Chapter 84

Xu Can's comment section, fan forums, and comic forums were all divided into separate battlefields.

Sexy netizens, passionately clashing online.

"Can he play the Joker?"

"Why can't he? Anyone who has seen Spider-Man knows Xu Can's acting skills."

"This is the most charming villain role; don't let some neighborhood boy come and fake an injury."

"Didn't you see the trailer from two days ago? Xu Can's image is no longer that of a neighborhood boy."

"An Asian actor finishes Marvel and then does DC; he wants to sweep up all American comics."

"Racial discrimination? Reported."

"Look at Xu Can in Spider-Man; who still says Asians can't act well? And he is from Huaxia, get it straight!"

"What's there to argue about? How did the later Batman films collapse? Xu Can and Nolan joining forces to save this IP, you should be secretly rejoicing!"

"Expectations! Xu Can and Nolan joining forces, a union of the strong! I predict this trilogy will be god-tier!"

"Agreed, looking forward to the new Batman!"

Topics that are controversial among North American audiences are equally controversial in the film and television media.

"Tim Burton's Batman, with Oscar-winning actor Jack Nicholson playing the Joker; this character has already been perfectly portrayed."

"The best choice for the new Batman is to shape other villains: Penguin, Riddler, Mr. Freeze, Bane, etc... Choosing to challenge the Joker might not be a wise choice."

"The most critical point is that Warner chose Spider-Man to play the Joker; it is hard not to suspect the final effect of the film, and whether Xu Can can grasp the essence of this villain."

"In short, most film critics do not believe Xu Can's Joker can surpass it; Nicholson's Joker is already the highest peak, unattainable."

The media's concerns have some merit.

The reason the original Batman achieved huge success in the early 90s was mainly due to the outstanding performances of Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson.

Two experienced veteran actors have already brought Batman to the ceiling.

This also indirectly caused live-action comic adaptations to gradually decline; it is very difficult for anyone to surpass the classics again.

From the very beginning, the new Batman was viewed by the outside world through colored glasses.

"Xu, have the events of these days affected you?" Nolan was somewhat worried about Xu Can's state.

Xu Can's smile was as sunny as ever.

"Rest assured, Christopher, I am already used to being roasted; let's get started quickly, I can't wait!"

"Good, as long as your mindset stays stable."

At the Warner studio lot, Xu Can came to attend the Benlangdu Society script reading for Batman: The Dark Knight.

More than two months remain before John Wick is released, and less than half a year remains before the sequel to Spider-Man 2 begins filming.

Marvel's plans for new works, Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, are still in preparation.

Xu Can can just take advantage of this gap period to come and film The Dark Knight; otherwise, he would not be able to free up time in the second half of the year.

Coincidentally, Liam Neeson, who played the Shadow Dancer in the first part, had a schedule conflict.

Nolan simply decided to film the second part first, then the first and third parts.

Only Christian Bale's injured world was achieved.

Actually, before taking on The Dark Knight, Xu Can specifically searched for Heath Ledger.

It is deeply sigh-worthy that shortly after filming Brokeback Mountain in 2005, he committed suicide by swallowing pills in an Australian hotel due to depression, at the age of 26.

Otherwise, Xu Can would have recommended Heath Ledger to play the role; the Joker he portrayed is one of the most classic villains in film history and one of the most memorable characters.

Without the cheat code of god-level acting skills, Xu Can truly could not have held down this role.

"Hello, Xu, can I get an autograph from you? I am a Spider-Man fan!"

Xu Can has already heard this sentence countless times.

But today, the one saying this was Christian Bale.

"Of course, I was also your fan before; I especially liked one of your works."

"Which one?" Bale was flattered.

"North American Mental Patient."

"Huh?"

Bale thought it was The Prestige; he didn't expect such an obscure movie?

Actually, he didn't know that his performance holding an axe in North American Mental Patient would be made into a viral meme by netizens.

"Alright, let's get straight to the point!"

Seeing that the key crew members were in place, director Christopher Nolan clapped his hands and announced.

"Batman: The Dark Knight, the script reading officially begins!"

Xu Can opened the script, and the moment his fingers touched it, a familiar feeling surged up in his heart again.

A flash of inspiration pierced his soul, instantly dragging him into a perspective full of darkness, madness, and chaos!

I, named Arthur... never mind, the name is no longer important.

I am a clown actor, performing slapstick in Gotham City, earning a meager salary to make a living.

My dream is to be a stand-up comedian, hoping to bring joy to everyone.

Unfortunately, I suffer from a strange illness; uncontrollable laughter makes it possible for me to lose my composure at any time and place.

I became a freak in the eyes of those around me; I worked hard to write my Duan Zi, why don't you laugh?

Even on variety shows, I have to be ruthlessly mocked by the guests?

Oh, that damn guy!! On what grounds does he stand high and point fingers? What does he know?

What? I am the illegitimate son of Thomas Wei En?

That damn beast actually sent my mother to Arkham Asylum to be abused?

Even on the subway, I get beaten up without cause? Just because of my uncontrollable strange illness?

Why? Why must people of the lower class be bullied?

Why can those rich, good-for-nothing wine-skins decide other people's fates?

Why is Gotham City full of injustice, yet everyone numbly adapts to the rules?

Is it me who is abnormal? Or is the whole world abnormal?

Bang bang bang!

Oh—I didn't shoot because you beat me; it's because you are steeped in depravity and need redemption!

Fine, fine, fine! Even the only love that warmed me was one-sided?

Did she actually hate me from the very beginning?

Hahahaha!

Hahahahaha!

I once thought my life was a tragedy. But now I realize...

It was actually a comedy!

Who am I? Am I Spider-Man? Am I John Wick?

No, please call me—

The Joker!