Chapter 683: The Black Carpet Ceremony

As a dark crime drama set against the backdrop of New York City, "The Dark Knight" naturally had its premiere in New York. The New York State Theater at Lincoln Center, now fully equipped to screen IMAX films, once again served as the venue for Murphy's film premiere.

"What the hell! Are you kidding me?"

This was the reaction of nearly every media reporter arriving at the New York State Theater for the premiere. They were all stunned by the unconventional setup!

A pure black carpet stretched from the theater entrance to the edge of the road, creating a stark, distinctive look. Yes, to match the film's style, Murphy had 20th Century Fox lay out a 280-foot-long black carpet. While not entirely unprecedented in Hollywood, it was certainly rare.

Even more surprising to the reporters was that every cast member and guest walking the black carpet wore black formal attire. Margot Robbie, the leading actress, donned a deep black women's suit.

The black carpet ceremony concluded with Henry Cavill riding the futuristic motorcycle from the film up to the theater entrance, drawing excited screams from countless fans.

Aside from these spectacles, the premiere followed the usual procedures.

"James's performance is great. When I watched the finished film, James wasn't just an actor, not just my friend and colleague; he became the magician, completely living within the character."

In the interview area, Murphy was talking to reporters about James Franco's portrayal of the magician. "He shaped the magician into a thoroughly deranged and violent character, but he remains human, which is terrifying. If he wasn't human, we wouldn't believe in him."

A reporter from Fox Television asked, "Is there any scene in the film you're especially eager to show the audience?"

Murphy thought for a moment and said, "I cherish every scene I shot. There are many scenes I'm eager to show, especially the action sequences shot in IMAX format. They're truly stunning—particularly the life-and-death duel between Chris Dane and the magician."

IMAX Corporation invested heavily in "The Dark City," which would be shown on 195 IMAX screens across North America. Eighty IMAX theaters would run the film all day, and at least 178 more IMAX theaters worldwide would screen it the following week.

This move was not only set to break the record for IMAX screens but also to set a new box office record. Conservative estimates projected that "The Dark City" would surpass eight million dollars in its North American IMAX opening weekend.

This would set a new record for IMAX film revenue.

After the interview, Murphy left the media area and found Gal Gadot, dressed in black. Next came the formalities: group photos with the cast, sponsors, and guests. As the sun set, Murphy led the entire cast into the IMAX-converted New York State Theater to the cheers of countless fans.

Many guests at the premiere gathered in the theater lobby.

"Murphy, over here!"

Upon entering the lobby, Murphy heard Jonah Hill's familiar voice and walked over with Gal Gadot. The Stanton Gang, except for Jonah Hill and James Franco, had already gathered there.

"Long time no see, Jonah." Murphy asked curiously, "What have you been up to lately?"

Jonah Hill shrugged. "Filming '21 Jump Street 2' with Channing Tatum, but I'm planning to join Seth's new project."

Murphy looked at Seth Rogen. "It's a good idea, but consider everything carefully."

"Yeah." Seth Rogen nodded. "Anyway, it's about killing that fat guy, not involving other countries or political figures."

Supported by Kara Faith, 20th Century Fox had begun reviewing Seth Rogen and James Franco's new project. If all went well, the film, centered on assassinating a certain leader across the Pacific, would likely enter pre-production by the end of this year or early next year.

Murphy refrained from commenting further. In Hollywood, as long as there was profit, film companies wouldn't care about the feelings of any country or political figure. 

From certain perspectives, this was the freedom of filmmaking in Hollywood. Whether this freedom infringed upon others was secondary to profits.

"You're all here."

Margot Robbie approached and greeted Robert Downey Jr. and Seth Rogen. Hearing Jonah Hill and Seth Rogen discuss the new project, she asked, "Is there a role suitable for me?"

"Actually, yes." Jonah Hill circled Margot Robbie and said, "There's a beautiful CIA agent in the script."

He looked at Seth Rogen. "We could invite Maggie for a cameo."

"Yeah... yeah..." Seth Rogen nodded quickly. "That's a great idea."

They didn't hesitate to invite Margot Robbie, and she glanced at Gal Gadot. Gal had once told her that to truly become a member of the Stanton Gang, she needed Murphy's approval and the acceptance of other members.

So, even though she knew from Kara Faith that it was a crude comedy, she offered to make a cameo.

It was well-known that the Stanton Gang was famous for their mutual support.

Margot Robbie smiled. "It's settled then."

"No problem." Seth Rogen said earnestly. "I'll send you the script for the role tomorrow."

Watching his friends discuss a film about assassinating a country's leader, Murphy didn't react particularly. This kind of thing was common in Hollywood. Besides, while his impression of that country wasn't bad, it wasn't great either.

Seeing Murphy and the others discussing work, Margot Robbie moved to Gal Gadot's side and quietly asked, "You don't look well today."

Not even her exquisite makeup could completely hide the fatigue on Gal Gadot's face.

"Been too busy lately." Gal Gadot whispered back. "I'm coordinating the premiere with 20th Century Fox, managing Paul Wilson's crew, and working on 'Fifty Shades of Grey'..."

Margot Robbie glanced at Murphy and said sympathetically, "I think Murphy is treating you like a slave."

"This is what I chose to do." Gal Gadot found her life fulfilling. "It's like playing different roles. When you complete them, there's a great sense of accomplishment."

"But it's so tiring..." Margot Robbie hesitated and then asked, "Do you feel happy?"

"Maggie, what do you think happiness is?" Before she could answer, Gal Gadot continued, "Happiness isn't everlasting, isn't grand, isn't being pampered. Happiness is fulfilling every small wish in life and work. When you want to do something you like, you have the opportunity to do it, and when you want to be loved, there's someone to love you."

Margot Robbie shrugged. "I can't argue with you."

She leaned in and whispered in Gal Gadot's ear, "To me, happiness is being mistreated by someone I like."

"Maggie!" Gal Gadot thought she was joking and raised her eyebrows. "Don't joke about that in a place like this, okay?"

"Alright, alright..." Margot Robbie admitted her mistake. "I spoke out of turn."

Murphy's voice suddenly sounded nearby, "It's about time. Let's head into the theater."

Gal Gadot and Margot Robbie followed Murphy and the others into the newly refurbished IMAX theater.

Meanwhile, outside nearly 4,000 theaters across North America, countless fans were lining up, eagerly awaiting the screening. Some were disappointed that, despite the theaters adding advance screenings of "The Dark City," many still couldn't get tickets.

Though the film would be released on a larger scale tomorrow, they were desperate to see Murphy's new work as soon as possible.

In Los Angeles, Daisy had just arrived at the theater entrance when she saw a fan holding up a sign that read, "High price for 'The Dark City' tickets!"

"Poor guy."

Despite having an extra ticket in her pocket for Justin, Daisy couldn't help the fan, even though she felt sorry for him.

Similar scenes played out in front of many theaters screening "The Dark City." Fans who hadn't gotten tickets were making last-ditch efforts to secure a seat for the advance screening.

For fans who had seen "Chaos City" and were excited by the pre-release promotions, waiting even one more night was unbearable!

At a Beverly Hills theater, Leonardo DiCaprio sat in a VIP box in a massive IMAX theater. Looking down, he saw a sea of heads, with not a single empty seat in sight under the bright ceiling lights.

"If next week's 'The Great Gatsby' could have one-third of tonight's attendance, I'd be happy."

Despite his ongoing feud with Murphy Stanton, DiCaprio's expectations were modest. "The Great Gatsby" was set to release the weekend after "The Dark City," and its reception and box office performance would undoubtedly be affected by the latter.

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