Chapter 372: What Is Power?

On May 26, 2006, during the traditional Memorial Day weekend slot for the North American film market, Twentieth Century Fox's major movie of the year, "X-Men 3: The Last Stand," held its grand North American premiere at the Hollywood Chinese Theatre.

Because Gal Gadot brought a plus one through the back entrance, Murphy walked the premiere's red carpet alone, but his presence was more about observing the scene than supporting Dave Skolla. He briskly walked the red carpet, entering the theater's main hall shortly afterward.

Previously, he had attended a screening of "X-Men 3: The Last Stand" at the invitation of Twentieth Century Fox's executives. The film was indeed a big-budget production with grand scenes and far superior visual effects compared to its predecessors. However, times had changed, and simply having impressive effects was no longer enough to guarantee a film's success.

The film's plot was roughly what he had expected, and while fan loyalty might support strong initial box office returns, its future earnings were uncertain.

Inside the hall, Murphy spotted the enthusiastic Dave Skolla greeting people, but he stayed clear of that direction. Kara Faith had already approached, and having her there to challenge Skolla was enough; Murphy decided to stay back and support from a distance.

"With Kara's capabilities and momentum," Gal Gadot said as she approached with Margot Robbie, "if Dave Skolla doesn't step up his game, the role of head of production at Fox might soon be changing hands."

Her comment was clearly intended to explain the situation to Margot.

Margot waved at Murphy and then gestured towards Skolla and Faith, "That's like a real-life game of thrones, isn't it?"

Gal only smiled, not wanting to make such a comment about Murphy's good friend in his presence.

Murphy, less concerned about such niceties, responded, "It's just a nascent form of the game of thrones. The loser merely steps down, no heads will roll."

"Oh…" Margot nodded, then added, "But their struggle seems quite fierce."

"The brutality of business competition is well known," Gal said. "But it's still far from the cutthroat nature of political power struggles."

Murphy agreed, "The power struggles of today's society are hardly like those depicted in TV shows and books."

Margot, lacking in social experience and filled with curiosity, hoped to glean insights from Murphy and Gal that could make her the center of attention in school discussions.

She looked questioningly at Murphy.

With nothing else pressing, Murphy elaborated, "In the past, like in the medieval times similar to the novel's setting, the game of thrones tested the limits of human nature, where brother could turn against brother, children could plot against their parents, and vice versa. Human nature is the most unreliable thing, without a lower limit."

Gal gently tugged at Murphy, concerned about the impact of such discussions on Margot, who seemed so young.

"It's alright," Margot reassured her, holding Gal's arm and pleading with Murphy, "Please, continue?"

"Let's talk about the novel," Murphy shifted the topic, not wanting to upset his girlfriend. "'Game of Thrones' suggests that the most reliable bonds are those of blood and the maternal bond. Children represent their mother's future, and their alignment of interests is incredibly strong. Just like Cersei and Catelyn's love and protective instincts for their children, these emotions transcend many of the game's rules because they are natural and divinely bestowed."

"Does the game of thrones ever end?" Margot asked after a moment's thought.

Murphy shook his head without hesitation, "As long as human greed and desire exist, the game of thrones will never stop; it leaves behind only bodies and sacrifices. All victories are temporary, and victors in the prolonged battle for power will eventually be defeated, making way for the next ruler. This is a natural law."

Glancing at Gal, he added, "It's also the unchanging law of the mythical land of Westeros."

He had read all the available volumes of George R.R. Martin's novels, which, while not applicable to real society, did reflect certain truths, especially in autocratic and war-torn countries.

Simply put, what is power?

Power is not about fear, so characters like the cruel Ramsay Bolton and the White Walkers won't be the ultimate winners; power isn't merely force or court intrigue, so the narrow-minded Cersei and Jaime aren't the final victors; power isn't mysticism and magic, hence Stannis Baratheon's demise on the battlefield; power isn't synonymous with justice, which is why grassroots figures like the High Sparrow and the Brotherhood Without Banners fade into obscurity; and power isn't morality or honor, which explains why the Stark family is nearly wiped out.

Even though Jon Snow is both handsome and virtuous, the game of thrones still eagerly st

abs him to death in the snow, like a public display of murderous art.

Power is bloodthirsty, always craving blood and life; power is cruel, always longing for war and slaughter; power is greedy, never sated no matter how many corpses it consumes. Power is a cycle of desire, endless and relentless, forever spinning as long as human nature and greed persist, swallowing one sacrifice after another.

"What are you guys talking about?" Kara Faith joined them, looking curiously at Margot. "Are you David's sister?"

"Hello, Miss Faith," Margot replied, appearing polite despite her youth. "I'm Margot Robbie, just call me Maggie."

Kara nodded at her, greeted Murphy, and began discussing with Gal which fashion stores to visit over the weekend...

After a brief exchange, Murphy, noting the time, motioned for everyone to enter the screening room, where unlike other guests, they were there specifically to watch the movie.

"X-Men 3: The Last Stand" had undergone several changes in detail, but the core plot remained the same: Jean Grey, resurrected and transformed into the Omega-level mutant Phoenix, kills indiscriminately, ending the lives of fan-favorites like Cyclops and Professor X, before being killed by Wolverine...

The grand scenes and special effects were indeed eye-catching, but such a storyline didn't sit well with the audience, especially fans of the X-Men series, who likely felt even more dissatisfied, particularly when Phoenix killed Professor X, prompting curses from the back of the theater.

Murphy noticed many regular viewers choosing to leave early.

Watching the film, he couldn't understand what Dave Skolla and director Brett Ratner were thinking. Did they believe such a plot would be more impactful?

Fans of this genre often have a lower tolerance for such deviations.

Could it be that the X-Men series was doomed without Bryan Singer?

According to Kara Faith, Twentieth Century Fox's decision to replace Bryan Singer wasn't just about him directing "Superman Returns." There were other considerations, such as Singer's behavior in Hollywood. Known for using his authority to proposition young male actors—if consensual, it wouldn't be an issue as it's common in Hollywood—but he had also targeted underage boys with harassment.

Indeed, most actors chose to endure silently, but not everyone would. The production team often had to pacify many, which was a headache for Twentieth Century Fox.

Bryan Singer and Brett Ratner had a certain connection.

In fact, Ratner was originally chosen by Twentieth Century Fox to bring the X-Men to the screen, but delays in the project's start forced Ratner to begin filming "Rush Hour" due to contractual obligations, paving the way for Singer's success with X-Men.

Interestingly, Ratner was Warner Brothers' initial choice for "Superman Returns," and Singer's involvement led to a role reversal, allowing Ratner to reconnect with the X-Men series, albeit five years late.

But this connection was far from pleasant.

The Memorial Day weekend significantly boosted the film's box office, turning the public holiday into a three-day weekend.

"X-Men 3: The Last Stand" faced no competitors over this period and grossed $100 million in North America over the weekend, reaching $120 million with Monday included.

Everything seemed promising, suggesting a potential North American box office haul of $350 to $400 million.

However, the film's sharply declining critical reception compared to its predecessors became a drag on its future earnings.

Reviews like "the worst of the series," "a terrible film by a terrible director," and "barely watchable" proliferated.

This led to a significant drop in box office revenue as soon as the workweek began, especially noticeable during the second weekend, when "X-Men 3: The Last Stand" experienced a 70% plummet to just $30 million, shocking everyone involved.

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