The Lincoln Center was teeming with people today, with countless fans and reporters gathered in front of the New York State Theater. Each time a star walked the red carpet, the crowd erupted in cheers.
"There are so many people here today," remarked Morrison Cole, a reporter from The New York Times, to Amanda DeJoco, a reporter from the New York Post standing next to him. "There must be at least a few thousand fans."
Amanda DeJoco flicked her brown ponytail over her shoulder and said, "For safety reasons, didn't you see the outer perimeter of Lincoln Center when you came in? There are over ten thousand people out there, all waving banners in support of Murphy Stanton."
"20th Century Fox is really smart," Morrison Cole commented. "Amanda, since both the New York Post and 20th Century Fox are under News Corporation, do you have any insider information?"
Amanda DeJoco shook her head. "I don't know the specifics, but our newspaper received instructions from the corporate office to closely follow this incident."
As seasoned journalists, they could often sense connections behind major news events even without solid evidence. When the true motives weren't clear, looking at who benefited most could reveal a lot.
Undoubtedly, Murphy Stanton and "The Wolf of Wall Street" were the biggest beneficiaries of this "investigation scandal." Such a non-commercial film attracting attention from over five hundred media outlets worldwide for its premiere was immensely beneficial.
However, such thoughts remained unspoken. Neither Morrison Cole nor Amanda DeJoco would voice them aloud. Public opinion in America was firmly on Murphy Stanton's side, and going against mainstream sentiment would be unwise.
"'The Wolf of Wall Street's' North American and even international box office should be fine," Amanda DeJoco said as a black Bentley limousine stopped at the red carpet. "I just wonder how many hundreds of millions it will make."
Morrison Cole nodded. "Murphy Stanton truly is a born winner."
"Is there really such a thing as a born winner?" Amanda DeJoco disagreed, watching Murphy Stanton lead his tall, beautiful girlfriend onto the red carpet. "He earned everything through hard work, didn't he?"
Morrison Cole smiled and said no more. As Murphy Stanton and Gal Gadot approached, the crowded media area of hundreds began to boil over. He raised his camera among the throng, ready to capture photos of America's most famous couple of the past fortnight.
Murphy and Gal Gadot walked the red carpet faster than most celebrities, quickly reaching the interview area. Morrison Cole and Amanda DeJoco, along with other reporters, swarmed towards them, eager to hear what they had to say.
"Quiet! Quiet!" shouted a staff member behind Murphy, trying to maintain order. Four bodyguards formed a protective wall, keeping Murphy and Gal Gadot securely behind them.
Despite the staff's efforts, the sheer number of reporters made the scene chaotic. It took a while for things to calm down.
Finally, in a semblance of order, reporters began asking questions in turn.
"Director Stanton, I'm Morrison Cole from The New York Times," he shouted over the security personnel and Murphy's bodyguards. "What are your thoughts on the LAPD's illegal investigation?"
Murphy paused briefly before responding loudly, "It taught me that the world isn't as clean as I thought. But only by recognizing the ugliness can we truly appreciate and cherish the beauty."
Murphy's responses about the "investigation scandal" were sharp. This wasn't a place for humility and moderation like across the Pacific. Being oppressed and responding mildly would only make one seem weak, inviting more trouble.
Hollywood and any commercial circle are rife with competition. Making a name for oneself required more than being a saint. When someone tried to use past actions against you, pushing back firmly yielded different results compared to being overly humble.
The latter often attracted more trouble.
"Murphy, I'm Emil Ferrara from the Los Angeles Times," said a female reporter, trying to get her recorder closer to Murphy. "The pre-sales for 'The Wolf of Wall Street' have reached $27.2 million, setting a record for an R-rated film. What do you think?"
"Thank you to the audience for your support," Murphy said earnestly. "I'll work even harder to make films you love."
As of noon today, the pre-sales for "The Wolf of Wall Street's" opening weekend reached $27.2 million. This meant the film's opening weekend box office wouldn't fall below that figure.
This was the most direct feedback from the "investigation scandal," with more benefits to emerge later.
For instance, due to its explicit content and niche subject matter, 20th Century Fox initially secured 3,560 theaters for the film's release. But after the scandal, major commercial theaters in the North American Theater Alliance increased their showings of "The Wolf of Wall Street," bringing the total to 3,950 theaters, just shy of the 4,000 mark.
This was the highest opening theater count for an R-rated film in recent years.
After the interviews, routine activities followed. Following the group photo, Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., Jonah Hill, James Franco, and Seth Rogen walked into the New York State Theater together.
"You've helped us so much," James Franco sighed, turning to Murphy. "We can't do much for you except say things that align with your stance."
Murphy patted his shoulder lightly. "No need for such formalities among us."
"Exactly," Jonah Hill chimed in. "I can't do much for Murphy, but I'm his if he needs me!"
"Get out of here!" Robert Downey Jr. nudged Jonah Hill. "What would Murphy want with your fat body?"
Seth Rogen added, "Maybe for the oil."
The group burst into laughter as they walked into the theater's foyer, where many people were already gathered.
"What are you laughing about?" Kara Faith and Megan Ellison approached. "Care to share?"
Jonah Hill shook his head vigorously. "No way. This isn't something to share."
He adopted a mysterious tone, "It's a secret among Stanton followers!"
"You have secrets?" Megan Ellison teased. "Are you planning to write a book about it?"
"That's a great idea," Jonah Hill's eyes widened. "I could write about..."
He pointed to Murphy, James Franco, and the others. "Your stories would cover my retirement."
They laughed again before gradually dispersing. After chatting with Murphy, Megan Ellison prepared to leave, but Murphy called her back.
"Wait, Megan."
She turned back. "Anything else, Murphy?"
She hoped Murphy had something to ask of her, implying future collaboration.
Only a fool wouldn't want to work with Murphy Stanton. The pre-sales alone for "The Wolf of Wall Street" indicated inevitable success, with the only question being the profit margin.
"I'd like to introduce you to someone," Murphy said, turning to Gal Gadot. "Could you bring Jessica Chastain over?"
Murphy had spotted Jessica Chastain earlier, waiting nearby to greet him. She seemed hesitant due to the surrounding crowd.
Gal Gadot nodded and quickly approached Jessica Chastain, whispering something. Jessica Chastain followed her back.
"Jess, I'd like you to meet a friend," Murphy said directly. "This is Megan Ellison, a young but outstanding film investor."
Jessica Chastain immediately understood. Murphy was helping her out.
Murphy introduced Megan Ellison. "This is Jessica Chastain, an excellent actress who started as my assistant."
The two women greeted each other. Megan Ellison said, "I know you. You starred in Murphy's 'Planet Terror.'"
Having helped Murphy, Jessica Chastain knew he wouldn't forget her. His reputation for fairness was why she supported him, knowing she'd get something in return.
Murphy turned to Megan Ellison. "I heard you're investing in several projects. If there's a suitable role, don't forget Jess."
Megan Ellison smiled. "No problem."
Jessica Chastain quickly said, "Thank you."
Murphy nodded to Jessica Chastain. "It's about time. Let's go in."
The screening of "The Wolf of Wall Street" was about to begin.
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