Chapter 41: A Candidate for Mason
Although Duke didn't feel great about it, he knew the original production's first choice for John Mason had been Arnold Schwarzenegger. They had only brought Connery in as a last-minute replacement when the future governor dropped out over scheduling conflicts. Still, the team had sent an invitation to CAA. Given the character's background as a former British agent, they couldn't find anyone better suited for the role than Sean Connery on such short notice. CAA replied after just three days, and the two sides arranged to meet at the Warner Building.
But Duke hadn't expected to see a familiar face when he and Charles Roven arrived at the reception room to represent the production.
"Duke, I didn't expect us to meet again so soon."
The man walking over to shake his hand was CAA heavyweight Martin Bobb. Duke put on a polite, formal smile. "Martin. Good to see you."
As Charles Roven stepped up to shake the agent's hand, Duke figured it out. CAA employed a cross-management system for their A-list stars. A veteran, high-priority client like Sean Connery would definitely be in the hands of a top-tier agent like Martin Bobb.
For all he knew, Michael Ovitz himself was one of Connery's co-managers.
Taking his seat, Duke remained silent, perfectly content to let Charles Roven take the lead.
"I wonder if Mr. Connery..."
Martin Bobb cut Roven off before he could finish, underscoring just how overbearing CAA agents could be. "Sean is very interested in the role of Mason, and CAA is very interested in The Rock."