Chapter 419: Wedding Photoshoot

Amid the ongoing Oscar controversy, Martin received an unexpected message from "The Dark Knight" crew regarding a data leak at Warner Bros. A hacker had infiltrated the crew's database, making off with a significant amount of crucial information.

In a twist inspired by Kim Kardashian's video scandal, the hackers "sold" the pilfered information to TMZ. News of the breach swiftly proliferated across major entertainment websites, gaining traction in numerous print media outlets.

Responding to an emergency declaration from the crew, Martin, prompted by a call from Nolan himself, addressed media reporters at Los Angeles International Airport. He vehemently appealed to TMZ not to publish the unauthorized information.

While on the plane and ascending into the stratosphere, Bruce quipped, "They should give us royalties for copying our ideas."

"Nolan planned it," Martin replied, unbuckling his seatbelt. "He's a brilliant director; how could he compromise his artistic integrity?"

Bruce speculated, "What was stolen this time? Not responsible for Christain Bale's video, I hope."

Martin shook his head. "I'm not entirely sure."

Bruce mused, "Mene and Emma Thomas have always been close."

Martin frowned, considering, "Nolan isn't that reckless."

Upon reaching the hotel from JFK Airport, TMZ had unveiled the stolen information—behind-the-scenes archived footage from the filming period, featuring Martin and Nolan.

This revelation captivated movie fans, sustaining high attention. Seizing the moment, "The Dark Knight" crew released a thirty-second trailer, showcasing a Batman-Joker duel. News surrounding the psychological challenges of Martin and Bale resurfaced.

The "John Wick" crew capitalized on the hype, announcing the provision of a psychologist for Martin during filming. With hacking, intriguing details, news about the actors, and a preview of the heroes' duel, "The Dark Knight" eclipsed the Oscar aftermath, dominating entertainment headlines in late February.

On the internet, the fervor was palpable. Topping major movie websites' lists for the most anticipated films of the 2008 summer season, "The Dark Knight" surpassed even "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Hancock."

During the journey to the Brooklyn studio, Warner Bros.'s Daniel, sharing a car with Martin, praised Nolan's innovative direction.

Martin concurred, "A visionary in the new era, Nolan might ascend to the ranks of first-line directors."

As a Warner Bros. representative, Daniel, responsible for both "The Dark Knight" and recently signed "John Wick," proposed preparation for the Metropolitan Museum of Art Charity Gala in May, an event gaining prominence. He suggested, "Warner Bros. will provide tickets. Get ready for two."

Recalling the chaotic nature of the gala from his previous life, Martin considered, "I want to devise a striking plan. Warner has good suggestions; keep me informed."

Daniel acknowledged, "Warner's conventional thinkers pale in comparison to you. Not even Nolan."

It was a slight disappointment for Martin that Nolan, while adept at hype, couldn't collect copyright fees for his techniques.

At the Brooklyn Studio, two expansive studios and an open-air studio were rented for filming.

Given Martin's past encounters with drug drivers in this location, the crew took precautions by hiring professional security personnel to patrol the set and trailer area.

Approaching the trailer area, Martin encountered Mene, impeccably dressed with a touch of white at his temples, exuding an air of authority befitting his pivotal role in the series.

Mene, meticulously prepared for the role, remarked, "Jonathan, you're late," as Martin handed him a coin, requesting the safest room.

Leading the way, Mene guided Martin to the largest room in the trailer area. Martin and Bruce entered the trailer, and Mene closed the door behind them.

Soon, the costumer and styling car arrived in the trailer, while various crew departments made final preparations under Chad's supervision in the studio.

Chen Hu gathered stuntmen in the studio, emphasizing the need for attention. Meanwhile, extras were already in place, and the studio, resembling a factory, housed not only forklifts and equipment but also Coke bottles in the rest area.

In his specially tailored Brioni suit, Martin entered the studio. Chad, rising from the director's seat, called him to the set. Chen Hu briefed Martin on precautions, emphasizing the specially made Cokes, to which Martin responded, "No problem, I'm adept at hitting people with Coke."

Chad handed Martin a wallet, stressing its importance as a prop. Upon inspection, Martin found change and cards but an empty slot for photos.

Chad explained, "Here are the heroine's photos. Group and wedding photos will be taken in your house later."

Martin, storing the wallet, joked, "Make me look more handsome in my first wedding photos."

Chad laughed, assuring, "No problem, I'll personally take the photos for you."

The crew initially shot all the actions, focusing on real-life situations. After the actors arrived, Chen Hu led Martin and others in warm-up exercises.

Bruce, inspecting firearms, handed a USP pistol to Martin. With Chad's cue, filming commenced.

Martin, single-handedly infiltrating the factory, skillfully executed maneuvers, swiftly taking down enemies with precise shots. The scene showcased his well-practiced firearm skills, including rapid magazine changes—a unique feature of the film.

"Stop!" Chad called, praising the performance. The film, prepared for over a year with months of professional training, benefited from Martin's extensive firearms training.

After a short break, they proceeded to shoot key scenes featuring Coca-Cola, the crew's major sponsor, and Martin, a fervent supporter of the brand.

Certainly, there will never be an implant that is excessively rigid.

For instance, in rural America, an ATM from another country suddenly appears at a local bank.

Stuntman Lewis entered the set, exchanged fist bumps with Martin, saying, "I'll leave my head to you next."

Martin, accustomed to working with Lewis, reassured him, "Don't worry, I won't hurt your face."

The bald Lewis humorously touched his face, saying, "I rely on this face to attract girls."

Filming promptly commenced.

Martin dashed into the factory's rest area, delivering a swift kick to a man's groin. He grabbed the nearby Coke, swung it up, and smashed it on the man's head.

The glass bottle shattered with a crisp sound, and Coke sprayed everywhere.

Two other men armed with daggers rushed towards Martin. He held a Coke bottle in each hand, skillfully dispatching them.

Dodging Lewis's prop gun, Martin seized scattered Coke bottles, tossing them like projectiles. One exploded on Lewis's head, momentarily dazing him. Martin seized the opportunity, kicking him in the eye, restraining him, and bringing him to the ground.

"Where is Ivanov?" Martin inquired.

"I don't know."

Martin took a Coke bottle and struck Lewis's forehead forcefully. As it burst, he repeated, "Ivanov!"

Lewis remained silent.

The Coke onslaught continued. Martin grabbed another bottle, berated Lewis, and delivered another blow.

Chad called for a stop.

Martin swiftly checked, "Is everything okay?"

Lewis gave a thumbs up, saying, "No big deal."

Both actors held their positions.

The camera shifted, a prosthetic hand was brought to Lewis, and the prop Coke was exchanged for a commercially available glass bottle.

Then, Martin wielded a genuine glass Coke bottle, smashing the prosthetic hand. He coerced Lewis's character, the leader, into revealing Ivanov's location.

After extracting the information, Martin, using a Coke bottle, conclusively eliminated the character.

The entire morning was dedicated to filming action sequences.

At noon, Chad granted a special break for Martin to recuperate.

With just two more hours of filming in the afternoon, the crew called it a day.

Martin was set to head to Brooklyn Bridge Park for a wedding photoshoot with his on-screen heroine.