The night sky gradually dimmed. Lights illuminated every inch of the red carpet, yet they couldn't change how the starry sky above had turned a deep, inky black. One star after another walked the red carpet, but none could capture more attention than the moment that was about to arrive.
Suddenly, a bright beam of light shot into the pitch-black sky, as if something had flown upward. In the astonished gazes of countless onlookers, the light gradually gathered, eventually forming a giant bat shape in the sky.
"Batman!"
Someone shouted, and the two sides of the red carpet instantly boiled over like a pot of water.
"Batman! Batman! Batman…"
The chaotic shouts became rhythmic, gradually spreading through the area, like the citizens of Gotham from the comics, calling for their protector.
Does Batman exist in the real world? And where is Bruce Wayne?
The roar of an engine suddenly sounded, drawing closer. Many people stood on tiptoe, looking toward the street corner. They were not disappointed. Just a few seconds later, a prehistoric black beast of a car turned onto the road leading to the theater, gradually approaching the red carpet. Countless fans finally got to witness with their own eyes the Batmobile that had already stolen the spotlight in the trailers.
"Cool!"
"Wild, agile, unbeatable I wish I had one!"
"I just want to get a closer look at that awesome car!"
Voices of praise erupted on-site. The Batmobile then stopped in front of the red carpet. Its door automatically lifted, and in a tailored suit, Bruce Wayne or rather, Christian Bale stepped out amidst a barrage of camera flashes and onto the red carpet.
This specially designed grand entrance stole the spotlight in an instant.
From the moment the Bat-Signal lit up the sky to the moment Christian Bale stepped out of the Batmobile, only a few minutes had passed. Yet the premiere was already at its peak, as though every member of the audience had been transported into that fantastical world where Batman exists.
"If only Superman and Wonder Woman joined him,"
Doug Walter said to Duke in the photo area in front of the theater, watching the commotion caused by the Batmobile and Bale. "The trinity of justice appearing together would definitely cause an even bigger sensation."
"Don't rush it, Doug." Duke retracted his gaze from the red carpet. "This is only the beginning. There will be many opportunities in the future."
He had already communicated with Warner Bros. The current Batman trilogy was a standalone side story, separate from the broader franchise. There would be no Superman or Wonder Woman, beings close to gods, as they didn't match the tone of the films.
In fact, the hardest part about the DC movie universe wasn't Superman. Even if a Superman film lost money, the losses wouldn't be large, thanks to his popularity and merchandise support. The real difficulty was Wonder Woman. As the most well-known female character in all American comics, she was virtually synonymous with feminism.
Such films didn't appeal to the male demographic. No matter how loudly people proclaimed gender equality, this was still very much a patriarchal society.
Not just Wonder Woman any female superhero movie was hard to make. Like Black Widow, for instance.
At that thought, Duke glanced sideways. Scarlett Johansson was talking to Irene Lauder.
According to the plan, Duke would introduce Black Widow into Iron Man. Like Nick Fury, she was a key figure linking the Avengers together. Unlike Nick Fury's cameo appearances, Black Widow though not slated for a solo film yet would have significant roles across several projects.
Moreover, Marvel's screenwriters hadn't used the old setup. This version of Agent Natasha Romanoff, like Captain Steve Rogers, was a relic from World War II.
As a veteran agent, she had the clout to bring one superhero after another into the fold.
Of course, if the timing was right, Marvel would also launch a standalone film for Natasha Romanoff.
After Christian Bale the final appearance—finished walking the red carpet, the cast gathered for a customary group photo. Duke then led the way into the theater, entering the VIP lounge with Doug Walter.
"Long time no see, Duke."
Seeing the approaching pair of siblings, Duke greeted them calmly. "Hello, David."
David Ellison introduced, "This is my sister, Megan Ellison."
"Nice to meet you, Miss Ellison."
"Nice to meet you, Director Rosenberg."
The two lightly shook hands. David Ellison then said, "We're really looking forward to your film."
"Is that so?" Duke gave a faint smile. "Actually, I'm even more looking forward to Flyboys, the one you're producing."
Unlike David Ellison's slightly sarcastic tone, Duke's words sounded as if he genuinely anticipated that film.
But when those words fell into David Ellison's ears, they carried a different undertone.
"Looking forward to David's movie being successful?" The speaker was Megan Ellison.
Duke glanced at her but said nothing. Given his age and status, there was no need to fuss over a girl not even twenty.
"You think his movie will succeed?"
Just behind Duke, a girl's voice rang out—not loud, but clearly mocking. "You're so naïve."
Scarlett Johansson, stepping in high heels, walked over and stood by Duke's side. Before Megan Ellison could respond, she gently sneered, "Do you know what people in Hollywood call your brother?"
The moment she said that, David and Megan Ellison stared daggers at Scarlett Johansson.
But Scarlett, having spent years attending high-society events with Lady Leah, was well-trained. The well-behaved persona she wore depended on the person and the occasion. Though she'd gone through family upheaval as a child, some of her old personality still lingered.
She smiled politely, though her words were hardly so pleasant. "In Hollywood, everyone says David..."
"I hope you don't mind me calling you that? Thanks." Scarlett continued, "They say he's waving around blank checks..."
She didn't finish the sentence, merely shrugged. But even an idiot could tell the rest wouldn't be flattering.
"You..."
Megan Ellison still had the temper of a spoiled child and was instantly provoked by Scarlett. Thankfully, she knew where they were and tried her best to keep calm. She said, "I know you. You're Scarlett Johansson, right? One day I'll enter Hollywood too. I'll invest in every project you want to be in, and then I'll kick you out..."
At that, Duke nearly laughed. Clearly, the girl didn't understand how Hollywood worked—just a spoiled brat.
David Ellison tugged at his sister, but Megan glared back at him and continued, "No production will ever cast you. You'll end up worthless, Scarlett Johansson!"
"Sounds terrifying."
Scarlett lifted her hand and wrapped it around Duke's arm, saying, "Duke's already decided to use me in a series of films. I wonder how you're planning to convince him to dump me. Oh… perhaps you don't know yet, but his personal assets are close to $10 billion. Your little bit of money probably won't help much."
Megan Ellison's face darkened. Scarlett Johansson's gaze swiftly swept across David Ellison's face. Her eyes gleamed as she deliberately said in a reminding tone, "I know your dad's very rich. But don't forget, Miss Ellison, the person next to you is the primary heir. With him around, how much inheritance do you think you'll actually get?"
Duke couldn't help but glance at Scarlett. The Ellison siblings were once quite famous in Hollywood, but he vaguely remembered that once both came of age, their relationship had nearly broken down.
The subtle sowing of discord might not have a direct effect, but it clearly unsettled Megan Ellison. When it came to verbal sparring, she was no match for Scarlett, who used to be a chatterbox. In the end, Megan turned and left in a huff.
David Ellison gave Scarlett Johansson a proud glance, nodded at Duke, and followed his sister away.
"How did I do?" Scarlett clung to Duke's arm, beaming. "I helped you chase off two villains."
"Not bad." Duke thought for a moment, then added, "Your tactic was too crude."
"You don't understand how girls this age think." Scarlett Johansson sounded like an expert. "The simpler and more direct the provocation, the more effective it often is."
Duke checked his watch and walked toward where the crew was gathering. Scarlett returned to Irene Lauder's side. She knew Duke's personality well—he didn't like to be distracted by meaningless things during work.
As for the siblings' movie, Scarlett Johansson didn't take it seriously at all. She knew they'd played a few tricks recently, but if they thought that could bring Duke down, they were way too naïve!
She'd known him for over a decade, back when he was a young man with iron resolve and unshakable nerves.
Duke and Charles Roven led the crew and other guests into the screening hall. The seats for regular viewers were already packed. Nearly a thousand audience members were waiting for the screening of Batman:Begins.
It had been eight years since the last Batman film—Batman & Robin—hit theaters. Whether the franchise would continue to decline or be reborn would be revealed this weekend.
Sarah from The Los Angeles Times knew that opening weekend box office would basically determine Batman's fate on the big screen. If it met Warner Bros.' expectations, given Duke's usual box office consistency, Batman would surely rise again. But if the opening weekend gross fell far short of expectations, the consequences could be severe.
...
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