Chapter 378: The War Among Men

"A comedy movie?"

Hearing Murphy's announcement, everyone displayed an incredulous expression. Could this man, notorious for his lack of humor and known for his dark and brutal films, really produce a decent comedy movie?

"You're planning to direct a comedy film?" Robert Downey Jr. immediately voiced his skepticism. "You? Do you even know what humor is? Not to be rude, Murphy, but you..."

"Stop! Downey!" Murphy quickly cut him off, knowing that if he let him continue, it would turn into an endless rant. He spread his hands and clarified, "When did I say I'd be directing?"

With that said, he turned to Seth Rogen, the Canadian who was pushing up his glasses and said, "When we were shooting 'Game of Thrones' in Belfast, Murphy mentioned a comedic concept to me. He said if I could come up with a solid script and plan, he'd let me direct the project."

Jonah Hill raised his hand, "That includes me. Seth and I finished the first draft of the script this month, and it has Murphy's approval."

Murphy reminded them, "You two still need to revise and improve it."

Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill nodded seriously, their faces devoid of their earlier frivolity.

Years ago, when Seth Rogen was just starting to learn and practice directing, Murphy thought of a perfect fecal comedy for him. It was one of the few Hollywood comedy films he had watched and studied, though not extensively. In Belfast, he had only outlined the basic framework to Seth, leaving the details for him to fill in.

As for a comprehensive shooting plan, that too was Seth's responsibility.

After wrapping up 'Game of Thrones,' Seth recruited Jonah Hill. Though Jonah wasn't the most straightforward guy, he undoubtedly had some great comedic ideas.

By now, the initial script draft and a budget plan had already been delivered to Murphy. Unlike the complex bureaucracy of big Hollywood studios, Stanton Studio was entirely under Murphy's control.

Though he planned to support Seth Rogen fully, Murphy had already decided to bring in external funding to share the risk, considering Seth was a novice. He wouldn't have mentioned the project in front of David Ellison otherwise.

David Ellison had worked with Murphy several times, witnessing monumental successes that had built considerable investor confidence.

"As long as it's a project associated with Murphy." David Ellison decided almost instantly, "I'm in."

"Count me in too." A crisp female voice chimed in from another direction. Everyone turned to see Megan Ellison raising her hand. "I just got a sum of money and am looking for the right investment channel."

Her eyes briefly swept over Murphy. Only a fool would pass up such a clearly profitable opportunity.

"Let's handle distribution through 20th Century Fox," Kara Faith also spoke up. "I can help coordinate that for you."

While there were many procedures to go through with 20th Century Fox's distribution, Murphy had nearly finalized the investment and distribution details for the comedy project in record time.

Like the future Steve Jobs and Apple, the aura of a successful person is invisible and intangible, yet undeniably brilliant.

"One more thing," Seth Rogen stood up, "When Jonah and I were creating characters..."

He pointed at Murphy, James Franco, and Robert Downey Jr., "We incorporated some of your traits. None of you can escape this."

Robert Downey Jr. was the first to respond, "No problem."

Murphy and James Franco nodded slightly as well.

They were all staunch supporters of Stanton, and there was no hesitation in mutual support.

As evening fell, the group descended from the top deck and headed towards the dining room. Kara Faith walked alongside Murphy and asked, "What about you? Any plans coming up?"

Murphy knew what Kara was asking. He shook his head, "Not for now. I plan to take some time off."

He had plenty on his plate recently, from settling revenues for 'Game of Thrones' with 20th Century Fox to renewing a representation agreement with his lawyer Robert, discussing future plans with CAA, and even searching for a new residence.

His long-term rental in the Santa Monica Valley was expiring next year, and he did not plan to renew it. Now, no longer financially constrained, he had asked Bill Roscius and Grace to contact real estate agents to find a suitable house in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Burbank, or Malibu.

Although he hated to admit it, Murphy was well aware that his reluctance to buy a property before was not just due to financial reasons but also due to a lack of a sense of belonging in this country.

Despite this, he knew he couldn't leave North America—his career was here, his friends, and the girlfriend he wanted to continue walking with were all here.

Some things don't cease to exist just because one refuses to acknowledge them.

Entering the dining room, a stream of exquisite dishes was served. The yacht, owned

 by Larry Ellison, was the famous "Rising Sun."

As David Ellison put it, his father's yacht was born out of a war among men.

From what Murphy understood, the competition over yacht sizes among tycoons seemed to have reached feverish levels.

Originally planned to be 393 feet long, the Rising Sun was extended to 452 feet after the German manufacturer received modification instructions from Larry Ellison. Larry had heard that the Octopus, being built for Microsoft CEO Paul Allen, would reach 413 feet and become the world's largest yacht. The Rising Sun would have been the second largest from the moment it was launched.

After taking delivery of the Rising Sun, Larry Ellison famously told the media— "When it comes to men, it's all about size!"

As they ate and chatted, the group discussed various gossips about the Rising Sun before shifting the topic back to the newly mentioned comedy film project. Especially after Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill briefly outlined the main plot and characters, the focus shifted to casting.

All members of the Stanton party, including Murphy, would appear in the project. Additionally, since Murphy agreed to play the role of the groom with limited screen time, Gal Gadot, encouraged by Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, and James Franco, also agreed to play the bride with even fewer scenes.

Even David Ellison was prepared to play a comedic mafia boss role.

After dinner, everyone returned to their rooms.

David Ellison followed Megan Ellison into her room.

"Why are you investing in Murphy's project?" He closed the door, looking puzzled. "Does Dad know?"

"It's my foundation's money; I have the right to use it." Privately, Megan Ellison didn't really take orders from David. "Since Dad entrusted my foundation to me, he naturally acknowledges my decision-making power."

Before David could speak, she preempted, "Why not invest in a Murphy Stanton project? I'm neither dumb nor foolish. Can't I see how profitable his projects are? I've heard that 'Game of Thrones' has so far brought in over $150 million in profits for Stanton Studio and 20th Century Fox!"

Relieved, David Ellison let out a sigh. He hadn't come to stop Megan from investing; he was just concerned she might blindly squander such a large sum of money without proper judgment.

Seeing her clear reasoning reassured him.

After a few more words, David left and returned to his room.

"Do you have time to participate in the shooting?" In another room, Murphy poured a glass of water for Gal Gadot, who took a sip and said, "I've read the script. The bride doesn't have many scenes, and they're quite concentrated."

Murphy nodded.

Gal looked at him and asked, "Are you worried I might not perform well? I was part of the film club at school and acted in some of their experimental short films. I have some experience."

"Why would I worry about that?" Murphy took her hand, sitting together on the sofa. "Darling, I've been thinking, could we possibly collaborate on a movie? But..."

"Sorry, Murphy," Gal Gadot leaned her head on his shoulder. "In the past, I've been quite capricious without considering your feelings."

She lifted her head and kissed him on the cheek. "These two years in the film club, I've found filmmaking quite fascinating."

Gal remembered the words Margot Robbie had said; she knew that love needed nurturing, and even the deepest affections could wear thin over time. At such times, finding new joys together was crucial. In this regard, joining in Murphy's passionate pursuits seemed a perfect way to bond.

Murphy didn't speak, his lips meeting hers instead, his hand drifting down to caress her long legs curled beside him.

Just like their past intimacies, he never hid his fascination with her legs.

Gal adjusted her position to make it easier and more comfortable for Murphy, and as their hands began to wander beneath each other's clothes, planning to advance their intimacy, the inopportunely timed ringing of a phone on the sofa broke the moment.

Murphy ignored his phone, continuing his exploration of Gal's legs, but she glanced over and gasped, "It's... it's Bill."

With a slight frown, Murphy took the phone she handed him and pressed the answer button. If Bill Roscius was calling at this time, it had to be important.

"Bruce Rosenbloom from Warner Bros. wants to meet you."

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