"Welcome to Fox Television Network's Entertainment Channel. I'm your old friend Benjamin Draxler, bringing you live coverage from Hollywood's Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles," Benjamin Draxler announced, standing in front of the theater with a backdrop featuring the theater's entrance and a dramatic poster of "This Is the End" showing Hollywood Hills crumbling.
"Today is November 17th, and Thanksgiving is fast approaching. 'This Is the End' is set to release the weekend before Thanksgiving, demonstrating the filmmakers' strong confidence," he continued.
A cheer from the red carpet caught Benjamin Draxler's attention, but seeing it wasn't for any major star, he resumed, "This film, directed by Seth Rogen and featuring the entire Stanton Party, is holding its global premiere here in Los Angeles. We've already aired footage of the Stanton Party members walking the red carpet. Besides Murphy Stanton and his crew, Emma Watson, Rihanna, and other guest stars are here. Notably, News Corporation's James Murdoch and his stepmother Wendi Deng are also in attendance. The film will officially release in North America tomorrow."
As Benjamin Draxler narrated, the camera panned to the activity area in front of the Chinese Theatre.
"The premiere is bustling. Writer-director-star Seth Rogen is here with his new girlfriend, Lauren Miller. Also present are Emma Watson, Paul Rudd, Jay Baruchel, and other stars who have made memorable cameo appearances in the film. Renowned director Murphy Stanton is also here to support," he reported.
The camera lingered briefly on Murphy before moving to Emma Watson.
Draxler's voiceover continued, "Emma Watson's new bob hairstyle reveals her beautiful face, and her strapless jumpsuit is quite unique, making her look both sexy and adorable as she laughs for the cameras."
"What's more interesting is," Draxler added, "all the stars in this film play themselves. Emma Watson, Nicolas Cage, Paul Rudd, David Krumholtz, and pop sensation Rihanna all make hilarious cameos."
As Draxler indicated, the premiere was star-studded. Besides Murphy and his crew, many celebrities graced the event.
After posing for group photos with the cast in front of the sponsors' backdrop, Emma Watson approached Murphy, asking, "Murphy, can we take a picture together?"
"Of course," Murphy agreed with a smile.
Gadot, noticing Emma's request, graciously stepped aside.
Perhaps Murphy's reputation was impressive enough, as Paul Rudd, Rihanna, and Nicolas Cage also approached for photos with him.
After the photos, Murphy was immediately surrounded by several reporters.
"Director Stanton, I'm Benjamin Draxler from Fox Entertainment Channel," Draxler introduced himself, quickly positioning himself for the best interview spot. He extended his microphone toward Murphy, asking, "Can you talk about your performance in 'This Is the End'?"
Murphy thought for a moment and reiterated his previous sentiments, "In this movie, we all had to show different aspects and dimensions of our personalities. That in itself was pretty crazy. Meanwhile, we had to deliver the laughs according to Rogen's vision. My behavior in the film is completely different from my usual habits, even though I'm playing myself. It sounds crazy because it is. We might have some self-awareness, but in this film, that doesn't exist. Everything serves the laughs and the story."
Before another reporter could ask a question, Murphy raised his hand, signaling that the interview was over. Security quickly stepped in to separate him from the press.
Murphy looked around for Gadot, but not seeing her, assumed she had already gone inside, so he joined Robert Downey Jr. and Paul Rudd as they entered the Chinese Theatre.
Rudd was part of the "Frat Pack" and had joined this film at Downey Jr.'s invitation. Murphy had heard from Downey Jr. that Marvel Studios had confirmed Rudd as the lead for "Ant-Man."
Inside the Chinese Theatre, most guests were mingling in the lobby. Such events were great networking opportunities.
The Stanton Party naturally became the center of attention in the lobby, and Murphy joined them. Gadot was chatting with Seth Rogen's girlfriend.
"Seth, you rascal..." Murphy heard Jonah Hill mockingly say as he approached, "You have a girlfriend and didn't tell us."
James Franco also feigned anger, "I'm so disappointed in you!"
Seth Rogen spread his hands, about to respond, when Downey Jr. gave him a playful pat on the shoulder, "Come on, Rogen, do you want to be Wolverine or Shadowcat?"
Ignoring the playful banter of his friends, Murphy greeted Lauren Miller first.
After shaking Murphy's hand, Lauren noticed Rogen being playfully attacked by his friends and stepped in to defend him.
"It's not Seth's fault," she said with a smile, "We just made it official last month, and I asked him not to go public right away."
Lauren Miller wasn't exactly a stranger. Murphy had known her since Rogen filmed "The Hangover," where she served as a producer.
"Lauren Miller is more than just a producer," Gadot whispered to Murphy as she approached. "She's also an actress and screenwriter. She's currently writing and starring in a film for Focus Features."
Murphy nodded slightly. He had heard about Miller's credentials.
As the Stanton Party members mingled and networked, James Murdoch approached Murphy and Gadot to exchange greetings.
"How's the post-production on the new film?" Murdoch inquired.
"We're in the final stages," Murphy assured, giving an investor-friendly response. "We won't miss the December preview."
More interested in a different project, Murdoch asked, "What about the 'City of Chaos' sequel? When will pre-production begin?"
"Probably around April or May next year," Murphy replied after some thought.
Murdoch, thinking of Murphy's habits, asked, "So, it will be ready for the 2013 summer blockbuster season?"
"Yes," Murphy confirmed. "I've discussed it with Carla Faith, and the start of the 2013 summer season is a great release window."
Relieved, Murdoch suddenly changed the subject, "Murphy, my father really enjoys your films. Would you be interested in attending our New Year's Eve party in New York? My father has always wanted to meet you."
Hearing the sincere invitation, Murphy hesitated. Before he could respond, a woman's voice came from Murdoch's left, "If Director Stanton wishes to attend, I can arrange for a private jet."
Murdoch turned towards the voice, his expression souring.
At the same time, Murphy looked over to see a dark-haired woman in a sequined deep-V red evening gown approaching.
She nodded curtly at Murdoch and then warmly greeted Murphy, extending her hand, "Hello, Director Stanton. I've wanted to meet you for a long time but never had the opportunity."
Murphy gently shook her hand, "Hello, Ms. Deng. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Call me Wendi," she smiled warmly. "My friends all call me Wendi."
Murdoch interjected, "The private jet is already arranged for Murphy. There's no need to trouble you, Wendi."
Wendi glanced at Murdoch, "I remember you said you have to fly to London for the hearing soon. The issues in London are complicated and will take time. It's better to use my jet."
Her hidden implication was clear to Murphy: the 'phone hacking' scandal at News Corporation was escalating, with the focus on James Murdoch. The UK had demanded his attendance at several hearings.
"London is a minor issue," Murdoch replied, his expression unchanged. "I can fly commercial. The private jet is reserved for Murphy."
He seemed to be using this as a way to show how much he valued Murphy.
"How about this..." Wendi proposed, "I'll inform your father and let him decide."
Murdoch's face darkened instantly.
Murphy looked between Murdoch and Wendi, understanding the situation.
"James, Wendi..." he said with a smile, "No need to trouble anyone. I can't confirm my schedule for the end of the year yet. If I do attend News Corporation's New Year's Eve party, I'll arrange my own travel."
He had no interest in Murdoch and Wendi's conflict and certainly didn't want to get involved in News Corporation's internal power struggle.
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