As the largest entertainment agency in Hollywood, CAA had numerous well-known directors as clients. To adapt to the times and changes, they studied how best to leverage directors' reputations and influence to further promote their works. After years of field tests and research, they discovered that top-tier directors being overly friendly with fans wasn't effective.
On the contrary, maintaining a certain distance and mystique about themselves and their works actually attracted more attention.
Despite being in the same industry, different professions had their own survival rules.
So, from the beginning, Murphy rarely interacted directly with fans. As CAA's research suggested, his fan support didn't dwindle; it grew.
This was also related to the nature of the directing profession. Directors ultimately relied on their works to speak for them, whereas stars sometimes didn't need that.
For example, since winning Oscars, stars like Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman had few noteworthy works, yet they remained highly popular.
Murphy and Kara Faith patiently watched Henry Cavill and Margot Robbie interact with fans from the backstage rest area. Although the fans were pre-selected, the atmosphere was lively, and the media's enthusiasm made the event successful.
It wasn't until the final fan Q&A session that Murphy and Kara Faith took the stage.
In such events, all questions and questioners were pre-arranged, allowing Murphy, Henry Cavill, and Margot Robbie to handle them easily.
However, at the last moment, the questions were handed over to the real fans present.
"Murphy, can I ask you a question?"
A female fan in the front row spoke up. Seeing Murphy gesture for her to continue, she asked, "Your movies are different from those mindless popcorn flicks. We love them. How do you do it?"
Without waiting for an answer, she asked another question, "And don't you think there are too many characters dying in your films?"
"Most current films are like softcore magazines. I still miss the traditional storytelling method." Although the first question wasn't sharp, Murphy's answer was eye-catching. The reporters perked up, some already thinking of headlines—Murphy Stanton slams Hollywood movies as softcore...
Murphy intentionally said this. Controversy had always surrounded him, and he didn't mind adding more.
He continued, "Do you know what else I miss? The era when movies were about storytelling. Nowadays, commercial films have women wearing less and less, looking like they've had breast implants. I know I sound like an old man, but it's true."
The audience burst into laughter. Thinking it over, Murphy's words made a lot of sense. Isn't that what commercial films are like now?
The journalists were equally excited, always eager for controversial figures to say more controversial things.
But Murphy knew when to stop. He shifted the topic, "I make movies for the fanboy in me, to empower myself. I make movies to live through characters, to explore things that scare me. I make movies to do what fans fantasize about when they see a story."
He spread his hands, loudly proclaiming, "I love fantasy, action, sci-fi. I'm interested in things that don't happen in real life because they are a reflection of real life. Ultimately, I'm most interested in the adventure and excitement movies bring."
"As for why so many characters die in my films..." Murphy pondered briefly before saying, "Every time I kill a character, I feel invigorated and relieved. Don't call me a 'character killer.' Shakespeare did it more than me."
This made not only the fans laugh but also Margot Robbie and Henry Cavill on stage.
Another male fan took the microphone and brought the focus back to the movie. "Murphy, in 'City of Chaos,' was James Franco's character a setup for the future? And the deaths of Rena and Jay Rachel's father, those weren't explained. Does the second part continue from the first?"
Although 20th Century Fox and Murphy himself had acknowledged a sequel to "City of Chaos," they hadn't addressed these questions directly.
Murphy exchanged a glance with Kara Faith and made a quick decision. He said, "The second part will continue from the first. James Franco's character, the Magician, will be the second male lead."
After revealing some information, he added, "I will fill in the gaps I've dug. In my movies, I want everything to be a complete experience. If I leave a hole and don't fill it... then f**k me."
The day after the Comic-Con event, the media was full of reports about Murphy. Many newspapers, as usual, focused on the controversial parts. But Murphy didn't mind; he had spoken knowing it would be reported.
Compared to traditional print media, online platforms like IMDB discussion forums, Murphy's official social media, and fan comments were overwhelmingly positive, with many fans expressing their anticipation for the "City of Chaos" sequel.
"At yesterday's San Diego Comic-Con, we finally got news that 'City of Chaos' sequel is in the works. I can finally rest easy. I believe a film personally crafted by Murphy will be a feast not to be missed!"
This was a pinned comment in the Murphy Stanton discussion section on IMDB, with views easily exceeding ten thousand.
"A good movie gives you shocks and surprises from every aspect, like a galaxy with every star shining brightly. Discovering one star leads you to another, with Murphy Stanton always being the brightest."
A fan comment on Murphy's official Twitter received nearly a hundred thousand likes.
In the study of Wave Manor, Gal Gadot closed her laptop, stood up, poured a cup of tea, and brought it to Murphy's desk without saying a word.
Murphy took her hand, kissed it lightly, and set aside his work. "Thank you, dear."
Gal Gadot didn't respond, instead, she glanced at the laptop screen, showing a segment of a script.
"Scene 1, Act 1!"
"The weather is gloomy, rain is imminent. A wet breeze blows through the church windows. Young Diego Ross walks forward with the priest."
"The priest asks: 'Are your foster parents treating you badly?'"
"Diego Ross replies: 'They abuse me and hurt me.'"
"The priest says lovingly: 'Let me see your wounds. I have medicine. Come with me. The Lord never abandons any faithful believers...'"
Seeing this, Gal Gadot said nothing, returning to her desk to handle post-release work and data for "City of Chaos."
Murphy took a sip of tea, stood up, walked behind Gal Gadot, and gently massaged her shoulders. She ignored him, focusing on her work.
While they rarely had conflicts, every couple had their share of disagreements. Murphy and Gal Gadot were no exception.
Murphy could tell Gal Gadot was upset.
"Still mad?" Murphy moved one hand up, gently massaging her furrowed brow. "Frowning too much will give you wrinkles."
Whether it was his massage or his words, Gal Gadot's slight frown quickly disappeared.
Murphy continued, "We have a photoshoot for Vogue coming up. Be careful not to look bad."
Gal Gadot glanced at the sequel plan for "City of Chaos" and said, "You can start preparing this one."
"Dear..." Murphy knew why Gal Gadot was upset and sighed softly. "I promised Ross. I will keep my word."
After careful consideration, Murphy had decided to use the gap between "City of Chaos" and its sequel to shoot and produce Ross's biographical film, fulfilling a promise to his friend.
He couldn't get Ross out of prison, so he had to fulfill this not-so-extravagant wish.
Since he started writing the script for Ross's film, Gal Gadot had been noticeably unhappy. Especially today, after Murphy had a call with Kara Faith about the film's distribution, she hadn't said a word.
Murphy wouldn't care if it were anyone else, but Gal Gadot was different. She was the closest person to him in this world.
He bent down and hugged Gal Gadot from behind. "Dear, you can't expect me to break my promise to a friend, can you?"
Gal Gadot struggled a bit, stood up, and faced Murphy. "I know I can't change your mind, and you won't hand this project to someone else."
By now, she could see that Murphy had no intention of giving Ross's film to another director.
"I can't stop you," Gal Gadot said, her worry evident. "You can make this film."
Murphy sighed in relief, but Gal Gadot's voice suddenly rose. "But why do you have to involve the Catholic Church?"
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