At a child-actor audition Ms. Lewis tells hopefuls they’ll earn money if they pass. Holly Mayers arrives with her confident mother who insists the lead is hers, sparking a rival parent’s accusation that they treat Holly like a cash cow. Holly performs but judges and parents attack her age and skill. A judge points out the Mayerses funded the movie, highlighting possible favoritism. Then a new contestant draws attention as recent viral kid Efa. Producers notice, but Leo curtly rejects her: "this kid won't do." Casting is split and the final choice remains unresolved.