Chapter 350: Harley Quinn

"Do you not recognize me?" The blonde girl across from Murphy tilted her head and shrugged, "Big shots are indeed forgetful."

Although he didn't recognize her immediately, a second glance helped Murphy remember who she was. Despite having grown much taller and swapping her ragged jeans for a figure-hugging casual outfit that highlighted her mature figure, her facial contours and blonde hair had not changed much, reminding him that she was an old acquaintance from Australia.

"You're David's sister, Margot Robbie," Murphy said with a smile. "Maggie, you've grown up."

"Just fifteen years old," the young girl corrected him suddenly. "I don't go by Margot anymore; I've changed my name to fit American pronunciation."

Murphy frowned, thinking, "Margot Robbie?"

"Mhm." The girl shrugged again. "You can still call me Maggie."

After another glance, Murphy slightly shook his head, probably because of the age and his previous lack of attention; he really couldn't see this young girl as Harley Quinn.

Despite her change of clothes, his impression of her was still that of the girl galloping on a horse.

"Why suddenly come to Los Angeles to study acting?" Murphy faintly remembered that during the filming of "Sin City," she wasn't too interested in acting. "Didn't you want to be a cowgirl?"

Margot Robbie blinked, "I watched 'Sin City,' the movie I acted in, and found acting quite interesting, so here I am…"

It's quite normal for young kids to shift hobbies and interests, so Murphy wasn't surprised.

Murphy glanced at his watch, a signal known to those familiar with him that he was ready to wrap up, but Margot Robbie didn't know this and still stood in front of him, making no move to leave.

"Maggie," Murphy said, "is there anything else?"

"No," Margot Robbie scratched her cheek. "Just haven't seen you for a long time and wanted to chat."

She was chatty, "Last time I saw you, you were a junior director, but now you've become a world-famous director. Even David, that dummy, has become famous. I'm really curious about how you all did it."

"Can we talk about this another time?" Murphy pointed towards the staircase. "I have work to do."

"Ah…"

Different from her childhood, Margot Robbie suddenly showed an embarrassed expression, "Sorry, Murphy, I didn't realize you were busy."

With that, she quickly stepped aside.

Murphy nodded at her, "Goodbye, Maggie."

"Um..." She smiled and waved, "Goodbye, Murphy."

As Murphy reached the ground floor, he encountered an agent from CAA. Due to his relationship with Grace, he chatted for a while. This agent also had a client who was auditioning, but for the role of Arya Stark.

Naturally, the agent hoped Murphy would give his client an easy pass, but Murphy wouldn't make any decisions or promises without seeing Seth Rogen's recommendations and the audition tapes, even though the agent hinted that his young client's parents, who were super-rich Brits, could provide many conveniences and even sponsor some expenses in Northern Ireland.

After dismissing this agent and arriving at the audition area, the day's auditions had already concluded. Just then, Seth Rogen was about to send someone to fetch him for a discussion on the auditions.

For major characters like Sansa Stark and Arya Stark, Murphy was the one to make the final casting decision.

In the dimly lit viewing room, audition tapes of the young actors were played one by one by an assistant. As the screen went dark again, Murphy and Seth Rogen, sitting near the window, drew back the thick black curtains, filling the room with light again.

Only four people were in the office besides an assistant and Seth Rogen: Murphy and Kara Faith.

"Seth, you've been overseeing the auditions," Murphy looked towards the chubby-faced man. "Let's hear your thoughts."

"I think there are two standout choices you might want to focus on," Seth Rogen stood up, walked over to the projector, adjusted it, and played a clip of a young actress's audition. "This girl is called Cara Delevingne, from London, born in 1992..."

He pointed to the image on the big screen, "She has a unique wild quality, very similar to Arya Stark."

Murphy watched the audition tape, nodding slightly. The girl wasn't particularly pretty, but she radiated considerable confidence, a rare trait among young actors like Maisie Williams or Joe Osment.

In all of Hollywood, such young actors were exceedingly rare.

"There are two other young actors, nearly equal to Cara Delevingne in audition quality," Seth Rogen, clearly aware that he wasn't the decision-maker, simply reiterated the facts as he pushed up his glasses. "But I recommend we go with Cara Deleving

ne."

Murphy looked at Seth Rogen; his recommendation meant that something about her was particularly suitable for the production's needs.

"If we decide to go with Cara Delevingne, her parents can provide many conveniences in Northern Ireland and offer a substantial sponsorship," Seth Rogen added, somewhat in Murphy's style, "This is something the other two actors can't match."

Hearing Seth Rogen say this, Murphy immediately thought of the CAA agent he had encountered earlier, and pulled up Cara Delevingne's details. Indeed, she was the same client the agent had mentioned.

"What do you think?" Murphy asked Kara Faith.

"This sponsorship reaches seven figures," Kara Faith stated matter-of-factly. "We have no reason to refuse, right?"

She and Seth Rogen both looked at Murphy, waiting for him to make the final decision.

It wasn't a difficult decision to make. After reviewing Cara Delevingne's audition tape and personal details again, Murphy thought for a moment and then said, "Let's finalize it then, Cara Delevingne will play Arya Stark."

He turned to Seth Rogen, "Notify Cara Delevingne's agent as soon as possible. I need her to start preparing for the role immediately."

Other leading roles had already been cast, and the actors had received their scripts. Some had even traveled to Belfast early to begin rehearsals. The remaining casting decisions also needed to be made as quickly as possible.

Seth Rogen made a note in his notebook, then said, "For the role of Sansa Stark, I recommend Margot Robbie..."

He added, "Maggie really stood out, and her audition was a surprise."

Kara Faith asked curiously, "Is she David Robbie's sister?"

Seth Rogen nodded lightly, "Yes, his sister. She once played young Nancy in 'Sin City.'"

Having just reviewed Margot Robbie's audition tape, which was indeed impressive and perfectly suited for the purely decorative role of Sansa Stark, and considering David Robbie's relationship, she was almost the ideal choice.

Although David Robbie wasn't as close as people like Robert Downey Jr., he was still a good collaborative partner and friend. Since Margot Robbie met the basic criteria, Murphy wouldn't overlook her for another choice.

Like Steven Spielberg's proteges who got roles through connections, this was a common occurrence in Hollywood.

"Does she have an agent?" Murphy asked.

Seth Rogen thought for a moment, "I think so, probably the same one as David."

"Alright," Murphy stood up. "Let them know as soon as possible."

With the final two actors confirmed, the production team made the last preparations before heading to Belfast. The remaining work could continue on location in Northern Ireland.

As November 2005 just began, Murphy led the main cast and crew on a chartered flight to Northern Ireland for the final preparations, aiming to start filming by December.

Landing at Belfast International Airport, which, unlike other cities, is located in the city center, Murphy saw many famous sites like Queen's University Belfast and the Titanic Museum during the drive to the hotel. The Titanic itself had been built here a century ago.

Arriving in Northern Ireland, Murphy didn't take much time to rest or adjust to the time difference, diving straight into work. He gathered key figures like Philip Raschel, Helena Espora, and David Robbie, and visited various locations to discuss potential filming challenges.

The main filming location would be the Titanic Studios' Paint Hall in Belfast, where sets for Bran's bedroom and the Black Castle's council chamber were constructed. The studio, formerly part of the Harland & Wolff shipyard, offered ample space for the production team to build and transform sets.

Additionally, Murphy led a team to Glasgow, Scotland, to scout a castle.

Dunnottar Castle, located about a 40-minute drive from Glasgow and built in the 14th century, was to serve as the exterior of Winterfell, the Stark family home. It was also the planned first filming location.

Although extensive CG would be used in post-production, Murphy preferred to shoot as much as possible on location.

Preparation went smoothly, and by mid-November, most of it was complete. Murphy was ready to start filming, with the remaining set constructions and costume productions continuing alongside the shooting.

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