Some media outlets shifted their focus to the new film Laila had mentioned—the one she claimed would contend for the top spot at the global box office. Based on the details she revealed at the press conference, they speculated it had something to do with her earlier superhero films.
Not all reporters were familiar with her past work, so in search of firsthand information, many went out and bought DVDs of those related films, hoping to uncover clues.
Interestingly, many viewers who had watched the livestream did the same. So even before the long-term media impact could be measured, Marvel's superhero movies saw a sales spike several times higher than usual the very next day.
Laila had never intended to hide the clues. Anyone who watched her previous films through to the end would've seen the post-credit scenes hinting at a larger narrative.
When pieced together, a single name gradually emerged from the shadows—The Avengers.
"Cool!"
Countless fans cried out in excitement the moment they realized what this might mean.
Even those who weren't hardcore comic book fans still loved superhero movies. First of all, each hero had unique traits and cool powers. Whether it was someone with special abilities, like Iron Man's unmatched intellect, or gods with mysterious powers, every character had their unique charm.
Secondly, both the comics and the movies have created some unforgettable villains. Take this year, for example—Roy had won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the Joker. People didn't love the Joker because of his crimes, but because of his twisted charisma—his madness.
Young people made up the largest group of superhero fans, and they firmly believed that if Laila was the one directing the new movie, it would undoubtedly become a classic. Just look at her Iron Man, and even DC's The Dark Knight. Somehow, under her direction, every superhero seemed even cooler than their comic book counterparts. Every character in her films oozed with individuality and depth.
And now, the idea of multiple superheroes coming together in one movie, fighting side by side against evil, just thinking about it was enough to make comic fans and superhero enthusiasts alike giddy with excitement.
"I don't care if it breaks the box office record or not—as long as it's Laila's film, I'm watching it!"
"My favorite is her Iron Man! But Captain America's super handsome, too. If they have a scene together, I swear I'll faint!"
"Let's guess—how many superheroes will appear in Laila's new film? I hope the Hulk's in it!"
"I wonder if Batman will show up?"
"Don't be silly! Batman's from DC, okay? The Avengers are Marvel!"
"Yeah, but doesn't Laila also hold a stake in DC? She can borrow a hero or two, right?"
Debates erupted across the internet, and as more people chimed in with speculation, even a few heated arguments broke out. As for the previous wave of criticism toward Laila? That was long gone—nobody even mentioned it anymore.
If anyone did still try to badmouth her now, they'd immediately be drowned out by a tidal wave of backlash.
She already said she'd "answer everything with her film"—so what were people still fussing about?
Cooper, who had been flamed multiple times already, angrily slammed his keyboard aside.
He wanted to wait for Laila's movie to come out before taking her on again, but every time he saw the internet flooded with glowing praise for her, he couldn't help but impulsively jump back into the fray.
And every single time, the result was the same—he got ruthlessly torn to shreds.
Thankfully, he'd been using burner accounts. If he had posted from his real profile, his windows would've been smashed out by now, considering the kinds of things he'd said.
International audiences were also getting excited after reading the news from global correspondents. Laila's past superhero films had all performed well in international markets—proof that the appeal of heroes extended far beyond North America.
Now that she was planning a superhero "all-star mashup," moviegoers everywhere were cheering her on with both hands—and feet—raised in support.
Think about it—same ticket price, but you get multiple superheroes in one movie? That's a steal.
And just imagining it got people fired up: every hero unleashing their powers, fighting together to protect peace—it was the kind of spectacle that thrilled audiences everywhere.
And among all the markets, the one that showed the most explosive response was the emerging box office giant in the East.
There, Laila had just as many devoted fans as in the West. It wasn't just her that people adored—they were completely hooked on her films. Every single one of her movies had topped the box office during its release week, whether in North America or the East.
Her movies often performed better in the East. There was simply less competition. Even in Hollywood, no one wanted to release a film on the same weekend as Laila's. So, for the Eastern film industry, which was still developing, going up against her was suicide.
Many local filmmakers were silently thankful that Laila only released one film a year.
If she released one a month, they might as well give up their careers.
Of course, that was a bit of an exaggeration. Everyone has different tastes—some liked Laila's work, others preferred different genres.
But her strength lay in making films that appealed to the broadest possible audience. Her work wasn't niche; it was universal.
One of the things that made her so admired among directors was her ability to turn a commercial film into something as meaningful as an art film—and to turn an art film into a box office hit.
She always seemed to know exactly what the audience wanted, and crafted her stories to match.
Take Blood Diamond, for example. In another director's hands, it likely would've been dark, brutal, and emotionally draining—a critical darling, but a box office flop.
But Laila's Blood Diamond still managed to cross the $400 million mark.
People still remembered that before the movie was released, almost every outlet predicted she'd crash and burn, ruining her decade-long box office streak.
And then the numbers came out.
$400 million.
Like a divine slap across the faces of every naysayer.
Now, with Laila openly stating she was making a commercial film, people were eager to see what she'd deliver.
Would it be all about explosive fights and CGI?
Or would she once again infuse the film with depth and meaning?
If even The Dark Knight could be made stylish and thought-provoking under her direction, who would dare doubt her now?
At this point, the only two questions left were:
When will filming start?
And when will it hit theaters?
The day after Laila's press conference, she had already started pre-production on the film.
Her first step?
Meeting with all the superheroes.