Another side of the story
As the train continued its course, Lucas's gaze drifted toward the man sitting beside him. Keanu Reeves. It felt like he was transported back in time, to a time when he was just an unknown face trying to make it big in Hollywood. Keanu turned to Lucas, sensing his gaze. "Is there anything you need?"
Lucas forced a smile. "Nothing." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "I'm actually a fan."
Keanu's expression softened. "Really?" He examined Lucas closely, as if trying to place a name to the face. "Wait, aren't you Lucas Knight?"
Lucas chuckled, taken aback. "I didn't expect Keanu Reeves to recognize me."
"Why wouldn't I?" Keanu chuckled, too. "You're quite a sensation these days because of your music video on YouTube, you know."
Lucas's cheeks flushed with pride. "Well, that's why me and my security took the subway," he explained with a smile.
As Lucas and Keanu continued their conversation, a buzzing commotion filled the train carriage. Passengers discreetly reached for their phones, trying to inconspicuously record the rare sight of the rising star Lucas Knight and veteran actor Keanu Reeves seated together, engaged in a casual conversation. While New Yorkers were used to celebrity sightings, this unexpected encounter was too good to pass up.
Lucas and Keanu noticed the phone screens glinting and the hushed whispers, but they decided not to let it bother them. After all, it was part and parcel of being in the limelight.
"It seems we're drawing quite a bit of attention," Lucas remarked, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
"Not surprising," Keanu chuckled modestly. "You're kind of a big deal these days, you know."
Lucas smiled and waved off the compliment. "I'm just getting started. You, on the other hand, are a Hollywood legend."
Keanu smiled fondly at the humility. "Don't sell yourself short, Lucas," he said. "You're well on your way to becoming a household name."
As the train rattled on, the two stars lost themselves in their conversation, ignoring the curious glances and recording devices around them.
The train pulled into the station, which was Lucas's stop.
Lucas turned to Keanu Reeves and offered a nod of farewell. "It was nice to meet you, Keanu." He bid Keanu Reeves a polite goodbye before being ushered off the train by his two burly security guards.
"Keanu Reeves is such a cool dude," Simon couldn't help but remark as they merged into the sea of commuters.
Jack nodded in agreement. "He's a rarity among Hollywood royalty, that's for sure. And humble too. Unlike most actors."
Realizing his faux pas, Jack quickly added, "No offense, Lucas. I didn't mean—"
Lucas raised a hand to stop him. "No worries, Jack. I know what you meant. And Keanu is on a league of his own, honestly."
Simon couldn't help but agree. "That's true. But you're pretty cool yourself, Mr. Lucas."
Lucas simply laughed as they hailed a taxi and headed towards their next destination, a meeting with Todd Phillips.
---
In a posh restaurant, Todd Phillips fidgeted with his wine glass, nervously checking the time on his watch. The renowned director had flown all the way from Los Angeles to meet the internet sensation, Lucas Knight.
Finally, he spotted the young star walking towards their table, flanked by his intimidating-looking security detail.
Todd quickly stood up, extending his hand. "Nice to finally meet you, Mr. Knight."
Lucas shook his hand firmly. "Nice to meet you too, Mr. Phillips."
Todd noticed the bodyguards, Jack and Simon, lingering nearby, but when he reached out to shake their hands, they politely declined with a brief shake of their heads.
After they were seated, Todd handed Lucas a menu. "Please, feel free to order whatever you'd like, Mr. Knight."
Lucas scanned the menu and pointed at something. "I'll have the Chopped Wedge Salad please."
The waiter jotted down their orders and left with the menus. As they waited for their food to arrive, Todd leaned in towards Lucas, his expression serious. "I've been in talks with your manager, Mr. Knight. He mentioned you've been working on something... intriguing."
Lucas smiled faintly. This was the moment he'd been waiting for. "You can call me Lucas."
"Alright, Lucas it is," Todd replied, flashing a warm smile. "And you can call me Todd."
Lucas nodded, taking a deep breath before diving in. "The script is about a villain named Joker..."
Todd leaned in, visibly intrigued. "The Joker, huh? I'm listening."
Lucas continued, "It's set in the same universe as the current DC cinematic universe, but it's a standalone story. We explore his relationships, his failed stand-up career, and his descent into madness."
Todd's eyebrows shot up in interest. "Ambitious. But you do know that if we ever want to make this film, we'll need to get the green light from Warner Bros. and work out a deal, right?"
Lucas leaned in, his eyes alight with passion. "Actually, I did pitch the idea to the Warner Bros. CEO, Todd. It was about a villain, the Joker to be precise."
Todd's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "And? What did he say?"
Lucas held up a hand, a grin forming on his face. "He didn't say no, exactly."
"But we're not sure if your script will ever get made," Todd countered, skepticism creeping into his voice.
Lucas smiled reassuringly, signaling for Jack to hand over the script from his bag. "I know it's a long shot, but just read it, Todd. See if you like it."
Laying the thick, bound script on the table, Lucas slid it across to Todd. "This is the script, weeks of research and writing. I think it's worth a shot."
Todd picked up the script, his expression still doubtful. The title read "Joker" in a simple, menacing font. He leafed through the pages, the weight of the script speaking for itself.
"Okay, Lucas," he said, his voice tinged with reluctant interest. "I'll give it a read. But no promises, alright?"
Lucas grinned, extending his hand. "I appreciate it, Todd. That's all I ask for."
The two men shook hands, sealing the deal.
"Let's hope this Joker of yours is as intriguing as you make him out to be," he said, half joking but with a hint of genuine interest.
As Todd scanned through the script, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration. He read on, the pages rustling under his fingers, and paused at a particularly harrowing scene. He looked up at Lucas, visibly unsettled.
"This... this is nothing like the Joker we're used to seeing in the comics," he said, a hint of awe in his voice. "You've humanized him, made him... relatable."
Lucas smiled, a somber expression in his eyes. "The Joker wasn't always a monster, Todd. He was once just like you and me, dealing with unbearable pain and tragedy. I wanted to show that."
Todd flipped a few more pages, his eyes widening at the detailed accounts of the Joker's descent into madness.
"Pseudobulbar affect? I've never even heard of this condition."
Lucas nodded, a fire in his eyes. "It's real. It's a neurological disorder that causes uncontrollable laughter or crying fits, often triggered by intense emotions. I thought it would be a fitting backdrop for the Joker's maniacal laughter."
Todd couldn't tear his eyes away from the script, the world around them fading into the background. This version of the Joker was dark, gritty, and profoundly unsettling. It was as if Lucas had managed to reach into the depths of humanity's darkest corners and dredged up a monster they all knew lurked within.
Todd leaned in, his eyes alight with a mix of fascination and unease. "Besides the pseudobulbar affect, it seems like the Joker has other mental issues as well."
Lucas nods gravely. "He does, Todd. He's a complex character."
Todd couldn't help but be impressed by the amount of research and thought Lucas put into the character. "You've really gone all out with his backstory, haven't you?"
"I wanted to stay true to the essence of the character while adding my own spin on it," Lucas replied, a twinkle in his eyes. "Life, to the Joker, is a joke."
Todd couldn't help but chuckle at the dark humor. "I like that. It's twisted, but it works."
He flipped through more pages, visibly taken aback by the depth and grit of the script. "You've managed to humanize the Joker in a way that's both terrifying and tragic. It's... captivating."
Lucas grinned, "I'm glad you think so. I wanted to show that even the most notorious of villains were once just people like us, dealing with their demons."
Todd drummed his fingers on the table, weighing his options. "Pitching a script like this to Warner Bros.? They're not known for taking risks."
Lucas's eyes shone with determination. "I know it's a long shot, but I believe in this story. I think the world needs to see the Joker's side of the story."
As the waiter placed their orders on the table, both men fell silent, allowing the tantalizing aromas to fill the air. They dug in, the conversation on pause for a moment.
When they were halfway through their meals, Todd grinned at Lucas. "You know, I've been thinking... I'm in. I want to help you develop this Joker script of yours."
Lucas's eyes widened with relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Todd. I appreciate it."
Todd waved it off. "No, thank you. Your unique perspective on the Joker is something the world needs to see."
They continued their meal, discussing the finer points of the story and how they would approach Warner Bros. with the script.
"I've got a good feeling about this, you know," Todd said, dabbing his mouth with a napkin.
Lucas grinned. "I hope so, Todd. I really do."
Finishing their meal, they stood up and shook hands one last time.
"I'll be in touch, Lucas. We've got a script to polish and a studio to convince," Todd said, a glint in his eye.
Lucas nodded, "I'll start working on it as soon as I get back. Oh, by the way, I've also invited another writer on board. Scott Silver, I think his style will fit the Joker perfectly."
Todd raised his eyebrows. "Scott, huh? Interesting choice. Alright, the more the merrier."
Lucas bid Todd farewell and stepped out of the swanky restaurant, a sense of determination burning within him.
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