Every January and February, the entertainment media in North America isn't entirely dominated by the Oscars, but news related to the Oscars is definitely the hottest topic. This year, "Diego Ross" and "The Artist" were the subjects of countless media reports and were acknowledged as the two films most likely to be the biggest winners at the upcoming Oscar ceremony.
With both 20th Century Fox and Weinstein Company each pushing their respective films, "Diego Ross" and "The Artist" were undoubtedly the main focus of entertainment media following the Oscar nomination luncheon.
However, towards the end of January, the entertainment media abruptly shifted its focus, with front pages filled with news about two individuals.
Even Murphy, who had just returned to Los Angeles from New York and was extremely busy with work, took the time to pay attention.
"The Wachowski Brothers Become Sisters After Both Transition!"
This was the headline on the entertainment section of the Los Angeles Times that Gal Gadot handed him after he got home that evening.
"The directors of 'The Matrix' and other classic films, the Wachowski Brothers, have both transitioned, changing from the Wachowski Brothers to the Wachowski Siblings, and now to the Wachowski Sisters. This transformation of roles in their lives is truly remarkable, showcasing the rich and colorful nature of their experiences."
They both became sisters? Murphy remembered that they had transitioned but wasn't sure if they both had.
Curious, he continued reading.
"The Wachowski Brothers, renowned directors who helmed 'The Matrix' among other classics, have long been troubled by the dissonance between their physical and psychological genders. In 2009, the older of the two brothers underwent gender transition surgery and became Lana Wachowski. Recently, the younger brother, Andy Wachowski, announced that he, too, had transitioned and is now named Lilly Wachowski."
If this were from a tabloid, Murphy would have thought it was a publicity stunt, but this was the Los Angeles Times, so the likelihood of the information being false was minimal.
"Initially known as the Wachowski Brothers, then the Wachowski Siblings, they are now the Wachowski Sisters. During the filming of 'Cloud Atlas,' the older brother transitioned and changed his name to Lana, and now the younger brother has transitioned and changed his name to Lilly, reportedly in honor of the first recorded transgender person, Lili Elbe."
Lili Elbe sounded familiar; Murphy tried to recall where he had heard the name but gave up after failing to remember. He lost interest in the article and turned the page, finding an article about Margot Robbie.
It seemed like a puff piece, praising Margot Robbie, who had received a Best Supporting Actress nomination. Knowing her chances of winning were slim, she still engaged in publicity efforts.
"Margot Robbie – This Australian star born in the '90s carries a mature look that belies her age, exuding a highly aggressive charm."
Since the article was about his friend and Gal Gadot's close friend, Murphy read it in detail.
"In recent years, Margot Robbie has shed her 'vase' label through continuous collaboration with directors like Murphy Stanton. In 'City of Chaos' and 'Diego Ross,' both released this year, she has delivered outstanding performances. Who would dare to call this former Australian country girl, who ventured into Hollywood relying on her looks, just a pretty face now?"
Gal Gadot walked over, sitting closely beside Murphy, peeking at the newspaper. "Margot must have spent quite a bit on this. I'll ask her about it tomorrow."
"Tomorrow? Aren't you working?" Murphy asked curiously.
"I gave myself a day off." Gal Gadot wrapped her arms around Murphy, resting her head on his shoulder. "I've invited Margot over for lunch."
Murphy considered his schedule. "I might not have time. There's a 20th Century Fox press conference at 11 a.m. tomorrow."
"No problem, Margot isn't really a guest." Gal Gadot yawned and said, "It's enough that I'm there."
"Okay," Murphy nodded.
Gal Gadot pointed to the newspaper. "Don't put it down, keep reading."
Murphy adjusted the newspaper to a position where both he and Gal Gadot could read comfortably and continued with the article on Margot Robbie.
"Australian Girl Conquers Hollywood!"
Seeing the subheading, Gal Gadot commented, "Margot is really pushing her rags-to-riches story, isn't she?"
"Despite growing up in a single-parent household, Margot Robbie was raised in a loving environment. Her mother, an Australian farm owner, single-handedly raised four children. Margot was the third child, growing up alongside her siblings and two cows. At 16, to help support her family, Margot juggled three jobs, working 17 hours a day. At 17, after graduating from Somerset Drama School in Australia, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career."
"She was once told, 'You're too pretty, too stereotypically pretty, such actresses never make it big.' However, this young girl was determined to be the best vase she could be. Over the next few years, she took on various roles, regardless of size, working with big names like Murphy Stanton, James Franco, and Robert Downey Jr."
At this point, Murphy lost interest. Such promotional articles generally followed a formula: highlighting the actor's struggles before fame and their hard work afterward, often revealing personal struggles to attract attention.
Most promotional materials for Hollywood stars with average backgrounds followed this pattern.
"By the way," Gal Gadot suddenly said, "I've known Margot for many years. Sometimes, I feel she's a bit odd."
"Odd how?" Murphy asked, curious. "I haven't noticed."
"You?" Gal Gadot shook her head. "Margot acts like a good girl around you. How could you see it?"
Murphy kissed her on the head, recalling his interactions with Margot Robbie. She seemed perfectly normal, without any noticeable quirks. If there was something peculiar, it was her tomboyish demeanor as a child, always looking like a cowgirl.
"Her wildness from childhood never really went away," Murphy analyzed for Gal Gadot. "It's just hidden inside now, probably showing occasionally in front of you since you're her best friend."
Gal Gadot thought Murphy's analysis made sense. "Maybe that's it."
She checked the time and pulled Murphy off the living room sofa. "It's late. Let's go to bed."
Murphy dropped the newspaper, holding Gal Gadot's hand as they headed upstairs. After a few steps, Gal Gadot seemed to remember something. "I've been following a project lately that I think could be very successful if handled well."
"What project?" Murphy asked.
"The Silmarillion!" Gal Gadot said directly. "I've been keeping an eye on the 'Hobbit' developments and think we might have a chance to acquire the film rights from Tolkien's son."
"Doesn't Peter Jackson hold the film rights to 'The Silmarillion'?" Murphy inquired.
"No," Gal Gadot followed Murphy upstairs. "After adapting 'The Lord of the Rings' series, Jackson and several companies secured the rights to 'The Hobbit,' but 'The Silmarillion' rights have remained with Tolkien's son, Christopher Tolkien."
She knew Murphy loved the series, having mentioned several times that missing out on "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy was one of his biggest regrets.
Reaching the second floor, they didn't enter their room but stood in the hallway to continue discussing the topic.
Gal Gadot detailed, "Due to the poor reception of 'The Hobbit,' Christopher Tolkien recently announced in London that he refuses to sell the rights to 'The Silmarillion,' especially not to Peter Jackson."
Murphy nodded. "The 'Hobbit' trilogy might mark the end of Jackson's involvement with the 'Lord of the Rings' series. It will be difficult for him to acquire 'The Silmarillion' rights."
Having read both "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Silmarillion," Murphy knew that "The Silmarillion" was J.R.R. Tolkien's labor of love, a mythological epic crafted over 60 years. It was the genesis of Middle-earth, contrasting the "childish and light-hearted" tone of "The Hobbit" with grand and beautiful narratives, more fitting for a mature audience.
Such a story would undoubtedly find its market and audience.
"Alright, Gal," Murphy quickly made a decision. "Reach out to Christopher Tolkien and see if there's a chance."
Getting the rights would be great; if not, there would be no loss.
Gal Gadot pulled Murphy into their bedroom. "Darling, I have something special planned for tonight."
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