Chapter 40: Chapter 39
Spider-Man as the Joker?
When the news broke about Xu Can's new action crime film, John Wick, the reactions were mixed, but the official announcement from Warner Bros. that followed sent shockwaves through the industry.
Xu Can, the actor best known for his charming portrayal of Spider-Man, was now officially cast as the Joker, one of the most iconic villains in American comic book history. The initial reaction was disbelief. Fans and critics alike had to double-check the news to make sure they weren't mistaken.
It was true. The beloved, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man was going to play the Joker.
Soon, all media attention was focused on Warner Bros.' upcoming Batman film, and other Hollywood productions were overshadowed. Even Xu Can himself couldn't help but joke:
"Warner Bros. may not be great at making DC movies, but they sure know how to market them!"
The buzz that John Wick had created now fed directly into the anticipation for the new Batman series. But Xu Can remained at the center of it all.
In a media interview, director Christopher Nolan revealed:
"Yes, we cast Xu Can as the Joker. To be honest, I initially wanted him for the role of Batman, but he turned it down, saying it was too abstract. Instead, he preferred to play the Joker."
"I'm really looking forward to working with Xu Can. We're starting with the second film in the trilogy, and I hope we can create the Gotham City everyone has been waiting for."
Xu Can was approached by reporters soon after, and while leaving Galaxy Pictures, he found himself surrounded by a mob of eager journalists. Despite the chaos, he rolled down his window and answered a few questions.
"Yes, I was the one who suggested playing the Joker. I never planned to stick to the Spider-Man series forever."
"I've signed on for a trilogy, but I need to expand my range after that."
"John Wick is a great challenge, and so is the Joker. I hope to create a Joker with a unique style."
With that, Xu Can drove off, leaving the media in a frenzy.
The confirmation of Xu Can as the Joker quickly became a hot topic across the internet. Fan forums and comment sections were ablaze with debate.
Some fans were skeptical:
"Can he really pull off the Joker?"
While others defended him:
"Why not? Anyone who's seen Spider-Man knows Xu Can's acting skills are top-notch."
"This is the most iconic villain—don't ruin it with a boy-next-door type."
But then others countered:
"Didn't you see the John Wick trailer? Xu Can's no longer the boy next door."
As discussions raged on, film critics also weighed in:
"Tim Burton's Batman had Oscar winner Jack Nicholson as the Joker—this character has already been perfected."
"Warner should focus on other villains like Penguin, Riddler, or Bane instead of rehashing the Joker."
"Choosing Spider-Man to play the Joker raises doubts about the film's potential. Can Xu Can really capture the essence of this villain?"
Despite these concerns, there was also optimism. Some believed that Xu Can and Nolan could revitalize the Batman franchise, bringing something new and exciting to the table.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Xu Can remained unfazed. When Nolan asked if he was worried about the controversy, Xu Can simply smiled.
"Don't worry, Christopher. I'm used to criticism. Let's get started—I can't wait!"
With the release of John Wick still a few months away and the filming of Spider-Man 2 scheduled for later in the year, Xu Can seized the opportunity to dive into the role of the Joker.
In fact, before accepting the role, Xu Can had researched Heath Ledger, who was once considered for the part but tragically passed away after filming Brokeback Mountain in 2005. Ledger's Joker became one of the most iconic villains in cinematic history, and Xu Can knew he had big shoes to fill.
As Xu Can arrived at Warner Studios for the script reading of The Dark Knight, he was greeted by none other than Christian Bale, who surprised him with a request.
"Xu, could I get your autograph? I'm a huge Spider-Man fan!"
"Of course," Xu Can replied with a grin. "I've been a fan of your work too—particularly American Psycho."
Bale was taken aback, having expected Xu Can to mention one of his more popular films like The Prestige.
With the pleasantries over, director Christopher Nolan gathered everyone together.
"Alright, let's get started," he announced. "Batman: The Dark Knight script reading begins now!"
As Xu Can opened the script, he felt a surge of energy. He was no longer Spider-Man or John Wick. As he read the lines, he became fully immersed in the role—he was the Joker, a character filled with darkness, madness, and chaos.
...
"My name is Arthur… never mind, the name doesn't matter anymore.
I'm a clown, performing in Gotham City to make ends meet.
My dream is to be a stand-up comedian and bring joy to people.
But I have this condition, an uncontrollable laughter, and it makes me a freak in the eyes of others.
Even on a talk show, I'm ridiculed.
That damned host—what does he know?
And now they're saying I'm Thomas Wayne's illegitimate son?
This bastard had my mother locked away in Arkham Asylum?
Even on the subway, I'm beaten up for no reason because of my uncontrollable laughter.
Why should the downtrodden be bullied? Why do the rich get to decide everyone's fate?
Am I the crazy one? Or is it the world that's lost its mind?
Bang, bang, bang!
I didn't shoot because I was angry—I did it because they needed saving.
Okay, okay! Even the one love I had was just a fantasy?
She never cared about me from the start?
Hahahahaha!
I used to think my life was a tragedy. But now I realize… it's a comedy!
...
So, who am I? Am I Spider-Man? Am I John Wick?
No, please… call me the Joker."
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