Ron Weasley's path as a chess player had already taken off. After his round-robin tournament in the second club, his undefeated record not only meant a huge windfall for Regulus Black through gambling, but it also ensured that the name "Ron Weasley" became remembered in upper-class circles. After that, Regulus Black no longer followed Ron Weasley around personally and instead had a dedicated agent handle everything.
Meanwhile, Regulus Black became busy himself. The film project at Crimson Manor had entered the preparation stage, and as the investor, it was time to begin discussing casting choices. Mm, typically, this was also when unspoken rules about taking advantage of actresses could be applied.
"This new director, Guillermo del Toro, is a Mexican. His film Cronos, released this year in 1992, won nine Ariel Awards and also received the International Critics' Week Prize at the Cannes Film Festival."
Lucy Pidell was explaining things to Regulus Black. After all, her lover and boss had handed this task over to her some time ago. Preparing a film wasn't easy, especially for someone entirely outside the industry. Entering this circle meant being misled and targeted was inevitable. Still, Regulus Black's expectations were simple: don't make mistakes, don't get deceived. Even if the film turned out to be a loss, that would be acceptable.
With such expectations, Lucy Pidell approached this job with unusual seriousness.
Of course, the rewards were generous. In addition to monetary compensation, Regulus Black granted her magical abilities—albeit limited to a specific profession. For a pure-blood Squib born into a magical family, this was a rare and precious gift. She first underwent a career transformation through the "Red Nightmare Witch Monastery," becoming a Nightmare Maiden of the Nightmare Demon Clan, and then chose the path of a Trickster Warlock—a necromancer-like system based on bones and poison.
"I know that director—he's kind of a chubby guy. But if he managed to win an award at Cannes, he should be able to handle this kind of heavily artistic film."
Regulus Black gently tapped his palm. Originally, this film belonged to another world and wouldn't have been made until 2015. But now it was 1992—many of the actors from the original film weren't even on the radar yet! Take the male lead, for instance: the future God of Mischief, Loki. Based on his birth year, he was only a year older than Harry Potter at this point.
So, all casting had to be reconsidered. Otherwise, they'd have to wait another twenty years to shoot the film.
"I need to meet the director—in Crimson Manor. As for the other actors, let him suggest suitable candidates, or let talent agencies provide recommendations. They don't have to be A-list; even second- or third-tier actors, or lower, are fine."
Regulus Black was the big boss—the investor—so his words were essentially orders, even if they didn't seem reasonable.
The next day, since the director happened to be in Europe, he rushed to the UK upon hearing that a wealthy noble wanted to invest in a film. After several hours by car, he arrived at Crimson Manor.
"Welcome, Director Guillermo del Toro. I'm Regulus Black. A pleasure to meet you."
Regulus Black hosted a banquet for the director at Crimson Manor, with Lucy Pidell accompanying them.
"Mr. del Toro, what do you think of the manor?"
Regulus Black asked as he carved a rack of lamb.
"This manor has a long history. The building itself is quite old, clearly Gothic in style, and very finely crafted."
Del Toro, also eating lamb, paused and rubbed his beard thoughtfully before giving his opinion.
"Actually, it's just a run-down house. While I do love everything about it, it's on the verge of being condemned. The cost of repairs could build a new one just like it. So, I plan to make some final use of it before it gets demolished. Coincidentally, I own the rights to a book that would be perfect for it—I'd like to use the house one last time before it's gone."
As Regulus Black swirled his wine, creating ring after ring of ripples, del Toro's eyes lit up with agreement. An unspoken atmosphere began to spread. Lucy Pidell glanced at Regulus Black—something definitely felt off. But whatever her boss was planning, she wasn't about to get involved. At least he hadn't pulled out a wand—yet.
"You're absolutely right! If we could film a movie here before the house is torn down, it would be its final moment of glory."
Del Toro's formality shifted from casual "you" to respectful "sir," clearly showing a marked improvement in his attitude toward Regulus Black.
"I've already finished writing the script for Crimson Peak. Could you take a look and see if there's anything that needs to be revised?"
Regulus Black pushed a complete script toward the other party. Guillermo del Toro immediately began flipping through it with professional diligence. Even though he was under Regulus Black's magical control, that didn't mean he had lost his instincts.
After a quick initial read-through, Guillermo del Toro closed his eyes and contemplated for a moment.
"Mr. Black, I've already read the novel Crimson Peak on my way here. Your script contains some details that differ from the book, but in my professional opinion, these changes don't compromise the original work. In fact, from a cinematic perspective, they might make it even more captivating."
Regulus Black was quite pleased with the current situation. Receiving the director's approval for his slightly altered script was a good start. What followed would depend on the director's artistic talent.
"Mr. Black, these are the actor profiles I've gathered. Take a look first, and if you find any suitable candidates, I'll contact them for auditions."
Guillermo del Toro pulled out a thick stack of documents from the large bag he carried with him, all of which were actor profiles.
Per Regulus Black's request, the list didn't include A-list actors, but instead ranged from B- and C-list down to D- and E-list performers.
Regulus Black slowly flipped through the profiles. Most of the names were unfamiliar, likely obscure even to the Regulus of his past life. After all, in 1992, many future big stars were still young and working in indie films, stage plays, or even as models in commercials.
Guillermo del Toro wasn't idle either. After finishing one serving of lamb chops, he started in on a second.
Eventually, Regulus Black came across a few familiar names among the stack.
Robert Downey Jr., born April 4, 1965, in New York City, USA, was an American film actor. In 1971, at the age of five, he appeared in the film Pound. In 1987, at 22, he starred in the comedy The Pick-up Artist, his first leading role in a movie.
At this point in time, Robert Downey Jr. was still a rookie actor, though he already had issues with substance abuse. He hadn't yet been arrested for drugs, nor had his career been nearly destroyed by addiction—meaning he hadn't yet resolved to get clean.
In short, he was in a phase where anything was possible. If his drug addiction could be eliminated...
Regulus Black was already envisioning an entire rehabilitation plan in his head.
As he continued flipping through the profiles, he found another familiar future star.
Charlize Theron, born August 7, 1975, in South Africa, held dual citizenship in South Africa and the United States. She was an actress and model. Charlize began practicing ballet at the age of six and became a fashion model at fourteen. Her dance career was cut short by a knee injury sustained during a performance, prompting her to switch to modeling.
At fifteen, Charlize experienced a family tragedy. Her mother took her back to Europe for a time before bringing her to Los Angeles, USA. During their early days in L.A., Charlize and her mother lived a modest life. She often participated in modeling gigs while also managing her studies. At eighteen, she encountered a talent agent in Los Angeles who invited her to join his agency.
Another newcomer who had just stepped into the entertainment industry.
Regulus Black recalled that it wouldn't be until 1995 that Charlize Theron made her film debut in Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest.
Want to read the chapters in Advance? Join my Patreon
https://patreon.com/Glimmer09