evaluations, Wang Yang first announced this feasible astonishing plan on his blog, saying, “This is going to be really fun, as well as a huge challenge. One must be fully prepared, and I am ready.”

Is everything ready? The “Los Angeles Times”, “The New York Times”, and other media do not seem to think so. “I Am Legend” hasn’t finished its preparations, and “Infernal Affairs” appears to be even more of a blank slate. However, at least the former had been in preparation for several months and had Warner Brothers’ slightly better-than-nothing “foundation”. If both are to be filmed together, the latter must be a super-quick operation by Pokémon: a fast script, fast casting, fast preparation, fast shooting…

“I want to join!!!” With such an absurdly huge challenge, if it were any other director, not only would the “Infernal Affairs” crew be facing a recruitment crisis, but the cast of “I Am Legend” would certainly be very unhappy. The behind-the-scenes staff might be fine, but which actors would join him in madness? “Director, what is Lau Kin Ming’s motivation for doing this?” “Because he’s driven almost mad by those zombies.” “Director, what is Neville really thinking here?” “He’s thinking about three years, and then another three years, almost a decade now, boss!”

Some are not just superstars or stars. Now, however, many superstars, stars, and hot idols… among others, want to become “madmen”. From the moment the marvelous Yang sounded the horn, Hollywood once again sparked an intense competition for roles because of him—Lau Kin Ming, Hon Sam, the gang boss, officer Huang Zhicheng, the psychologist Li Xin’er, Ming’s girlfriend Mary… The Hong Kong version of “Infernal Affairs” has two female leads, and no matter how it is adapted, there will definitely and absolutely be at least one female lead for sure.

One could say it has nothing to do with paychecks, honor, or fame, of course, working with the marvelous Yang means those things are coming, but many actresses of the same age simply think, working with Pokémon once would leave no regrets! When he’s no longer BABY, that’s a different kind of charm they yearn for. And now! Even if it’s just a symbolic paycheck, even if “Infernal Affairs” is a disaster, they want to be part of it. Not everyone has the privilege to fail miserably with MY!

“Variety” magazine included Wang Yang in its list of “25 Handsome Directors”, along with Sam Mendes, Len Wiseman, Paul Anderson, Zack Snyder, Darren Aronofsky, Christopher Nolan and others; they felt that if there were a ranking, marvelous Yang would be first, the most dashing director in Hollywood.

This isn’t just about looks, anyway, they know they have to compete quickly! Otherwise, they could only sigh in resignation when “Yang’s Gang” members like Natalie Portman and Rachel McAdams express their interest and audition first, especially since quick operations require great rapport and Portman and McAdams, who have worked with MY three times already, have a clear advantage. As for the happiest woman Jessica Alba, no one is afraid of her. How could she be suitable for a movie like “Infernal Affairs” that requires a high level of dramatic acting? Besides, she has to take care of her child.

The good news now is that Portman is due to star in a new film by another Chinese director, Wang Jiawei, “My Blueberry Nights”, which is probably starting shoot in June, so she might not be able to catch up with “Infernal Affairs”. And McAdams, who is free for the summer, appears to be the biggest competitor…

“How’s it going? How’s it going?” Keira Knightley couldn’t help but ask excitedly when she received a call from her agent about the progress, only to hear the voice coming from the phone, “Wang Yang hasn’t finalized the script yet. He says he’d be glad for you to audition, but your schedule…” Knightley is currently shooting “Silk”, and then has signed to start filming “Atonement” in May and “Pirates of the Caribbean 3” in August. “I Am Legend” and “Infernal Affairs” are likely to start in July or August, with conflicting schedules.

A movie that might start shooting in five months still doesn’t have an adapted script? Keira Knightley, infamous for her challenging movie choices after becoming famous, didn’t care at all. Finally, she could audition for the marvelous Yang, which was fantastic! But the schedule was indeed a big issue, she sighed, feeling a bit annoyed at how unpredictable the marvelous Yang was! Keira thought for a moment and then decided, “Let’s give it a try. ‘Infernal Affairs’ is a man’s movie, the female roles won’t be that substantial, I can shoot both at the same time!”

Even though this is a man’s movie, if she succeeds at the audition and gets the chance to star in “Infernal Affairs,” but can’t join because of the endless commercial film “Pirates of the Caribbean,” it would be the biggest regret of her acting career, the biggest.

Indeed, Keira Knightley had countless formidable rivals, each of whom was no less talented, beautiful, or popular. Scarlett Johansson, a fringe member of the “Wang Yang camp,” was currently shooting the fiery film “The Prestige.” It was expected that after she finished her part, she would start filming the commercial film “The Nanny Diaries” in April, and then she was free! Her schedule would fit perfectly to take on “Infernal Affairs,” and speaking of it, despite Young Master Yang’s added affection for her, they haven’t had a director + actor collaboration yet!!

“Okay great! Remember to let me know when the audition is!” Familiar with Wang Yang, aside from having her agent conduct negotiations, Scarlett also personally called him to express her interest. Anne Hathaway did the same; her scheduled films were only beginning in March with “Becoming Jane Austen,” and she could join “Infernal Affairs” at any time, as she said, “Remember to notify me when the audition is!” Ellen Page, about to turn 19, was also confident; she wrote a letter to Wang Yang saying, “Although I haven’t read the script and don’t know what the role is, I’m clear that I can definitely play it well.”@@novelbin@@

Watching a group of older, same-age, and younger women as if they wanted to tear him apart, Jessica was very calm. She didn’t have the time or interest to act in “Infernal Affairs,” perhaps not even suitable… so what? She was actually a bit angry about his “simultaneous filming” decision. Why was he pushing himself so hard? What if he wore himself out? However, once she understood that he needed passion and momentum, Jessica relented and began to think of many things. Anyway, this Valentine’s Day, she would make sure that he was filled with passion, with a freshness level of 100%.

The competition for the female lead was fierce, but the situation for the male lead could only be described as bloodthirsty. Those who have seen “Infernal Affairs” know how much room for performance the two male leads have. Now with Young Master Yang directing this adapted version, it’s not presumptuous to say that the chances for an Academy Award for Best Actor are on the table! Including even Best Supporting Actor.

However, just a couple of days later, heartbreaking news spread. It was said that Young Master Yang was very keen on Heath Ledger for the role of “Chan Wing Yan.” There was barely any need for further selection; it was him. Heath Ledger was excited about the possibility of working with Wang Yang again, especially since it would be shot in his hometown, New York! The two seemed to have a perfect connection, and regardless of relations with Wang Yang, others coveting the role, like Brad Pitt, were likely left feeling forlorn.

Luckily, another character “Lau Kin Ming” was still up for grabs. Worth mentioning is the news that also leaked about Wang Yang’s strong interest in inviting Jack Nicholson to play “Hon Sam.” When asked what he thought about Heath Ledger playing the new Joker, Nicholson replied in a rather annoyed tone, “I was not shown respect. They didn’t even ask if I wanted to do it; they already decided on someone else.”

If Heath Ledger and Jack Nicholson really do join “Infernal Affairs,” it will stage an early showdown between Jokers old and new!

Apart from the cast, fans of “Infernal Affairs” were equally concerned about how it would be adapted. Fans from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan broadly felt that this was the best choice for a director. Among Hollywood’s Chinese directors, John Woo was too old, Ang Lee and Wang Ying were too mild, Lin Yibin and James Wan hadn’t yet proven their literary directing capabilities… Only someone like Wang Yang, who is both strong and refined, crazy and delicate, blending East and West, could properly direct the American version of “Infernal Affairs.”

“That’s great!” “Awesome!” Thus the Chinese-language internet was abuzz with cheers, amidst which were mingled the cold taunts and scorching sarcasm from Young Master Yang’s detractors. But media and fans knew that “Infernal Affairs,” as a treasure of Chinese cinema, contains unique sentiments and pride of the Chinese people. Having Wang Yang direct the American version was definitely the choice with the least controversy in the beginning. Everyone’s expectations had skyrocketed like a rocket, wondering what would happen if Young Master Yang ends up disappointing in the end. It’s uncertain whether he would be criticized harshly, but he would most likely become a laughingstock.

In the present uncertainty, Young Master Yang himself stepped forward to remake “Infernal Affairs”! The excited screams of the fans and female followers had already echoed around the world.

Wherever Young Master Yang was, there would be attention, buzz, and controversy, and just recently, North America’s entertainment media were continuously in an uproar about simultaneous filming, gangster crime themes…

On the other hand, Will Smith was also surprised by the “simultaneous filming.” It felt as if one’s significant other suddenly announced they were going to be in a relationship with two people at once—not easy for anyone. But before the announcement, Wang Yang had informed him and sought his opinion. Will Smith eventually chose to trust and support him. Some people always do extraordinary things and manage to pull them off perfectly, like Young Master Yang.

To prepare for Neville, Will also did his own homework. He visited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Georgia, he met a former POW who had been held in solitary confinement, and he considered Tom Hanks’ performance in “Cast Away” as a reference, hoping to touch on Neville’s loneliness.

While incessantly bombarding Wang Yang with various questions to perfect his portrayal of Neville, Will focused on one key point: having lost his child, his life, his health, Neville, like the story of Job in the Bible, needed a reason to carry on. “Could he find a reason to continue? Did he discover hope, or a desire to succeed and keep living? Or would he create his own death only after everything around him died? What kept him going? What exactly was he thinking?” …

In the midst of preparing Will, Wang Yang was also busy selecting the other lead for “I Am Legend,” Sam, for which a group of German Shepherds was auditioning. (

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