For the past three years, Laila had dominated the summer box office with her Lord of the Rings trilogy, securing the top spot three years in a row and leaving other films struggling in her wake. No one dared underestimate her ability to draw audiences—it seemed that simply attaching her name to a movie was enough to attract hordes of fans.
So, in this release window, it wasn't about her avoiding others; rather, other films had to steer clear of hers.
This wasn't the first time such a situation had arisen. The same scenario had played out year after year—no one wanted to compete with Laila for box office revenue. Not only would it result in mutual damage, but it would also make them the butt of jokes.
However, this situation presented an opportunity for smaller-budget films and movies of different genres. Take Mamma Mia!, which was released on the same day as The Dark Knight. While others avoided clashing with Laila, this musical had no such concerns—after all, it was a completely different genre. In this nearly uncontested period, they could carve out a niche for themselves, even if they weren't aiming for blockbuster success.
"We should get out now," Roy said, gently patting Laila's cheek.
Laila yawned. "Mm, let's go."
Roy frowned disapprovingly. "Next time, don't stay up so late. You're not getting enough rest."
"I'll be careful," Laila replied before obediently falling silent. It wasn't that she didn't want to argue—it was just that even if she did, Roy probably wouldn't hear her over the noise outside.
As soon as the car door opened, a tidal wave of cheers engulfed the red carpet.
Laila had experienced this kind of reception many times before, yet each time, she couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
Countless times, she had thanked the heavens for their mercy, allowing her to come to this world and fulfill her dreams—gaining not only a warm family but also a bright future.
In this timeline, she had achieved success beyond anything she could have imagined in her past life, and she had gained so many fans. It was their support that had allowed her to walk this path so smoothly, unlike her previous life, where she had stumbled through potholes and mud, always at risk of falling face-first into the dirt.
"Laila—!" "Roy, look over here!" "Ahhh—!!!"
The fans' frenzied screams seemed to pierce through the thick clouds overhead, forcing the sun—hidden all day—to finally peek through just before sunset.
The evening light cast a golden glow over Laila's gown, making her and Roy look as though they had stepped out of a fairy tale—so breathtakingly beautiful that words couldn't do them justice.
As usual, Laila took time to interact with fans on the red carpet. She loved these moments—they made her feel truly loved. She needed that affirmation, that reminder that the person she was now was entirely separate from the person she had once been.
To the fans, her attention was a sign of respect, reinforcing their pride in supporting her.
See? This is our idol, Laila. Even as one of Hollywood's top figures, she still holds her fans close to her heart.
Inside the theater, Nolan and the production team were already seated.
After exchanging greetings, Laila took her seat, smiling as she watched the pre-screening interactions between the stage and the audience.
Finally, the lights dimmed.
The lucky fans in attendance buzzed with anticipation, eager to see what Laila's version of Batman would look like.
Earlier, when the studio realized how high expectations were, they had discreetly hired some online commentators to temper the hype. After all, the greater the expectations, the greater the potential disappointment. It wasn't that they lacked confidence in the film—it was just that if audiences went in with unrealistic hopes, even a well-crafted movie might leave them unsatisfied.
This had happened too many times in Hollywood, leaving unfortunate films to suffer the consequences. Overhyping a movie might draw crowds, but if the exaggeration went too far and audiences bought into it, the backlash could be disastrous.
Yet, their attempts to temper expectations only sparked more fervent rebuttals. The hired commentators' lackluster efforts were part of the problem, but the bigger issue was the fans' near-blind faith in Laila.
Is Laila failing at a superhero movie? Don't make me laugh! She was the genius who could turn art films into commercial successes—how could she possibly fail with a blockbuster? All they wanted to know was how she would transform their beloved Batman into the greatest superhero in cinematic history.
The studio had, of course, seen the final cut and given it high praise. But they weren't entirely confident in their own judgment—until a film actually hit theaters, no one could guarantee how audiences would react.
And now, the moment of truth had arrived.
Would Laila maintain her undefeated box office streak? Would fans be satisfied with her take on Batman? Would The Dark Knight become a timeless classic? The answers were moments away.
The film began with the studio logos, including Laila's Dragon Soul Productions—the iconic Eastern dragon soaring into the sky, already familiar to fans worldwide.
For Eastern audiences in particular, the logo held a special warmth, though some couldn't help but feel a twinge of possessiveness—why is our cultural symbol being used by a "foreigner"? But given Laila's well-known love for Eastern culture and her status as a "friendly international ally," they had no choice but to accept it.
The movie opened with an electrifying mini-climax. A group of bank robbers, working with precision, took over a bank, cracked the vault, and stuffed bags full of cash.
But as each member completed their assigned task, they were systematically killed by their teammates—cold, efficient, and utterly ruthless.
Just as the audience began to grasp the pattern—each killer becoming the next victim—the last masked robber boarded a school bus to escape. Someone taunted him, warning that his employer would kill him the same way.
Just as the crowd murmured in agreement, the robber removed his mask—revealing the grotesque, grinning face of the Joker.
"Oh my god!" "It's the Joker!" "So it was him!" The audience erupted in shock.