Chapter 195: The Universe's Greatest Vase

"Hello, Mr. Stanberg."

In the temporary reception room of Studio Three, Jessica Alba, prompted by her agent, greeted Erica Stanberg, who had just arrived. As she was about to sit down, footsteps were heard at the door, and Murphy, the director she had met several times before, walked in.

Having met a few times before, they were somewhat acquainted, and Jessica Alba had heard from her agent that due to the success of his previous two films, Murphy Stanton had significant influence in casting decisions.

"Hi, Murphy," she greeted with a sweet smile. "We meet again."

"Hello, Jessica," Murphy smiled back, nodding to her and sitting beside Erica Stanberg, opposite her and her agent. "I'm glad to see you again."

Jessica Alba's smile grew sweeter with Murphy's familiar greeting. The audition had gone very smoothly a few days earlier, and Murphy Stanton had seemed very satisfied with her image and performance. Jessica had thought the role was surely hers until unexpected issues arose during the negotiation with her agent.

Looking at Murphy, recalling their initial meeting, their chat at the party, and their interactions during the audition, she felt his attitude towards her had always been positive, seemingly appreciative. She thought the excessive conditions in the negotiation might not have been his idea.

Thinking this, Jessica glanced at Erica Stanberg, blaming these Jewish guys for always complicating things and suppressing Black and Latino actors.

Jessica then looked back at Murphy, reminiscing about their pleasant interactions, "He should be a supporter of mine, right?"

"We have no objections to the salary discussed previously,"

The negotiation was evidently led by Erica Stanberg, who began, "However, Ms. Alba's demands for a private makeup room, a personal makeup artist, and a chauffeured car are beyond the production's budget."

Hearing this, Jessica's smile faded, though she remained silent, leaving the negotiation to her agent. These conditions were meant more as bargaining chips than absolute requirements.

"We can do without the others," her agent interjected, "but Ms. Alba is not skilled at driving, so a car for her is necessary."

With a concession made, Erica Stanberg hesitated before nodding, "We can arrange a car for Ms. Alba."

These were minor issues, easily resolved. After settling these details, Erica Stanberg moved to the more significant disagreement about the role and the extent of the performance.

"The film adaptation will strictly follow the comic's style and setting," Erica stated emotionlessly, "There are many nude scenes of Nancy in the comics, and the production hopes to recreate these."

"Sorry," the agent immediately refused, "Ms. Alba will not participate in any role that involves nudity, as it does not align with her image."

Erica glanced at Murphy, shaking his head, "It seems we cannot reach an agreement."

Hearing this, Jessica suddenly spoke up, "May I say something?"

Erica nodded, and Murphy gestured for her to proceed.

"I've read the original comics and studied all scenes related to Nancy," Jessica's voice was crisp and enchanting, "The nudity is gratuitous, not essential to the plot."

She looked pointedly at Murphy, "Even without nudity, the story wouldn't be affected, right?"

Murphy smiled, slowly responding, "Indeed, it wouldn't affect the story."

Jessica gave Murphy a very sweet and charming smile, thinking he indeed supported her.

Seeing her captivating smile, Murphy countered, "But it would affect the audience's interest."

No one could deny that in R-rated films, well-placed scenes of female nudity could significantly appeal to male viewers.

Nancy's character was inherently sensual; her nudity was not gratuitous but entirely in line with her identity and setting.

He... he actually said that? Jessica Alba had not expected such words from Murphy.

She had thought these were demands from the producers or Frank Miller, but now it seemed not.

In an instant, Jessica realized she had been mistaken. She had only seen their seemingly good relationship but overlooked that if Murphy hadn't insisted, Erica Stanberg wouldn't have been so uncompromising during negotiations.

Indeed, the young director opposite her continued, "Ms. Alba, I hope you can make a decision soon."

After a moment of hesitation, Jessica stated, "I refuse to shoot any nude scenes."

Murphy spread his hands, no longer looking at her, and turned to Erica Stanberg, "Let's get in touch with Sofia Vergara's agent as soon as possible."

With that, he stood up, no longer concerned with Jessica Alba or her agent, and left the temporary reception room.

If possible, Murphy would have liked to cast Jessica Alba, given her outstanding physical attributes. However, her refusal to participate in nude scenes meant he had to apologize. A well-placed scene of female nudity could be a significant promotional and marketing point, especially for DVD releases lacking such content.

Though not his investment, the higher the film's box office and DVD sales, the more beneficial for him as a director.

In the absence of immediate prospects for major awards, commercial success was the best way to elevate his status in Hollywood.

As for Sofia Vergara, mentioned as a potential replacement, she was less famous than Jessica Alba but also a Latina actress. Though not as sweet-looking as Jessica, Sofia's figure was equally sensational, and her audition had been promising.

Without preconceived preferences, Murphy might have favored her more.

For such a role, as long as the visual difference was minimal, the choice hardly mattered. In the comics, Nancy was a key figure driven by her sexuality, much like other female characters, used by Frank Miller to draw in readers with bold imagery.

Murphy and Frank Miller had discussed this; it was no secret why the comics featured so many women in S&M gear, wielding ropes or whips.

As Murphy summarized, comics and films share common elements, like 'fists' symbolizing violence and 'pillows' representing sexuality, both drawing viewers' interest.

Of course, had Jessica Alba possessed overwhelming star power or exceptional acting skills, Murphy might have considered her. But even at her peak, Jessica did not have these qualities.

It seemed Jessica Alba was determined to pursue the sweet, innocent image... Murphy easily deduced why she was so adamant against nudity, unrelated to moral principles but misaligned with her self-image and future positioning.

Taking the sweet, pure route meant avoiding explicit scenes, essentially positioning herself as a youth idol.

Unfortunately, this path had significant limitations and a short shelf life, even shorter than that of a pure sex symbol.

Returning to his office, Murphy lamented the waste of such a talent, predicting Jessica's narrowing opportunities and eventual minor roles in small productions.

Despite witnessing Jessica's talent and impressive audition, Murphy acknowledged her potential for stardom, which could be realized with the right opportunities, even without exceptional acting skills.

If cast in mainstream commercial blockbusters, she could potentially replace Megan Fox as the universe's top sex symbol.

However, like Megan Fox, this required flaunting sexuality on camera, including willingness to take on explicit roles, under a director or producer skilled at highlighting an actress's strengths, like Michael Bay.

The phone rang, interrupting Murphy's thoughts. It was Paul Wilson. Picking up, Paul mentioned, "Ms. Alba wishes to speak with you privately."

Could she have changed her mind? Murphy doubted it, given Jessica Alba's rising career and James Cameron's support, she wasn't desperate for roles.

After a brief pause, Murphy said, "Send her to my office."

Hanging up, Jessica soon knocked and entered.

"Please, sit," Murphy gestured to a chair across his desk, greeting her warmly as if she were a friend.

But Jessica no longer viewed him that way. From the firm stance during the negotiation, she saw shades of James Cameron's uncompromising nature.

Unlike Cameron's overt tyranny, Murphy maintained a sunny disposition, concealing his firm resolve.

After the negotiation, Jessica didn't leave immediately but sent her agent away, hoping for a private discussion with Murphy. From seizing opportunities like "Mad Max: Fury Road" from competitors to landing the lead in "Nocturnal Animals," sometimes persistence could turn the tide.

Moreover, this role could aid her transition.

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