Echoes of Hollywood

To avoid the interruptions from reporters and paparazzi, James Franco specially rented an island in the Caribbean to hold his wedding. The guest list was small, consisting mainly of close friends and family of James Franco and Lily Collins, with just a few dozen people in attendance along with the clergy officiating the ceremony.

Without external disturbances, the wedding proceeded smoothly. Although Jonah Hill and Dave Franco played some pranks on James Franco, it only added to the joyful atmosphere, similar to Robert Downey Jr.'s wedding.

Since Lily Collins is a Catholic, James Franco, who didn't have a clear religious belief, went along with the traditional Catholic ceremony customary to her side.

Lily Collins' mother even invited a regional archbishop.

After the ceremony, the parents of the bride and groom gave speeches. As the best man, Murphy also took to the microphone once more.

However, there wasn't much to say; in such settings, blessings are the most important.

"Congratulations, Jim, Lily."

With all the formalities completed, Murphy approached James Franco and Lily Collins, offering them each a congratulatory hug before handing Lily Collins a small box. "This is my gift."

Lily Collins thanked him and handed the box to the bridesmaid behind her.

As Murphy left, Margot Robbie, standing behind Lily Collins, whispered, "I heard from Gail that Murphy gave you a yacht. The box must contain the keys."

"A yacht?" Lily Collins looked at James Franco, who nodded slightly, indicating he was aware. "It's okay, accept it."

In fact, Murphy had already custom-ordered a rather expensive mid-sized yacht last year, but James Franco and Lily Collins postponed their wedding, so he had to wait until now to give it.

The guests left the church and went to the beach, where a grand wedding party was prepared.

Many changed clothes, especially bridesmaids Gal Gadot and Margot Robbie, as their white gowns were quite inconvenient.

"Murphy, that's quite a generous gift."

Margot Robbie, accompanied by Gal Gadot, approached Murphy's table and joked as they sat down, "If all your friends get married, you'll go broke."

Murphy just smiled, not saying much. Though the yacht was custom-made, it wasn't extraordinarily expensive—just about the fee for one of James Franco's films.

Gal Gadot asked for a fruit plate from a server and placed it in the middle of the table. "When you get married, we'll also give you a gift."

"Me getting married..." Margot Robbie sighed. "Seems like I won't be getting that gift."

She suddenly changed the subject. "Murphy, I want to transport the horses from my farm. You know many people, can you help?"

Transporting live animals through customs is quite troublesome, and Murphy knew this. "You should ask Bill and Robert for help. I'll call them when I get back."

Many Hollywood stars love animals like horses and dogs and often travel with them. Agencies usually have special channels to handle such matters.

After chatting for a while, Margot Robbie seemed to spot someone of interest and got up to leave.

Murphy and Gal Gadot ate some food casually, then got up to help James Franco entertain the guests. They hadn't gone far when they saw Margot Robbie chatting with the clergyman who officiated the wedding.

"Hi, Murphy, Gal."

Margot Robbie waved when she saw them, gesturing them over. "Let me introduce you."

She turned to the elderly clergyman with graying hair. "This is Father Marcus Costello, recently appointed as the regional archbishop of Los Angeles."

Just as in climbing to the top in Hollywood, reaching the rank of a regional archbishop in the Catholic Church is no easy feat. Murphy and Gal Gadot greeted Father Marcus Costello politely.

After a few minutes of religious conversation, Father Marcus Costello sensed that Murphy seemed to lack a clear religious belief and started to see potential in him.

In California, especially Los Angeles, a variety of new religious sects emerge frequently, severely squeezing the space of the Catholic Church. As the new regional archbishop, one of Father Marcus Costello's important tasks was to expand Catholic influence in Los Angeles.

This wasn't the Northeastern US; Father Marcus Costello knew this wouldn't be easy. He had considered various strategies and found some methods of Scientology to be quite effective.

For example, using celebrities like Tom Cruise and Will Smith as high-profile advocates.

Even though Catholicism has a long history and vast global influence, Father Marcus Costello wasn't a rigid thinker and knew special areas required special strategies.

"I heard that Director Stanton grew up near the old Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles?"

With this idea in mind, Father Marcus Costello naturally sought to build a connection. "I worked there for a few years in the early 1980s."

Just like in the medieval times, developing a common believer and attracting a noble follower within the Catholic Church yields completely different results.

Father Marcus Costello clearly understood that at his age, he could still advance further to become a Cardinal.

Margot Robbie, seemingly familiar with the regional archbishop, chimed in, "The church where the Father worked is near the Latin community you lived in. Perhaps you might have seen him when you were young."

"I'm not sure about that," Murphy said politely. "I became an orphan at an early age, so no one took me to church."

"If Director Stanton seeks a place of peace to bask in God's light..." Father Marcus Costello said timely, "I would be honored to guide you."

Murphy smiled politely. "If I need that, I will seek your help, Father."

Margot Robbie seemed to want to say something more but saw Gal Gadot's glance and realized she might be overdoing it. She quickly stopped.

"You're always welcome," Father Marcus Costello said kindly, like a benevolent Santa Claus. "Director Stanton, if your crew needs any religious services, feel free to reach out to me."

He handed over a business card, which Murphy accepted and solemnly put away. "If needed, I will contact you."

This was, of course, just a courtesy.

Gal Gadot, who was Jewish, was fine, but Murphy, due to his upbringing, had no clear religious belief.

Religious belief is a personal freedom, and Murphy wouldn't interfere with anyone else's beliefs, nor would he let others interfere with his own freedom.

Politely excusing themselves from Father Marcus Costello, Murphy and Gal Gadot headed towards the pier where James Franco and Lily Collins were taking photos. Murphy, still thinking about the recent conversation, noted that Hollywood celebrities are often targets for various religious groups, even among major faiths like Christianity and Catholicism.

Perhaps due to the emptiness outside the celebrity spotlight, Hollywood stars, especially the big ones, are often devout believers. Scientology, for instance, is a well-known church in Hollywood with notable followers like Tom Cruise, Will Smith, and John Travolta.

Having worked in the old Chinatown area of downtown Los Angeles in the early 1980s...

Murphy suddenly asked, "Gal, what was the name of the regional archbishop Margot introduced earlier?"

Hearing Murphy's question, Gal Gadot rolled her eyes. It was clear Murphy hadn't paid much attention to the archbishop or the idea of converting.

"Father Marcus Costello..." Gal Gadot added, "the head of the Catholic Church in the Los Angeles region, the top figure."

Murphy repeated the name, "Father Marcus Costello..."

"Hey, Murphy!"

James Franco called out from the pier, "And Gal! Come here for a group photo! Hurry up!"

Jonah Hill also shouted, "We're just waiting for you two! Hurry up!"

Murphy shook his head, putting aside thoughts of Father Marcus Costello and his recruitment attempts, and quickened his pace towards the pier.

They took group photos, pranked James Franco and Lily Collins, and had them perform an impromptu kiss, continuing the fun until sunset. The wedding finally concluded.

Some guests left by helicopter, while those who stayed had accommodations on the island and could join the bonfire party prepared by CAA for James Franco and Lily Collins.

As two of CAA's major clients, especially with James Franco being a key member of Stanton's circle, many CAA partners attended the wedding. Bill Rossis, now officially a partner, was among them.

At the bonfire party, Bill Rossis found Murphy with urgent business, though unrelated to him, but rather concerning Gal Gadot.

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