266 Suitable for the role

While KiShin Pictures was gearing up for their new superhero film project, they sent the script for the [Spiderman] cast to Leonardo DiCaprio. In his apartment, Leonardo received the pre-read script, examining its front cover with curiosity.

"It's about a superhero, huh?" Leonardo mused, stroking his chin and licking his lips as he enjoyed an apple.

Turning the pages, he delved into the script, reading each page with interest. Finishing it while indulging in his apple, Leonardo couldn't help but remark, "The script is too simplistic; it lacks the character depth I seek." With that, he casually tossed the script aside.

Leonardo found that the character of Peter Parker didn't quite align with what he was looking for.

Peter Parker's portrayal as a "Nerdy Outsider" particularly concerned Leonardo. Additionally, a scheduling conflict arose due to Leonardo's later filming projects.

Seeking more diverse and challenging roles to foster his growth as an actor, Leonardo desired roles that offered complexity. Unfortunately, the role of [Spiderman] Peter Parker fell short of meeting his expectations.

Had the portrayal of Peter Parker been challenging and complex, Leonardo would have considered accepting it, even if it meant canceling his other schedules—especially given that the script and the [Spiderman] film project were from KiShin Pictures.

*KRS 2 Ringtone*

Leonardo's KRS 2 phone rang, and upon seeing the caller ID as Tobey Maguire, he answered.

"Oh, Tobey. What's up?" Leonardo greeted.

"Leo, I'll be at your place. Let's play a video game in KS1, Mortal Kombat..." Tobey's voice sounded.

"Play a video game? Sure, I don't have much to do at this time anyway..." Leonardo casually responded, watching the TV.

During this time, he managed to catch the Toy Story teaser.

"The first-ever 3D animated film? Made by Pixar and KiShin, huh..." Leonardo commented as he glanced at the pre-read script of [Spiderman] he had tossed earlier.

After a while, Tobey arrived, and Leo welcomed him at his place. They headed to the living room, where KS1 was already connected to the TV. Leonardo and Tobey then played Mortal Kombat together.

Following their gaming session, the two friends sat down with beers for a conversation.

"You don't seem to get as many projects, huh?" Leonardo observed as he took a sip of his beer.

Tobey nodded and replied, "Yeah... Because of that, I've been drinking alcohol most of the time."

"You should take care of your health. You might develop an alcohol addiction..." Leonardo expressed concern.

"I might already have..." Tobey admitted with a helpless chuckle.

Leonardo looked at his friend, genuinely worried about Tobey's well-being.

'It seems that he is really going through a tough time,' Leonardo couldn't help but think. Unlike himself, who had received numerous film projects, his friend Tobey appeared to be struggling.

Suddenly, Leonardo recalled the [Spiderman] film project from KiShin Pictures. Though fortunate to be considered for the role of Peter Parker, he found the script lacking and felt it wouldn't propel him toward the actor he aspired to be. Leonardo admired actors like Daniel Day-Lewis, driven by passion rather than profit.

Considering Tobey might be interested in the role, Leonardo said, "Tobey, I have a script here from a well-known film studio. If you're interested, you can audition for it." He handed Tobey the [Spiderman] script he had tossed earlier.

Tobey examined the script, muttering, "A known film studio, huh..."

Seeing the title "Spiderman" and the film studio, KiShin Pictures, Tobey's excitement and curiosity surged. "It's from KiShin!" he exclaimed, looking at Leonardo.

"Yeah, it was..." Leonardo smiled, well aware of his friend's admiration for KiShin, fostered by their shared pastime of playing KiShin video games and enjoying blockbuster films produced by the company.

KiShin Pictures had become a prominent name in Hollywood, drawing the interest of many actors, actresses, directors, and writers eager to connect with the studio.

As Tobey read through the script, turning page after page, excitement welled up in him. "Leo! I think I can do this!" he exclaimed.

"Oh, yeah? If you want it, go for it. Audition for the role and give it your best shot," Leonardo encouraged with a smile.

"But... Isn't this your opportunity?" Tobey couldn't help but express his concern, realizing that the script was originally intended for Leonardo. The situation left him feeling a bit conflicted.

Leonardo observed Tobey's concern and assured him, saying, "Don't worry..." Pausing for effect, he added, "I don't like the role; it doesn't suit me." Leonardo nodded, providing Tobey with further reassurance.

"Really?" Tobey questioned, looking to his friend, and Leonardo nodded again with a reassuring smile.

"Besides, I have a tight schedule with another film project offer, so don't worry about me," Leonardo said, smiling.

"In that case, I'll take it," Tobey replied, relieved. He jokingly added, "No taking it back now; don't regret it later."

"Haha, now that I think about it, with KiShin's success in film production, maybe I'll regret it... I take back my words," Leonardo quipped.

Tobey playfully responded, "Wanna take back the script? Haha, dream on. This is mine now."

---

Meanwhile, at KiShin Pictures Headquarters, the casting director received a call from Leonardo DiCaprio about rejecting the role of Peter Parker.

Initially feeling a bit of pity, the casting director was surprised when Leonardo recommended his friend, Tobey Maguire, for the role.

Upon hearing this, the casting director almost blurted out to Leonardo, 'Mr. Suzuki, is that you?'

Feeling quite complicated, he recalled that Tobey Maguire was also recommended by Shinro Suzuki. Now, even Leonardo DiCaprio was vouching for Tobey Maguire.

"What is so special about Tobey Maguire!?" the casting director couldn't help but utter after ending the call with Leonardo DiCaprio.