Kapitel 234: Chapter 234: Someone is Watching You
A successful film, as long as there is potential to continue, will be pushed forward for a sequel by both the production and distribution companies, as well as the participating agencies. This is a universal truth in the film industry worldwide. Sequels to successful films tend to have a higher profitability, even multiple times higher, compared to original films with inherent high risks.
"Sin City" the movie only adapted three segments from Frank Miller's comic, which consists of seven stories, leaving plenty of content for adaptation.
All film companies in Hollywood are commercial entities aiming to make a profit, and it's no surprise that Mira Max wants to schedule a sequel given the success of "Sin City."
However, Bill Rossetti advising Murphy to refuse the sequel was somewhat unexpected, considering he didn't have any special experience.
Murphy didn't think of Bill as a prophet or someone with such extraordinary vision.
"The timing right now is very inappropriate!" Bill quickly explained, "From what I understand, the tension between Mira Max's management and its parent company, Walt Disney, is intensifying. Especially between the Weinstein brothers and Disney chairman Michael Eisner, the conflict has reached an irreconcilable point. The Weinstein brothers are trying to separate Mira Max, which they founded, from Walt Disney. But Michael Eisner won't let them go easily. This struggle has already affected the overseas distribution of 'Sin City'..."
Murphy nodded slightly, having heard about the issues between the Weinsteins and Michael Eisner, but didn't realize it had escalated to this extent.
"The conflict between the Weinstein brothers and Michael Eisner could erupt at any time," Bill continued, "potentially dragging Mira Max's normal operations into it. If the distribution company faces problems, the film will be severely affected."
The capability of a distribution company is obviously crucial to the success of a film.
After some thought, Murphy said, "Find an appropriate reason to decline the sequel collaboration."
He vaguely remembered that the Weinstein brothers didn't manage to successfully separate Mira Max from Walt Disney, and eventually, they had to sell their shares in Mira Max and establish the Weinstein Company.
Whether the projects they left at Mira Max would be valued by the successors was uncertain.
Murphy, having worked hard to establish his current position, wouldn't rashly involve himself in unnecessary risks.
After discussing Mira Max further, Murphy asked, "Did you get the tickets for the Miss Universe contest?"
The Miss Universe contest was about to be held in Malibu. Although Murphy didn't care much about Gal Gadot's chances, and she herself wasn't too concerned, it was still essential to go and support her.
"Grace already arranged it," Bill said, then suggested, "Murphy, Gal has an outstanding appearance. You could persuade her to stay in Hollywood and develop her career."
This would undoubtedly be beneficial for Murphy, better than her returning to Israel for university.
Murphy shook his head, "Let Gal make her own decision."
Of course, Murphy wanted Gal Gadot to stay in Los Angeles, and he would advise her in this regard. Even if it's about studying, there are suitable schools in Los Angeles, but he wouldn't presume to make decisions for her.
Having finished discussing the necessary matters, Bill prepared to leave. Murphy then remembered something else and asked, "I heard Warner Brothers just changed their CEO?"
"A few weeks ago, around the same time Carla Fess entered Twentieth Century Fox," Bill replied immediately. "Why are you suddenly interested in Warner Brothers?"
Murphy had never worked with Warner Brothers or its subsidiaries.
"It's not about interest," Murphy didn't answer directly, "Help me gather some information on Warner Brothers and DC Comics."
Although Bill didn't know Murphy's intentions, he nodded and agreed. After all, agents are there to serve their clients, even those from CAA.
Just after Bill left, Murphy received a call from an unknown number.
"Hello, Murphy Stanton speaking."
"It's me, Murphy," the slightly hoarse voice was very familiar, "Do you have time? Let's meet."
The caller didn't identify himself, but Murphy recognized it as Ross's voice.
Since Murphy bailed Ross out of jail, their relationship had cooled, and their paths diverged further.
Ross had clearly given up the idea of laundering money through his films, cutting off contact.
"Where?" Murphy didn't hesitate, "I'll come to you."
"Downtown, the place we last had beers together."
After hanging up, Murphy took a taxi to downtown. Since moving out, he hadn't returned there.
What could Ross want? This was Murphy's main concern during the ride.
He didn't think Ross would harm him. Though he had refused Ross's money laundering request, Ross hadn't done anything substantial and had cut off contact after being released from jail.
Others might think Ross had completely severed ties with him, but Murphy didn't see it that way. There might not be a concept of "Brotherhood" as in the East, but the camaraderie forged in jail can be reliable.
Murphy guessed that seeing his success in Hollywood, Ross might consider him a problem and chose to distance himself...
Unfortunately, Ross's attempt to go clean was too difficult. It's not just about wanting to clean up; Murphy, having grown up in chaotic slums, knew that suppliers and buyers were unsolvable issues for Ross.
Moreover, having controlled half the downtown market, Murphy doubted that Ross was unsupported by the police, who wouldn't allow him to go clean.
Murphy wouldn't overestimate the integrity of American police; the saying "crows are the same everywhere" isn't just a mere expression.
Shaking his head, Murphy stopped dwelling on these thoughts. With his current capabilities, he couldn't solve these issues, and intervening might only make things worse.
As the taxi neared downtown Los Angeles, Murphy's thoughts shifted to Marvel Comics and DC Comics. Both companies held treasures for him. How could he get a piece of the cake?
Getting the movie rights for Marvel's superheroes seemed impossible, and acquiring Marvel Comics with his abilities and wealth was like a dream.
What about DC Comics? Their three main superheroes had a stronger appeal in America than Marvel's Avengers.
It would be difficult to persuade DC Comics and Warner Brothers. Murphy saw Superman as a trap. His near-perfect setting made it difficult for any director. Bruce Wayne wasn't much better. Warner Brothers had shelved the series, and restarting it would require more than just talk.
As for Diana Prince, in a time where the feminist movement wasn't as strong as in the future, making a superhero movie with a female lead, especially Wonder Woman, known for representing feminism, was a dead end.
Pondering these issues, Murphy got off near Old Chinatown and walked down an alley to a slightly rundown bar. Looking at the sign, he pushed the door and entered.
"Mr. Stanton,"
As soon as he entered, a bald, shiny black man approached, "The boss is waiting inside."
Murphy recognized him and nodded, heading into the bar to find Ross drinking alone at the long bar.
Pulling up a stool, Murphy ordered a dark beer from the bartender.
Hearing the familiar voice, Ross turned and looked at him. "You're here?"
After both had a sip, Murphy noticed a new scar on Ross's face but didn't ask further. For both their sakes, the less he knew, the better.
"I have something to warn you about," Ross said without beating around the bush. "Someone is investigating you."
"Who?" Murphy was startled, "Paparazzi? Journalists? Police?"
"None of them," Ross shook his head. "A few days ago, my guys learned that someone was snooping around your old neighborhood. He also contacted the Vietnamese in Old Chinatown, seemingly checking if you have close ties with downtown drug dealers."
He took a sip, "I had him checked. He's a private detective."
Murphy frowned slightly. What would a private investigator want with him?
"Someone is watching you," Ross drained his glass, left a hundred dollars on the counter, and stood up. "Be careful."
Murphy nodded, "Thanks."
Ross shook his head, "You're being formal."
Murphy patted his arm lightly, "Then I won't say thanks."
Ross smiled, said nothing more, and left the bar.
After finishing his beer, Murphy left the bar. The taxi was still waiting outside. Before getting in, he called Bill Rossetti, "I've been informed that a private investigator is looking into me."
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