The Greatest Showman #1253 - Super Blockbuster
Regarding the choice of the male lead, discussions are ongoing, with only Steven Spielberg and Ron Meyer actively involved at this stage.
At moments like these, speculation about the lead actor list inevitably surfaces.
For a blockbuster of this scale, casting directors and producers typically generate a shortlist of about thirty to fifty Hollywood actors and actresses. These names are displayed in Lang's office, where an initial screening process takes place. Lang and Steven will evaluate the list, narrow it down to fewer than thirty candidates, and highlight potential frontrunners. The remaining audition, evaluation, and selection work is then left to the casting director and relevant personnel.
At the top of this list stands the most sought-after actor in Hollywood today. The top ten names usually consist of those with a strong industry presence, instantly recognizable talent, or powerful agency backing that extends their influence across the industry.
Although casting decisions are subject to various exceptions and surprises, top-tier roles remain in the hands of a select few. The list of candidates epitomizes Hollywood's youth and serves as a testament to those at the pinnacle of the entertainment industry's hierarchy.
Renly is at the top of the casting list for Jurassic Park: Extinction.
There is no doubt—whether it's Universal Pictures or other major film studios—Renly is the actor everyone wants. Almost every project seeks him out, and rumors suggest that Andy Rogers has set up a separate office space solely for managing and selecting offers related to Renly.
Tonight, despite not securing his second Academy Award, Renly remained the most talked-about figure at the Oscars. Even Daniel Day-Lewis, who made history, took a backseat. After all, Daniel refrains from commercial films, while Renly embraces all opportunities.
Even within Universal Pictures, despite previous disagreements with the Fast and Furious team, Renly remains their top choice.
However, after initial screenings, Ron Meyer set the preferred age range for the male lead between twenty-eight and thirty-five. Renly, still under twenty-four, was ruled out.
Hollywood's Age Dynamics in Blockbusters
Mainstream Hollywood blockbuster leads typically range between thirty and forty-five years old, as this demographic aligns with the core audience of commercial films. A younger lead closer to thirty can attract younger viewers, but casting below this threshold places the film into the realm of teen franchises like Harry Potter, Twilight, or The Hunger Games, which cater to a different market segment.
Take Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, where Shia LaBeouf, at twenty-two, played a lead role. However, his presence was balanced by Harrison Ford's iconic role, creating a dual-lead dynamic. This context allowed a younger actor to take center stage.
Superficially, Renly's exclusion based on age seems logical. However, Steven Spielberg understands the real motivations behind this decision.
Renly had speculated correctly—Lang remains a crucial gatekeeper in the Jurassic Park: Extinction project.
A Conversation with Steven Spielberg
Steven met Renly's gaze with a confident, unconcerned smile. "It's too early to discuss details. We're still refining the script and solidifying our creative vision. Filming won't begin this year, so let's wait and see."
"That's good news," Renly replied, meeting Steven's scrutinizing eyes. "I don't have any filming commitments for the next few months. I plan to take a long vacation."
"Really?" Steven feigned surprise. "Shouldn't a young actor in the prime of his career be capitalizing on every opportunity?" He then softened his tone. "But a break is necessary. You need to recharge for the next challenge. Any vacation plans?"
As they shifted to casual conversation, both men understood that today's discussion was merely a preliminary inquiry. True negotiations were still a long way off.
The Weight of a Blockbuster
There's no doubt—Jurassic Park: Extinction is a massive undertaking.
Hollywood has seen an increasing number of $300 million productions. Budgets of $100 million are now commonplace, and $100 million in North American box office revenue is no longer exceptional. Instead, it's expected. The true definition of a "blockbuster" starts at $150 million.
This financial benchmark is based on ten years of box office data, where the most stable investment-to-return ratio falls between $80 million and $150 million. Anything beyond this range carries higher risk—though potentially higher rewards.
Universal Pictures, known for its conservative spending, is budgeting $150 million for Jurassic Park: Extinction. This makes the project's management, planning, and execution even more critical.
For comparison, here's the distribution of major blockbuster investments among Hollywood's six leading studios over the past three years:
Disney: 12 blockbusters
Warner Bros.: 10 blockbusters
Paramount: 7 blockbusters
Sony Pictures: 4 blockbusters
Twentieth Century Fox: 3 blockbusters
Universal Pictures: 3 blockbusters
Universal Pictures' decline is apparent. While Fox gambled on Avatar and showed boldness, Universal's three major blockbusters—Robin Hood, Snow White and the Huntsman, and Battleship—all flopped.
In this context, Universal is more cautious than ever when launching new blockbuster projects. The entire process, from approval to casting to production, can take one to two years. The original cast lineup often changes by the time shooting begins, making stability a major concern.
As Steven noted, shooting within the year is highly unlikely.
For Renly, this marks his first true blockbuster. While Fast & Furious 5 and Edge of Tomorrow were large productions, they didn't reach this scale. Regardless of whether he lands the role, the experience itself is fascinating.
Furthermore, Renly is intrigued by script and character development. During Fast & Furious 5 and Edge of Tomorrow, he provided input on set. Whether his suggestions were accepted or not, the collaborative process enriched his experience.
This time, with Universal Pictures as the partner, things become even more interesting.
A Lighthearted Exchange
"Haven't waited in line for a while," Barry Meyer commented. "Seems like I've grown older and lost my patience."
"Or maybe it's just because you've gained status and wealth?" Renly quipped.
Barry paused, then shrugged and admitted, "Fair point. But doesn't that apply to you as well?"
Renly smirked, his eyes glinting mischievously. "If not for this industry, where else would I get such treatment? I'll need stories to brag about in the future."
Barry chuckled, raising his champagne. "Well, you've certainly achieved your goal tonight. Everyone wants a moment with Renly Hall. After all, seeing you in a social setting is rare. If they miss this opportunity, who knows when the next one will come?"
"Maybe next year?" Renly teased, his tone light yet meaningful.
Their conversation marked a brief moment of respite for Renly. Since Steven's departure forty minutes earlier, Renly had been surrounded by people. Whether two or a dozen at a time, the crowd never dissipated. He simply had to sit back, and the spotlight followed.
Barry's arrival, however, granted Renly a temporary reprieve.
In a sense, Barry had saved him from the crowd.