Chapter 240: Starting Anew

"Do you really think you can convince them?"

Walking through the hallways of Warner Bros. Building in Burbank, Bill Rossetti questioned Murphy. "Warner Bros. is very cautious with the frozen series. They believe it can't withstand another failure."

Murphy, carrying a briefcase and admittedly not very confident, simply smiled and replied, "It's always worth a try, isn't it?"

"I don't have much contact with the higher-ups at Warner Bros. I barely know them," Bill Rossetti admitted as they approached the meeting room. "This connection was made by Brian Lourd. He and other CAA executives hold you in high regard."

"Okay," Murphy nodded and led the way forward.

Bill Rossetti followed, sincerely hoping Murphy could take on this series. Success would undoubtedly elevate him to a second-tier or even top-tier director.

"Hello, Director Stanton."

Before they reached the meeting room, a Warner Bros. employee greeted them and shook hands with Murphy and Rossetti. "Hello, Mr. Rossetti. Mr. Berman and Mr. Harris are waiting inside."

After the employee ushered Murphy and Rossetti into the meeting room, Murphy's gaze quickly swept over everyone present.

The meeting room resembled a negotiation chamber with a long conference table in the center. Five people were seated on one side, with two in the middle appearing to be the most senior and probably the leaders.

Bill Rossetti introduced everyone before the Warner employee could speak. The two men in the center were indeed Mr. Berman and Mr. Harris, as Murphy had observed.

After introductions, Murphy shook hands with the two men and the other four, then sat opposite them. His attention focused on Bruce Berman, the typical overweight CEO of Warner Bros., and Diego Harris, the executive president of DC Comics.

Murphy hadn't expected to meet such high-ranking executives and realized the influence of CAA and Brian Lourd.

Of course, this also highlighted the significance of the Batman series to both companies!

Yes, Murphy aimed to persuade Warner Bros. and DC Comics to reboot the Batman series. The dark traits associated with Bruce Wayne were perfectly suited to his style.

After hitting a wall with Marvel Comics, Murphy had set his sights on this series. Recently, he had formulated a plan and, through CAA, arranged this direct dialogue with the big shots from Warner Bros. and DC Comics.

"Director Stanton," Bruce Berman started as Murphy sat down, "it's been a long time."

Murphy, surprised by his comment, glanced at Rossetti, who shook his head slightly. Recalling the familiar sensation he felt when he first saw Berman, Murphy recognized him as the producer who ruthlessly rejected him during his audition for "The Matrix" right after his release from prison.

Murphy forced a polite smile. "Yes, Mr. Berman."

Berman's eyes, usually squinted, widened slightly as he said, "Director Stanton, so young and accomplished!"

Before Murphy could respond, Berman went straight to the point. "Brian told me you're very interested in the Batman series and have developed a plan and project template?"

If Murphy's plan aligned with the Batman series requirements and Warner Bros.' vision, and was impressive enough, he would consider reviving the series.

"Yes, that's right," Murphy said, opening his briefcase to take out several copies of his documents. The Warner employee distributed them to each person across the table. After the distribution, Murphy continued, "Fans have gradually forgotten 'Batman & Robin', and I believe it's time to reboot the series."

He looked at the others, adding, "The Superman and Batman series were what really brought superhero movies into the mainstream. With your company preparing 'Superman Returns', a new Batman can resonate with Superman, showcasing a group combat advantage not seen in Marvel Comics."

The others began to read Murphy's documents, but Berman didn't even touch his copy, instead asking, "Batman can't afford another failure, or the consequences will be dire. How do you plan to continue the series?"

"Not continue," Murphy shook his head firmly, "but start anew!"

Everyone turned to him, seemingly shocked by his statement.

"To start anew?" Diego Harris, the president of DC Comics, frowned.

"Yes, to save the Batman series, we must start anew," Murphy insisted. "Neither Tim Burton's Gothic style nor Joel Schumacher's extravagant shows fit the current market, and the latter almost killed Bruce Wayne..."

Several nodded, having experienced the Batman series' fall from grace. If the series were to restart with the same style, it would be a disaster.

"What's your vision?" Berman asked, "Will it be your trademark dark style?"

While Murphy's style seemed suitable for Batman, Berman shook his head subtly.

"In the darkness," Murphy said calmly, "I want to add a touch of realism."

Tim Burton initially adapted Batman into movies with a cold, Gothic style, followed by Schumacher's failed continuation. The last installment, "Batman & Robin", plummeted the series to its lowest point.

Not only Murphy knew this, Berman and Harris were also aware. However, hearing Murphy suggest a realistic approach, they exchanged skeptical glances.

Realism in a superhero movie could be a bigger disaster than Schumacher's extravagant displays.

Murphy saw their disbelief but knew he had to fight for his vision. "My concept is to portray Batman not as a superhero, but as an ordinary person with slightly superior physical and combat skills. To revive the series, we need to bring Bruce Wayne down from the pedestal and make him human."

Everyone, even Rossetti, was taken aback.

"I want to create a realistic atmosphere where Gotham feels like any American metropolis," Murphy continued, despite the skepticism. "On the surface, the city thrives, but underneath, it's rotting away. Society is fractured, interests are entangled, corruption spreads like opium, even the system is complicit..."

Berman interrupted Murphy, "Sorry, Director Stanton, but turning Batman into an ordinary person is absurd!"

Diego Harris also disagreed, "A realistic superhero movie..."

"I believe making Batman an ordinary person will attract audiences," Murphy persisted. "Bruce Wayne will experience sadness, fear, weakness, failure, and even mental issues. These emotions, common in ordinary people, will resonate with viewers!"

"But audiences want to see a superhero who can save the world, not a waste like themselves," another Warner executive opposed.

Berman signaled Murphy to continue.

"Every journey is unique, even for superheroes. Heroes who are too perfect can't resonate with audiences. That's why Marvel's heroes are more popular now," Murphy cleared his throat. "Bruce Wayne wasn't born a hero. He also wanders and loses himself, seeking self-discovery and redemption. He can't be perfect. If he's flawless like Superman, without any personality flaws..."

Murphy unintentionally strayed into discussing Superman, "Such superhero movies are unlikely to succeed..."

The atmosphere in the room instantly chilled. Rossetti nudged Murphy, who stopped and looked across the table. The Warner Bros. and DC Comics executives gazed back sharply.

Murphy then realized his mistake. In his effort to be persuasive, he had inadvertently misspoken.

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