The screening of Lucy:Final Curtain's War had ended.
However, audiences were still immersed in the final plot twist.
"So that's how it is." Vincenzo, who had speculated on many endings but still failed to predict this one, spoke up. "It's really unexpected. The Veil's purpose was actually to protect Earth."
"Yeah." Milon also sighed. "I didn't expect it either. But looking at it this way, that colossal entity must be the ancient god who set up the Veil. I thought it was the villain."
"That's right. So, the fourth movie will be about fighting those dark ancient gods in the universe, right?"
As they discussed, they walked out of the theater. Before parting ways, Milon even arranged to play games with Vincenzo over the weekend.
They were both World of Warcraft players, and since they were in the same faction—the Alliance—they planned to team up for dungeon runs.
That same night, after the movie's release, websites updated the rating for Lucy:Final curtain War.
8.9—neither exceptionally high nor low. The primary complaint from critics was the excessive number of locations and the film's long duration.
However, for fans and most casual viewers, these were actually highlights, making the movie even more enjoyable.
They got to see different cities and cultures from around the world, and the action sequences were thrilling, with top-notch visual effects.
Overall, the film had no major flaws. Even the storyline, typically the weakest aspect of superhero films, was far more engaging than expected.
As a result, Lucy 3's box office soared within just two days, becoming the first movie to surpass $200 million in three days.
"Cheers!"
Inside the office, Ethan and the investors raised their glasses in celebration of the film's massive success.
After taking a sip of his drink, the investors looked at Ethan with admiration.
"Ethan, you're now Hollywood's most bankable director—no contest!"
"That's right. You're practically a cinematic angel sent by God. No one can resist your films."
"Each one is better than the last. Ethan, you've shattered the Hollywood curse that says sequels only get worse."
Listening to their praise, Ethan smiled and said, "I have to thank all of you for believing in me."
"Haha, you're too modest, Ethan."
After some laughter and small talk, Ethan raised his glass again and said, "Since we're all here today, I'd like to make an announcement."
"What is it?" The investors looked at him curiously.
Ethan said, "I won't be directing Lucy 4. I can stay on as a producer, but we'll need to find a new director for the next film."
The investors were shocked.
"Ethan, why? This series can't go on without you."
Ethan shook his head. "Working on the same franchise for too long can be exhausting. I want to explore new and exciting stories or try different genres."
Seeing that Ethan had made up his mind, the investors didn't push further. After all, they were equals in this business.
Besides, as long as Ethan remained the producer, the Lucy franchise would likely maintain its quality.
Still, they hadn't expected Ethan to willingly give up the director's chair. Every film he made brought in massive earnings, after all.
But for Ethan, he didn't want to be tied solely to the Lucy name.
Just like Christopher Nolan, who moved on from Batman to explore new genres—science fiction, war films, and biopics—each of which left a mark on film history.
Ethan wanted the same freedom, the ability to succeed in any genre, rather than relying on Lucy's brand recognition.
Thus, he had already decided to transition after this movie.
And he would start with this crime thriller.
Speaking of which, Ethan had already chosen the title for his new film—NightWalker.
Filming had just begun, with the props and art departments setting up the scenes. Ethan had to return to Canada soon to continue shooting.
That night, after putting Elena to bed, he changed his clothes, ready to leave.
Standing behind him, Jessica adjusted his collar in front of the mirror. After fixing it, she leaned into his back and murmured, "Ethan, it feels like we haven't had any alone time in ages."
"Yeah." Ethan held her hand. "After this film wraps, let's take a trip somewhere."
"What about Elena?"
"We'll let Camila take care of her," Ethan said. "Now that both my younger brothers can handle themselves, she often complains that her life feels dull."
"She really loves kids." Jessica chuckled, then rested her chin on his back. "And what about the others?"
Ethan knew she was referring to the other women in his life.
"They're busy with their own things."
In the next second, Jessica bit him.
"You're such a bastard."
Ethan wrapped his arms around her. "I am. Completely incorrigible."
"Go on, go film your movie." Jessica, having vented her small frustrations, pushed him away.
Ethan got into Tom's car, waved goodbye to Jessica, and left.
In the car, as he gazed at the dark night outside, Ethan asked, "How's Davis doing lately?"
Tom, focused on driving, responded, "He's now controlling forty percent of New York's underground drug market. He's also been bribing the police and courts."
"Looks like he's finally getting the hang of things." Ethan tapped his knee. "Has he taken revenge on that judge?"
"That judge was injured in a truck accident. His son also had his fingers chopped off in a nightclub
"So, he still has some restraint." Ethan nodded. "He hasn't tried to get Arcadia out, has he?"
"No, but after bribing the court, he managed to get Arcadi's sentence reduced."
"He really is obsessed." Ethan warned, "Tell him that if Arcadia sees him, his identity will inevitably be exposed."
"Understood."
As the airport neared, Ethan suddenly thought of something and added, "Don't meet Davis in person. Just call him. You never know how bold he'll become now that he has money and power."
"Got it."
Upon reaching the airport, Ethan boarded a plane to Canada.
The next afternoon, well-rested, he arrived on set. The moment he stepped onto the shooting location, he heard an argument.
It was between Will Smith and Halle Berry. They were rehearsing a scene where their characters clashed over money.
Neither was willing to back down. They stood face-to-face like beasts in a standoff, their heads nearly touching.
Ethan watched for a while, then clapped when they finished. "That was great, Will, Berry. Keep that intensity for the actual shoot."
"No problem, Ethan. So, how's the movie doing?" Will Smith asked.
"Of course, my movies never flop. Three days, $200 million—and that's not even counting other countries."
"Wow." Will Smith whistled. "Hearing that makes me even more excited about this film's box office."
"Trust me, you'll get what you're hoping for."
Even though this film was entirely original, Ethan was confident.
It was as if he could already see the future.