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After a full day on set, Matthew took off his makeup, changed into his own clothes, and followed the other extras to the food trucks for dinner.
Since Michael Sheen had gone off to chat with Helen Herman elsewhere, Matthew grabbed a boxed meal and found a seat by himself at the edge of the dining area. He opened it and started eating.
Even though extras didn't make much and were usually low on the totem pole, the meals on the Gladiator set were surprisingly good—actually kind of amazing. There was a full spread: grilled beef, chicken, fish, burgers, hot dogs, salads, rice, pasta, baguettes, drinks, desserts, even ice cream. It was all self-serve, and there were real tables and chairs too.
He'd overheard someone say that if filming went late, they'd even bring out snacks and drinks for the crew.
To someone like Matthew, who was just scraping by, this was like hitting the jackpot—free food, a place to stay, and they were even paying him for it.
The only downside? When this job ended, who knew how long it would take to find another one like it?
Matthew was realistic—sets this generous were rare in Hollywood, even for big productions.
As he was chewing on a piece of grilled beef, his phone—which he'd just turned back on—suddenly rang.
The number was unfamiliar, but he answered anyway. "Hello?"
"It's Helen," came a familiar voice. "Where are you?"
"I'm at the extras' dining area—east side."
"Okay, stay there. I'm coming over."
Click. She hung up.
Matthew quickly finished his food, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and didn't have to wait long before Helen Herman showed up, dressed in a sharp, tailored suit.
"Over here, Helen." He waved her over, trying to play it cool. "Have you eaten yet?"
"Not yet," Helen said, adjusting her glasses as she sat across from him. "There's a role I think you're right for."
Matthew perked up immediately. He remembered Ridley Scott mentioning something like that earlier—maybe this was it. "What kind of role? I mean, I was on camera earlier…"
"No worries," Helen said. "That was a wide shot—your face wasn't visible. This is for a barbarian chieftain. There are a few fight scenes."
"A barbarian chieftain?" Matthew's heart skipped a beat.
Helen nodded. "There'll be a close-up and a few full-body shots. It's a proper supporting role."
"I'll take it!" he said without hesitation. "Where do I sign?"
Helen chuckled. "Hold on, cowboy. I have to be honest with you—there's a bit of risk. The role involves some stunt work. Nothing crazy, but it's there."
"They'll have safety measures in place, right?" he asked.
"Absolutely," she said. "I'll renegotiate your contract to make sure you're insured. Less than a one percent chance of injury."
Matthew nodded. "Alright, and… what about the pay?"
"Just for this role? Eight thousand dollars."
"Eight grand?" Matthew almost jumped out of his seat. "Helen, please—give it to me!"
He had bills to pay, college debt, late fees piling up… This was exactly what he needed.
"Alright." Helen stood up. "I'll go talk to production. Don't wander off. Keep your phone on—you might have to audition."
Matthew gave her a big thumbs-up. "Got it!"
He'd spent the last week making himself visible to Helen Herman—not in a sleazy way, but to keep himself on her radar. And it had finally paid off.
Not far away, a tall young man spotted Helen and hurried over, putting on his best smile. "Hi, Ms. Herman."
Helen glanced at him and recognized him as one of the other extras from Angel Agency, but she was in no mood for small talk. She gave a quick nod and kept walking.
Michael Sheen froze in place, confused. Why had she ignored him?
Then he saw her walking away from Matthew's table—and suddenly it made sense.
She hadn't come looking for him, but for Matthew?
That stung.
Still, Michael kept his cool. He sauntered over and casually sat down across from Matthew. "What was that about? Is she into you or something?"
Matthew rolled his eyes. "Don't be ridiculous. She offered me a part. Said I fit the role."
"What kind of part?" Michael's interest spiked.
"Barbarian chieftain," Matthew said, trying to sound nonchalant.
He gave Michael a quick rundown of the role.
Michael's eyes widened. "Wait—why'd she think of you and not me?"
That came out wrong, so he quickly added, "No offense, man. I just mean—you really made a good impression."
Matthew shrugged with a smile. "Guess I got lucky."
Honestly, it probably helped that Helen had seen his face so often the past few days. Familiarity mattered.
Michael sat back, looking disappointed. He'd been trying for three years and had never even gotten a line, let alone a real role.
He looked at Matthew and asked, "Hey… are we friends?"
The question caught Matthew off guard, but he nodded. "Yeah, sure."
They'd been hanging out on set, helping each other out—he did consider Michael a friend.
Michael sighed, sounding bitter. "Man, I'm jealous. You got to do a scene with Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie, and now this…"
There was something in his tone that made Matthew uneasy.
"I've been here three years, done so many gigs, and never even gotten a speaking part," Michael continued. "Sometimes I feel like the universe is just screwing with me."
Matthew didn't say anything. He understood the feeling all too well.
Michael gave a heavy sigh. "I even quit my side job to take this one. If this doesn't work out, I'm screwed."
Matthew could sense what was coming.
Sure enough, Michael leaned in. "Matthew… do me a favor? If you can help a friend out, now's the time."
Now it was clear—he wanted the role.
But this wasn't just some background spot. This was an $8,000 gig. Matthew had debts to pay. Rent. School loans. He couldn't just give this up.
"Mike… it's not up to me," he said, trying to be gentle. "Helen picked me. I don't have any say in the matter."
Michael didn't give up. "That's not true! You're the one she knows best from Angel Agency. If you recommend me, she'd definitely consider it."
Matthew stayed quiet.
Even if he wanted to pass it on, there was no guarantee Helen would go for it. And if he pushed too hard, he might lose the role himself.
After a long pause, he let out a breath. "Sorry, Mike. I can't help you."
This opportunity wasn't something he could afford to lose.