Chapter 679: Soul-Stirring

Gal Gadot had her own ideas for the film's casting. She had already contacted Bill Rosic to help find relatively unknown but exceptionally attractive actors and actresses under CAA. This task might be difficult in other industries, but in Hollywood, it was quite easy. There was no shortage of good-looking men and women who had yet to get their big break.

Additionally, she had reached out to several Victoria's Secret Angels. With their tall, curvaceous figures, they were perfect for the female lead. The challenge was to select the most beautiful faces among them, as some Victoria's Secret models had features that were striking but not necessarily appealing to moviegoers.

For the male lead, professional male models could also be considered.

However, there was no rush for these decisions. Gal Gadot knew that the most important task was to assist Murphy with completing the recent two films, including "Dark City." Murphy had meticulously planned this since last year, and the first step of the plan had been very smooth and successful. The Oscars for Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture were the best evidence of this success.

She understood that Murphy's ambitions went beyond just these accolades. He wanted to leverage the unprecedented favorable situation to leave an indelible mark on Hollywood.

After learning about Murphy's plan, Gal Gadot gradually understood why Murphy became friends with people like Diego Ross. Their fervent desire to leave a mark on the world was something they both shared.

Gal Gadot suddenly shook her head. How many people in this world could escape the influence of fame and fortune? She and Murphy certainly could not.

In the ensuing period, her main focus remained on assisting Murphy with the studio and "Dark City." The progress on "Fifty Shades of Grey" was very slow.

On another front, the phone-hacking scandal involving News Corp and the Murdoch family did not directly affect 20th Century Fox. "Dark City" was scheduled for a simultaneous release in the UK, much to Murphy's relief, as losing the British market was something he did not want to see.

Everything returned to normal. As 2012 ended and a new year began, the film's marketing and distribution efforts continued as planned. After the teaser aired during the Super Bowl in early February, Murphy and 20th Century Fox released the first official trailer for "Dark City," generating a strong reaction from fans. Many expressed their anticipation for the film via the internet and social media.

Soon after, a dedicated film market research agency published data showing that in the past two years, "Chaos City" was the most pirated film online. While this was not good news for Stanton Studios and 20th Century Fox, it did indicate that "Chaos City" had built a strong audience base, either directly or indirectly, thanks to its powerful word-of-mouth effect.

With viral marketing, traditional publicity, and various statistical analyses, 20th Century Fox had taken the marketing campaign to its peak.

In late February, after adding the 20th Century Fox and Stanton Studios logos, Murphy completed the post-production of the film. A small-scale internal screening at 20th Century Fox followed, and the results were stunning.

"Murphy..."

Struggling to adjust to the sudden brightness after opening the curtains, James Murdoch stared at Murphy like a devout believer looking at God. "I don't know what to say. Such a film, such impact, I can't find the right words."

Murphy responded modestly, "You're too kind, James."

"No, no, no..." James Murdoch shook his head repeatedly. "This is the best commercial film of the new century!"

He looked at Murphy as if seeing an apple tree that could grow golden apples automatically.

Other high-ranking officials at Fox shared the same sentiment. They were not new to watching internal screenings of Murphy's films, and those films were equally excellent and impressive. However, none had ever been as soul-stirring as "Dark City."

This was undoubtedly the pinnacle of Murphy Stanton's career!

Although James Murdoch had only been in charge of 20th Century Fox for a few years, he had a background in film and a good understanding of the market. He firmly believed that "Dark City" would be a hugely profitable commercial film. If marketed well, it could easily surpass one billion dollars globally.

"Listen up, everyone!" James Murdoch knew that the quality of the film was only the foundation for commercial success. Promotion and distribution were the keys. "Mobilize all available company resources to market this film."

He then turned to Murphy. "I'll personally call the CEOs of the three major commercial theater chains in the US to discuss the theater listings."

Murphy nodded slightly and smiled. "I look forward to your good news."

James Murdoch spoke a few more words before leaving the temporary screening room with other high-ranking officials from 20th Century Fox. Murphy then followed Kara Faith to her office.

"Coffee?" Kara Faith offered as they entered her office. "Or tea?"

Murphy did not hesitate. "Coffee, please."

Kara Faith walked to the coffee machine and prepared a cup of coffee for Murphy. "I thought 'Man of Steel' was your commercial film's peak. I didn't expect 'Dark City' to..."

She paused, seemingly at a loss for words, then added, "If it weren't for the timing, and if the film could be released this awards season, I think you would have a great chance to win the Oscar for Best Director again."

"Who knows?" Murphy shrugged. "It's hard to say."

Kara Faith placed the coffee on the table in front of Murphy. "I'm sure you have more up your sleeve."

Murphy understood what she meant and did not deny it. "From what I know, the Catholic Church and the Vatican are very dissatisfied with 'Diego Ross' and the Oscars' choices. They have launched an internal investigation. Although it's unclear how far it has progressed, they won't give up on the South-Central California diocese."

He took a sip of his coffee. "What worries me most is the Catholic Church's silence. If they do nothing, that would be bad for us. It seems the Church won't stay silent."

Since the last Oscars, Pope Benedict XVI had publicly expressed his displeasure with Murphy, "Diego Ross," and the Academy multiple times.

Hollywood insiders, whether old or young, shared a common trait: they all believed they were special and deserved more freedom.

Thus, Hollywood became the most liberal place in America. Stars and celebrities, carrying the banner of liberalism, openly criticized US presidents.

Those who dared to publicly insult Bush, Obama, and Trump were not fools but rather smart individuals who understood that in today's world, as super celebrities, waving the flag of freedom would not get them into trouble but would instead boost their fame.

All this was based on the concept of freedom. Without it, Hollywood would not be what it is.

"I heard you're still working on Diego Ross' case?" Kara Faith changed the topic. "Do you think he can get parole?"

Murphy took another sip of coffee. "It's very difficult, but we have to try."

Kara Faith shrugged. "That doesn't sound like you."

"Me?" Murphy asked, puzzled. "What's wrong with me?"

"You've already helped him achieve worldwide fame," Kara Faith said bluntly. "That's enough to honor your friendship."

"It's not that simple," Murphy explained. "Think of it like this: if I were in prison, what would you do?"

"Me?" Kara Faith pointed at herself and then laughed. "I'd make sure to visit you every month until you're released."

Murphy was speechless and decided to drop the subject. If there was even a one percent chance, he didn't want Ross to die in prison. Despite the immense difficulty, he never gave up.

Kara Faith sighed but didn't push further. She knew Murphy well and simply said, "Don't get yourself into trouble. You need to consider Gal's feelings."

"I know," Murphy nodded. "Do you think I'd get myself involved?"

Getting himself into trouble while trying to help someone else was not something he would do.

Murphy then changed the subject. "The film releases in early May. Do we have strong competitors before and after our release?"

The industry had known for a while that "Dark City" was scheduled for the start of the summer season in 2013, and there were no major films scheduled for the same weekend.

"Yes," Kara Faith thought for a moment. "Vin Diesel's 'Fast & Furious' series usually releases on the last weekend of April. 'Fast & Furious 6' will be out the weekend before us."

"And the weekend after?" Murphy asked.

"Your old friend's film," Kara Faith laughed. "Leonardo DiCaprio's 'The Great Gatsby' releases on May 10."

Murphy lightly tapped the armrest of his chair. "Those two films, huh?"

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