Chapter 781: Hollywood is innocent

  That night, the public discourse erupted like fireworks on New Year's Eve. Television networks dedicated every hour to dissecting the unfolding drama, while cyberspace buzzed incessantly with searches focused solely on the harrowing incident.

  Captivated by the drama that unfolded at the movie premiere, a swarm of journalists swarmed the scene, capturing every angle imaginable. The resulting deluge of footage and images flooded every media platform, with particular attention on one figure: Martin.

  Remarkably, Martin found himself in a position where his actions spoke louder than any words could. As footage emerged, depicting the heart-pounding rescue, corporate giants like Cadillac and Coca-Cola swiftly intervened, acquiring rights to these riveting accounts and leveraging them across various media channels.

  With the narrative now crystal clear, Escalade as the unsung hero, Coca-Cola as the beverage of choice in moments of crisis, Martin could afford the luxury of silence. There existed a chorus of voices eager to amplify his heroism, spanning from traditional news outlets to the farthest reaches of the internet, where hashtags celebrating his bravery trended on platforms like Twitter, YouTube, and TMZ.

  "Martin's actions saved countless lives!" proclaimed one tweet, echoing sentiments reverberating across the digital landscape. "Without Martin's swift intervention, the toll would have been unimaginable!" chimed another, encapsulating the prevailing sentiment.

  Yet, amidst this outpouring of admiration, another somber narrative emerged, casting a shadow over the collective consciousness. News of Vin Diesel's tragic demise rippled through the ether, triggering an outpouring of grief from fans worldwide.

  "Farewell, Dom, your legend lives on in our hearts," mourned one fan, encapsulating the sentiment shared by legions of followers. "Your presence brought joy to millions; may you find peace in the afterlife," eulogized another, encapsulating the profound impact Diesel had on his audience.

  But amidst the mourning, a counterpoint emerged, urging fans to honor Diesel's memory in a more tangible way: by flocking to theaters to experience his final cinematic offering, "The Dark Knight Rises."

  Aware of the solemn occasion, the film's official website underwent a somber transformation, veiled in monochrome hues with Diesel's visage occupying a place of honor. Meanwhile, at the Dolby Theater, the solemnity was palpable, with images of the victims adorning the entrance, none more prominently than Vin Diesel himself.

  As the morning sun cast its gentle glow upon the scene, a procession of black vehicles arrived, disgorging a cadre of mourners clad in mourning attire. Among them were Martin, Nicholson, and Leonardo, bearing bouquets of flowers as tokens of remembrance, their solemn footsteps echoing against the backdrop of the theater.

  Following closely behind were Nolan and Emma Thomas, their presence a testament to the indelible mark Diesel had left on the cinematic landscape. Together, they formed a somber tableau, paying homage to a fallen icon while silently reaffirming the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.

  Gathered around, a throng of reporters encircled the entrance to the Dolby Theater, their presence a testament to the gravity of the moment.

  Amidst the sea of floral tributes and flickering candlelight paying homage to Vin Diesel's legacy, Nicholson, his disinterest palpable, veered toward a wall adorned with a poignant photograph of a young girl. There, he tenderly placed his bouquet, a silent gesture of respect.

  Meanwhile, Martin and Leonardo, their expressions solemn, opted to set their flowers aside, their silent reverence speaking volumes.

  As Nolan and Emma Thomas approached, the group of five bowed their heads in unison, a gesture of solemn solidarity that transcended words.

  "May God be with you," whispered a reporter, their voice a hushed invocation amidst the somber tableau.

  The trio of Martin, Nicholson, and Leonardo retreated without a word, declining the barrage of interview requests that besieged them.

  However, Nolan and Emma Thomas, having previously agreed to speak with the press, remained behind. Their intention was clear: to eulogize Vin Diesel, to reminisce about the camaraderie shared on set, and to kindle the collective nostalgia of American cinema enthusiasts for the fallen star.

  Yet, amidst the solemnity, the reporters tracking Martin and his companions remained vigilant. Their cameras poised, pens at the ready, they understood that silence did not equate to absence of news. With each click of the shutter and tap of the keyboard, narratives were woven and headlines born.

  Amidst the throng, a middle-aged woman accompanied by a teenage girl approached, bearing flowers as a token of remembrance. Catching sight of Martin, the girl's eyes welled with tears as she approached him with a mixture of awe and gratitude.

  "Martin," she began, her voice trembling with emotion, "I was there last night, right outside the Dolby Theater when the tragedy struck. I thought it was the end for me, but... I survived. And it's because of you."

  Martin's response caught in his throat, his eyes betraying the weight of the moment as he nodded in acknowledgement.

  "You risked everything to save us," the girl continued, her voice gaining strength with each word. "You're not just a hero on the silver screen; you're a real-life hero, flesh and blood."

  "Thank you," Martin murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "May God watch over us all."

  With that, he followed Nicholson and Leonardo to the waiting car, the weight of the girl's gratitude heavy on his shoulders.

  As they departed, the girl and her mother stood transfixed, their gazes lingering on Martin's retreating figure, a silent tribute to his selflessness.

  In the quiet of the car, Nicholson exhaled deeply, breaking the tension. "This solemn atmosphere isn't quite my style," he remarked, a hint of relief evident in his voice.

Leonardo's voice cut through the tension, his tone measured yet reassuring. "Regardless of whether the Joker was behind this or not, the fallout won't tarnish your image significantly."

  Martin's reply was terse but resolute. "As long as I keep my composure, I'll weather this storm."

  Nicholson, peering out through the curtains, observed the ongoing interviews with the Nofs. With a decisive nod, he signaled to the driver. "Let's get moving," he directed, the urgency evident in his tone.

  As Martin settled into the passenger seat, he glanced at the dashboard clock before switching on the car radio, seeking a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos.

  Minutes ticked by until the President's stern condemnation of the terrorist attack at the White House echoed through the speakers, followed by the announcement of the nation mourning, symbolized by flags flown at half-mast.

  At noon, the Los Angeles police convened a press conference, unveiling details about the gunmen. James Holmes, the ringleader, suffered from severe schizophrenia, while evidence found at Bob's residence hinted at international terrorist connections.

  Despite law enforcement's efforts to quell unrest, the online narrative took a divergent turn. Photos and videos flooded the internet, each frame etching the sinister visages of the clown-clad assailants into public memory.

  Echoes of clownish laughter reverberated in cyberspace, elevating the once-mundane figures to mythic heights.

  Calls for delaying the release of "The Dark Knight Rises" reverberated through media channels, citing the film's alleged role in the tragedy. Yet, the studio balked at the notion, wary of squandering the considerable investment poured into publicity campaigns.

  A united front emerged from Hollywood's ranks, staunchly defending the film industry against scapegoating. Experts lent their voices to the chorus, attributing the violence to individual pathology rather than media influence.

  "Such tragedies stem from a distorted perception of reality," asserted a renowned psychologist in a media interview, absolving films of culpability.

  Meanwhile, a sociologist challenged detractors, positing that violence predates the advent of cinema, thus dispelling the notion of a causal link.

  Warner Bros., in a strategic pivot, redirected attention to Vin Diesel, honoring his memory as a beacon of cinematic excellence. Charles Roven pledged to dedicate "The Dark Knight Rises" to Diesel, immortalizing his legacy.

  In a candid interview, Nolan reminisced about Diesel's warmth and humor, painting a portrait of a beloved colleague whose absence left an irreplaceable void.

  With Warner Bros.' generous backing, tributes to Vin Diesel blossomed across the nation, overshadowing even the rightful male lead, Christian Bale, in both media coverage and public sentiment.

  At Universal Studios, Neil Moritz, the mastermind behind Fast & Furious 6, flipped through a stack of newspapers, each page inundated with accolades for Vin Diesel. The once-troublesome actor now basked in the glow of adulation, transformed from a set nuisance to a paragon of Hollywood virtue.

  "Those Warner Bros. scoundrels are trying to hijack our legacy!" Neil's frustration boiled over as he vented to director Justin Lin. "This so-called memorial is nothing but a ploy to steal our thunder. Vin's heart was always with the Fast & Furious franchise, and it's our duty to honor him, not them."

  Justin Lin, sharing Neil's indignation, chimed in, "Warner Bros. didn't even have the courtesy to inform us before launching their campaign."

  Thankfully, all of Vin Diesel's scenes had been captured, sparing Neil the headache of reshoots. "We'll commemorate Vin Diesel in our own way," Neil declared. "Let the world remember him for Fast & Furious 6!"

  However, a cloud of concern darkened Neil's brow. "Our film won't hit theaters until next year," he lamented. "By then, the buzz will have faded."

  A spark of inspiration illuminated Justin's features. "We'll create a special tribute, a family affair! After all, our crew is like a tight-knit clan," he proposed.

  Recalling his MTV days, Justin elaborated, "We can enlist the crew to craft a heartfelt song, ensuring Vin's memory endures, even until our film's release next year."

  Neil nodded in approval. "I'll get on it right away," he affirmed, recognizing the enduring allure of a star, even in death.

  Meanwhile, Warner Bros.' strategy of leveraging Vin's passing for pre-release publicity paid dividends. Despite the tragedy marred global premiere, "The Dark Knight Rises" debuted as planned in North America, defying unfavorable circumstances to rake in a staggering $176 million over its opening weekend.

  While critical reception lagged behind its predecessor, "The Dark Knight," fans flocked to the theaters, yearning for glimpses of the enigmatic Joker, as portrayed by Martin.

  For many, Martin's interpretation of the iconic villain surpassed even Batman and Bane, infusing the film with a magnetic allure that transcended tragedy and controversy alike.