The new script was titled Pitch Black, a sci-fi action movie.
The story follows a spaceship that suffers an accident in outer space and is forced to land on an unknown planet. The planet has a harsh environment, with three suns and countless alien creatures lurking in the shadows.
After the crash, there are ten survivors. To survive, they must put aside their differences and start a fight for survival in the wilderness.
The main character is named Richard Riddick, a notorious interstellar fugitive with formidable combat skills. Initially selfish, he gradually transforms into a hero during the struggle for survival, eventually piloting the spaceship to escape the alien planet with two other survivors.
"The protagonist is also named Richard?" Richard chuckled.
"It's just a coincidence. This name isn't commonly used. Most of the time, he's referred to as Riddick," Anthony laughed.
"Alright, have you secured the role?"
"Almost. It's a small production with a budget of only $23 million, making it difficult to hire big-name action stars. But you're a champion boxer and a rising star, so you're very cost-effective. When we approached the production team, they were eager to collaborate."
"Didn't Weinstein try to interfere?" Richard asked after a moment of thought.
"The film's production company is Polygram Filmed Entertainment, a subsidiary of Universal Pictures. Norman has connections at Universal, so outside interference would have been costly. Fortunately, everything went smoothly."
Richard nodded and looked at the script again.
Overall, the script was solid, and the main character was strong, tough, and powerful—qualities that matched his own persona well. If he played the role right, it could establish his image and solidify his status as an action star.
He decided to take the role.
The next day, Richard and Anthony visited Polygram's production office, where they met the lead producer, Ted Field, the director and writer David Twohy, and the casting director, Anne McCarthy.
Ted Field was a veteran producer, having overseen multiple film projects since the mid-1980s, including Runaway Train, Cool Runnings, Three Men and a Baby, and Cocktail starring Tom Cruise.
David Twohy was a former top screenwriter specializing in sci-fi films. His notable works included The Fugitive, Waterworld, The Arrival, and Impostor, all of which had respectable box office returns and reviews.
These two key figures were highly influential in the production.
After some small talk, they conducted a brief audition.
The production team was generally pleased with Richard's performance. He was a world champion with significant fame both domestically and internationally, boasting a large fan base. Having already starred in several films, his acting was solid, and his fee was lower than that of a top-tier action star. Overall, he was a cost-effective choice for the lead role.
However, Director David Twohy frowned, believing that another actor might be a better fit for the lead role.
"Mr. Blad, the film includes many stunt scenes that are dangerous and could result in injury. I understand you still have matches to fight. Are you sure you want to take on this role?" Director David Twohy asked, frowning.
"Director Twohy, I'm a boxer. I frequently get injured during training and matches. The injuries I've sustained aren't any fewer than those of soldiers on the battlefield, so this isn't an issue," Richard replied, taking off his T-shirt to show the scars on his body.
"Mr. Blad, you're a tough man," Casting Director Anne McCarthy remarked.
"Thank you," Richard said with a smile.
"Mr. Blad, as you've seen in the script, when the spaceship crashes, Riddick is handcuffed to a broken metal frame. He manages to escape by dislocating his shoulder in a stunt. This move is extremely challenging, and I'd like you to learn it before we start filming," Director David Twohy explained.
"A shoulder dislocation stunt? Director Twohy, could you describe it?" Richard asked curiously.
"It's like this: with your hands cuffed behind your back, you rotate your shoulders one full turn over your head. It's a cool move. I know an actor who can do it—his name is Vin Diesel. He had a supporting role in Saving Private Ryan and is quite talented.
We had considered him for the lead role, but you're a better fit, Mr. Blad. I suggest you consult him before filming," Director Twohy suggested.
"Director Twohy, is this what you mean?" Richard began rotating his shoulders, slowly raising his interlocked hands behind his back.
"Mr. Blad, stop! That move is extremely dangerous. Oh, my God—" Director Twohy exclaimed as he watched in amazement as Richard lifted his arms backward over his head, completing the shoulder dislocation stunt.
Clap, clap, clap~ The members of the production team in the audition room couldn't help but applaud.
"Haha, David, what do you think of Richard now?" Producer Ted Field asked the director with a smile.
Director David Twohy shook his head in disbelief. "Incredible. I've heard that only a few stunt performers in Hollywood can do this. I never imagined that after just one description, Richard could pull it off. It's unbelievable."
Richard smiled lightly and rotated his arms. "Director Twohy, it's not a big deal. I can do this in two ways.
One way is through a combination of jiu-jitsu and yoga, which can make the joints in your body flexible enough to rotate your shoulders without actually dislocating them.
The other way is to genuinely dislocate your shoulders, rotate them around, and then pop them back in place."
"Richard, I noticed your arms weren't affected. Does that mean you used the first method?" Director Twohy asked in surprise.
"Yes, the first method is simpler. The second one would damage the joints, requiring a recovery period. I learned it in underground boxing; it's known as joint resetting in medical terms. It's not that difficult," Richard said, shrugging.
"Richard, your performance is impressive. I'm looking forward to working with you," Director Twohy said, leaving his chair to shake Richard's hand.
"Thank you, Director Twohy," Richard replied with a smile.
After the audition, the two sides discussed the filming process. The production team planned to shoot in Australia's Coober Pedy desert from August to September, with a shooting period of about two months.
Richard confirmed that he had no issues with the schedule.
After the meeting, Richard left the audition office.
"Richard, how did it go? Was everything smooth?" Anthony grinned.
Richard smiled lightly and was about to respond when he noticed a bald man in the seating area looking at him. Richard nodded politely before entering the elevator.
"That guy is Vin Diesel, your competitor. It's said that Director David Twohy was keen on casting him as the lead, but the production team preferred working with you. How did the audition go?" Anthony asked.
"It went well. Vin Diesel seems like a promising action star. You might want to consider signing him with BAA," Richard suggested after some thought.
"There's no need. With you in the company, there's no point in bringing in another action star. Are you planning to compete internally, or are you trying to eliminate a potential rival early? Hmm, that's an interesting idea," Anthony mused.
"Haha, I'm not that petty. After two years of acting, my interest in it isn't as strong as it once was.
My plan is to make movies, earn money, and familiarize myself with the film industry's rules and networks. Once the time is right, I want to start a film company and become an independent producer, following in Miramax's footsteps.
In the entertainment industry, actors are at the bottom. Producers and studio owners are at the top. I want to see what it's like at the top, so I won't be competing with Vin Diesel," Richard said thoughtfully.
"Haha, my goal is to become like former CAA president Michael Ovitz. Your goal is to become a major figure in independent production. Let's hope we both achieve our dreams," Anthony laughed.
"We will. By the way, has the female lead been decided? I think Naomi would be a good fit," Richard said, thinking of the upcoming shoot in Australia, where Naomi, being local, would have an advantage.
"Your suggestion is great. I heard they plan to cast an Australian actress to apply for local subsidies and film funds. Naomi stands a good chance. I'll follow up on it," Anthony replied.
"Thanks for your hard work."
"No problem. It's worth it to achieve our goals."
Richard smiled and walked out of the elevator.
After securing the lead role in Pitch Black, Richard auditioned for a few more roles, but without success. The lead in Forces of Nature went to Ben Affleck, the lead in The Legend of Bagger Vance went to Matt Damon, and the lead in Proof of Life went to Russell Crowe.
After several consecutive failures, Richard decided to focus on boxing instead.
On May 18th, the WBA semifinals concluded, with Jamaican boxer Glen Johnson winning the 'interim title' and earning the right to challenge the champion.
Glen Johnson was a veteran, 32 years old, with a record of 38 wins, 9 losses, and 1 draw. Although not particularly dazzling, he had solid boxing skills.
"Richard, this guy is a technical fighter and tough. Be careful," Andy advised in the living room.
"I will," Richard replied. The television was showing his opponent's match footage, and Richard was watching it intently. No matter the strength of his opponent, once they become his adversary, they deserve his full attention.
"Undermine the opponent strategically, but take them seriously tactically"—this principle is one of the secrets behind his continuous victories.
"Richard, the new bar is under renovation. When you have time, you can drop by and take a look, give some input. After all, you're a shareholder," Andy said with a smile.
"Alright," Richard replied, nodding while still focused on the television. "After this match, when is the next one? I mentioned before, in August and September, I'll be in Australia shooting a movie. Try to schedule it earlier or postpone it."
"I'll keep that in mind," Andy responded.
Richard continued to watch the match footage. In early June, he returned to New York to prepare for the upcoming "Challenger for the Title" bout.