Chương 901: Chapter 901: The Joker Defeats The Justice League!
Bang! Bang!
The crack of gunfire echoed through the theater, slicing through the thick tension in the air. The audience stiffened in their seats, hearts pounding as they watched the chaos unfold on screen, their emotions strained to the breaking point.
Each shot fired by the joker found its target, one after another, the heads of the wealthy elites who had mocked, bullied, and oppressed him exploded grotesquely, like overripe watermelons bursting apart. Bright red blood sprayed the pristine white walls and floors, transforming the once elegant setting into a scene of carnage. The bodies of the fallen twitched grotesquely on the ground, adding a chilling realism to the mayhem.
The clown, his face smeared with ghostly white paint and a twisted, bloody grin, bolted for the exit. Clad in his garish purple suit, he sprinted through the wind like a man escaping the weight of the world, racing toward the promise of freedom. His wild, frantic run felt less like a retreat and more like a rebellion, a desperate dash toward liberation from the chains of a world that had rejected him.
In that moment, the audience's pent-up emotions finally found release. The clown's reckless defiance, his brutal retribution against those who had crushed him, resonated deeply with them. It was as if, for those few minutes, they were the ones taking vengeance, tearing down a system that had failed them time and again.
Many among the crowd lived difficult lives, struggling just to keep their heads above water. They longed for a future that seemed out of reach, their biggest fear being that the future would remain the same: a bleak, unchanging grind. For those content to merely survive, life trudged on, but for those who dared to dream of something more, the weight of the upper class pressed down like an immovable mountain.
These people had spent years, even decades, exhausting themselves in the pursuit of a better life, only to find themselves trapped in the same oppressive cycle. The Joker, for them, was a symbol of revolt, a figure who stood up to those who drained the life out of the lower classes. He shattered the oppressive order, offering a path to a new and uncertain future, one that felt terrifying and exhilarating in equal measure.
It was clear, this clown represented the silent fury buried deep within them.
As the clown sprinted on screen, applause erupted from the back rows of the theater, where the ordinary audience sat. The spontaneous burst of applause soon spread like wildfire, until the entire theater was filled with the sound of clapping.
But this wasn't the polite, obligatory applause of a film festival. This was raw, unfiltered emotion, people who felt seen, understood, and heard. It was a wave of appreciation that hadn't been planned or orchestrated. The film had struck a nerve, and the audience couldn't hold back.
Zack Snyder, seated toward the front, turned his head at the unexpected applause. "Is it really that intense?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Deborah, sitting beside him, nodded thoughtfully. "It seems like the film hit a deep emotional chord with them."
Gal Gadot, stunned by the crowd's reaction, leaned in. "It feels like the Joker's more popular than Batman, Superman, and even my character combined," she remarked with a wry smile.
Zack chuckled, "Don't feel too bad. There's no scene like this in 'Batman v Superman'."
The applause slowly faded as the clown's descent into madness continued on screen, pulling the audience's attention back to the gripping finale.
On screen, Gotham City was ablaze with unrest. Countless citizens rallied around the Joker, hoisting him up like a hero. In their eyes, he was more than a man, he was their champion, a symbol of defiance against a system that had crushed them underfoot. He embodied the chaos that comes when people are pushed too far, the ultimate freedom that emerges when all order collapses.
The Joker had become the beating heart of Gotham's rebellion, a symbol of freedom that promised a future of disorder. In the city where corruption and greed had thrived for so long, the people had finally found their leader, someone who could lead them into an uncertain yet thrilling new era.
When the credits finally rolled, the applause returned, even louder than before. It swept through the theater like a tidal wave, rising in intensity. In the front row, Daniel stood up, pulling Martin into a warm embrace.
"Even though I've seen several previews already," Daniel said, "every time I watch it, I come away with something new. This is truly a masterpiece, one that perfectly blends commercial appeal with artistic brilliance."
Martin smiled graciously. "Thank you," he said, his voice full of gratitude.
Beside them, Elizabeth clapped along, offering a warm smile but saying little. She seemed content to let the moment speak for itself.
The cast and crew, buzzing with excitement, exchanged hugs and congratulations. They had sensed during the preview screenings that the film had something special, but witnessing the overwhelming response from the audience confirmed it, the film was a success. Martin beamed as he invited the entire crew onstage for a curtain call, and the audience once again erupted in applause, showing their appreciation for the creators of the film that had moved them so deeply.
As the lights came up and the audience began to file out, a team from Warner Bros. was already on the move, gathering feedback and ratings from the crowd.
"A+! Martin's film captured my heart!" one viewer exclaimed.
"I'd give it an A," another offered, "but only because this is Martin's second film, and I think he can get even better. But the acting, the story, it was all top-notch, this is the 'Joker' we've been waiting for."
Another fan chimed in, "A+ for me! I thought Martin's Joker in 'The Dark Knight' was the best there could be, but this? This takes it to another level."
A bespectacled fan, overwhelmed with emotion, added passionately, "This Joker isn't a god, he's just one of us. He's an ordinary person like you and me! If the highest score is 100, I'd give this film 1,000 points!"
The crowd around him laughed and shouted in agreement. "2000 points!" someone yelled, while another declared, "No, it deserves 10,000 points!"
As the film prepared to hit theaters nationwide, the feedback was unanimous: Martin had delivered something special, something that connected with people on a visceral level. And judging by the hundreds of glowing ratings pouring in from the premiere, it was clear that Martin had succeeded beyond anyone's expectations.
Louise rushed into the lounge, catching her breath as she handed Martin a freshly printed statistical report. "The latest numbers are in. Out of 366 viewers, the average score for the film is an A+!"
Martin glanced at the report briefly, his expression neutral. "That's okay," he remarked casually.
Louise raised her eyebrows in disbelief. "Okay? This is as good as it gets!"
Elizabeth, standing nearby, took the report from Martin's hands, studying the figures with interest. The data backed up what they had felt in the theater, the audience had connected with the film on a deeply emotional level.
Just then, Daniel strolled in, his face lit up with excitement. "The buzz is still building!" he exclaimed, full of energy.
Martin didn't hesitate. "For our final pre-screening promotion, we need to focus heavily on word-of-mouth marketing. That's what's going to drive this home."
Daniel nodded with a confident smile. "No problem at all. Warner Bros. has everything lined up." He couldn't shake the feeling that 'Joker' might just be the first film under his leadership to break the $1 billion mark at the global box office.
Checking the time, Martin wrapped up the conversation. "That's enough for today. Let's call it."
With that, the group left the Chief Stone Theater, one by one. Outside, the internet was already buzzing with excitement. Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram were flooded with overwhelmingly positive reviews of 'Joker', with discussions quickly gaining traction. People couldn't stop talking about the film's raw intensity and how it echoed their own frustrations with society.
By Thursday night, 'Joker' had rolled out in 3,500 theaters across North America, debuting with a spectacular $18.6 million in midnight showings alone. The film became more than just a movie; it turned into an event. Fans flooded theaters dressed as the Joker himself, donning dark purple suits and smeared clown makeup. Warner Bros. had wisely prepared millions of Joker-themed outfits, which nearly sold out by Friday afternoon. Theaters became packed hubs of energy, filled with buzzing anticipation and a sea of Joker-inspired costumes.
As Friday rolled into Saturday, the momentum only grew. By now, 'Joker' was being shown in 4,250 theaters, each one packed to capacity. Fans lined up for clown makeup services from street artists, transforming themselves into their anti-hero. On social media, the character had achieved cult-like status, practically deified by fans who saw in the Joker a reflection of their own disillusionment.
"The world is just as dark as the movie shows. There's no light at the end of the tunnel," one fan posted.
"Martin's Joker did what we've all wanted to do but never could," another wrote, capturing the spirit of rebellion the film inspired.
Another review struck a particularly deep chord: "Our society is sick, and Martin's Joker makes that painfully clear. Watching it, you can't help but sympathize with him and maybe, even agree with him."
The praise wasn't just empty words; the film's massive opening weekend numbers backed it up. By Friday, 'Joker' had already smashed records, earning a staggering $64.52 million in its opening day alone, setting a new benchmark for October releases. The 'Hollywood Reporter' was quick to pick up on the film's impact, writing: "What makes 'Joker' so compelling? It offers a sense of freedom, revealing the struggles of those at the bottom of society and echoing their cry of pain and revolt against an indifferent ruling class."
By Saturday, 'Joker' pulled in another $57.66 million, continuing its meteoric rise. The film's strong word-of-mouth and passionate fanbase kept the momentum going, as more and more people flocked to see it, compelled by the rave reviews flooding their social feeds.
In just three days, 'Joker' racked up a massive $168 million from 4,250 theaters, smashing the previous R-rated opening weekend record held by 'John Wick 3' and setting a new high for October releases.
Hollywood was starting to take notice. The whispers about 'Joker' taking on the mighty 'Captain America 3' for both the North American and global box office crowns were getting louder. With 'Captain America 3' pulling in $408 million domestically and $1.155 billion globally, the question wasn't 'if' 'Joker' could rival these numbers, but 'when'.
Meanwhile, over at Disney headquarters, a quiet conversation was unfolding. In a private room, Kevin Feige adjusted his baseball cap, clearly unsettled by the news of 'Joker''s success. "Who would've thought it'd be Martin who'd pose the biggest threat to Marvel's superhero dominance?" he mused aloud.
Robert Iger, seated at the head of the table, offered a calm smile. "At least it's Martin, and not 'Justice League'," he quipped, trying to keep the mood light.
Alan Horn, another Disney executive, turned to Feige with a knowing look. "I told you we should've signed Martin when we had the chance, $20 million base salary and a share of the profits. If we'd locked him down, the Avengers would've been even bigger."
Feige sighed, owning up to his past mistake. "I know. It was a miscalculation on my part. At the time, we were focused on budget and spending more on the films themselves…"
Iger waved him off. "No point dwelling on the past. What's more pressing is DC's 'Justice League' is about to hit theaters. Joss Whedon's leading the charge, and he's worked with us before. What do you think? Can DC really threaten Marvel this time?"
Feige shook his head, his confidence returning. "Unlikely. DC's strength lies in darkness, depth, and seriousness. Both 'The Dark Knight' and 'Joker' proved that. But 'Justice League' isn't the same. Whedon's trying to piece together something Zack Snyder left behind. It's more of a patchwork job, and I'm not sure Whedon's the right fit to handle that tone."
As the world waited to see how the box office war would unfold, one thing was clear: 'Joker' had tapped into something primal, something raw, and audiences everywhere were responding in ways no one had fully anticipated. Marvel may have dominated the superhero genre, but now, a darker, more chaotic challenger had arrived, and it was changing the game.
Allen Horn nodded in agreement, "Yes, if they were willing to tear it all down and rebuild from scratch, it might lead to greater success. But Warner Bros. and DC simply don't have the guts for something that drastic."
Robert Iger chuckled, adding, "Not many people do. Throwing away over $200 million? The Warner Bros. and Time Warner board would have a collective meltdown."
Allen leaned back, still focused. "DC isn't a real threat to Marvel. I talked about this with Martin, and he mentioned that the more successful 'Joker' becomes, the more embarrassed 'Justice League' will be when it hits theaters next month."
Robert Iger, not as deep into the details of the film's production, was still curious. Kevin Feige, however, quickly understood. "Exactly. 'Joker' is dark, gritty, and intense. Now imagine the tonal whiplash when DC suddenly throws a bunch of funny, brightly-costumed heroes at the audience." He couldn't help but laugh at the thought.
Robert joined in the laughter, shaking his head. "Martin's 'Joker' is making waves both in reputation and at the box office."
Meanwhile, across town, Warner Bros. and DC executives were feeling the heat from 'Joker''s overwhelming success. In a bid to salvage the situation for 'Justice League', which was set to release soon, Warner Bros. started applying pressure behind the scenes. They even began inserting ads for 'Justice League' during 'Joker''s screenings, hoping to ride the wave of its popularity.
Reporters wasted no time questioning Martin about this during his promotional tour for 'Joker'. One journalist, clearly eager for a reaction, asked him on camera, "What do you think about the push to promote 'Justice League' during your film?"
Without missing a beat, Martin smiled and responded coolly, "Sorry, I'm not here to talk about anything unrelated to 'Joker'."
Undeterred, the reporter pressed on. "But 'Joker' is part of DC, right?"
Martin gave a helpless shrug. "Well, the DC executives have said time and again that 'Joker' doesn't really belong to the DC movie universe. My film was fired by DC." His words, though polite, dripped with irony.
Later, in the car, Martin's mind was still on the matter. "'Justice League' is trying to ride on our success," he said, frustration creeping into his voice.
Thomas, sitting in the passenger seat, smirked. "They can try, but it won't be that easy."
Martin leaned forward, his expression sharp. "We're ready. Start pushing back. Get some momentum going in the media and on social platforms."
Thomas nodded. "It's already in motion."
Martin turned to Bruce in the back seat, shifting the conversation. "Any updates on Ivan?"
Bruce grinned. "We've got what we need; photos of the two getting cozy."
Martin nodded with satisfaction. "Perfect. This might not hurt Kevin Tsujihara right now, but if 'Justice League' flops, it'll be a nice dagger to hand over to Daniel."
As 'Joker' continued to dominate conversations online and in Hollywood circles, the film's unexpected success threw Warner Bros. and DC into a whirlwind. The movie they had initially distanced themselves from had become a massive box-office hit and a cultural phenomenon. Critics, industry insiders, and fans alike were now praising Warner Bros. for what seemed like a brilliant move. But beneath the surface, it was clear that 'Joker''s success had come despite Warner Bros.' skepticism.
Vanity Fair even published an in-depth analysis of the situation. "Since Warner Bros.' new leadership took over in 2010, the studio has fumbled over a dozen large-scale projects, each costing hundreds of millions. Warner's film division has been in a slump. The only real successes during this time are projects inherited from the previous regime or films like 'Joker', which Warner initially sidelined."
The article went on to highlight Warner Bros.' unique mismanagement: "There's a joke in the industry that the current Warner team's greatest skill is avoiding success. Their talent lies in making decisions that miss every chance to let a film thrive, resulting in enormous losses for the studio."
As 'Joker''s box office numbers climbed, it became even more apparent that Warner Bros. had underestimated the film's potential. Over the second weekend in North America, 'Joker' raked in another $86.57 million, holding onto the number one spot at the box office. By the end of the weekend, its North American total stood at $327 millionb far surpassing 'Captain America 3''s ten-day total.
Globally, the film was unstoppable. Opening in 78 overseas markets, 'Joker' pulled in an additional $180.5 million, pushing its worldwide box office past the $500 million mark in just over a week. The race for the 2016 box office crown was all but over.
In stark contrast, 'Justice League' was struggling. The superhero blockbuster, which had been eagerly anticipated by fans and Warner Bros. alike, was beginning to show cracks. The studio had released an official trailer in late October, with Joss Whedon taking over after Zack Snyder's departure. The trailer, showcasing the Justice League's six core heroes coming together, should have been a triumphant moment.
But it wasn't.
Fans reacted with an outpouring of disappointment. Social media was flooded with negative comments, many of which attacked the film's apparent shift in tone. The darker, more serious atmosphere of Snyder's previous work was replaced with forced humor and lighthearted banter, a clear indication of Whedon's influence.
"Is this really a DC superhero movie?" one fan ranted online. "It's full of corny jokes and awkward gags. If the trailer looks this bad, I can't imagine the full movie being any better."
Another disappointed fan lamented, "I knew it would happen. Snyder was kicked out, and now it's just a soulless imitation. This isn't the Justice League we wanted."
Even fans of Marvel couldn't resist poking fun. "If you changed the costumes, you'd swear this was an 'Avengers' knockoff."
What was supposed to be DC's crowning moment was quickly turning into a PR disaster. The more 'Joker' succeeded, the more 'Justice League' seemed to falter, its optimism and levity clashing with the darker, more nuanced tone that had captured audiences' imaginations with 'Joker'.
"DC has completely lost its way," Allen Horn stated bluntly. "They're simply trying to mimic the path the Avengers took, and I can guarantee they won't even get the scraps left behind by Marvel."
Robert Iger gave a knowing smile. "It's true. With over $200 million sunk into this project, scrapping it would send the Warner Bros. and Time Warner boards into a frenzy."
Allen sighed. "They have talents like Nolan and Martin, and yet they create friction with them, pushing them away from DC. Warner Bros. is a real piece of work. It's as if they're geniuses at making the wrong decisions."
Despite the lackluster early response, Warner Bros. and DC had no choice but to soldier on with the promotion of 'Justice League', set to release before Thanksgiving. The pressure to make something back from the investment was enormous, and whether the movie succeeded or not, they could at least recover part of the cost once it hit theaters.
Warner and DC threw their weight into a massive marketing campaign, pouring funds into publicity and promotion. They also used their considerable influence to silence any crew members who might speak out against Joss Whedon, the replacement director. The reshoot team had been a ticking time bomb, but for now, the tension was subdued. If 'Justice League' succeeded, all the grievances would fade, swept under the rug in the face of profit.
But the real trouble started with the pre-sale numbers. Early November saw ticket pre-sales begin, and the results were worrying, less than $1.5 million in North America during the first week. The tepid response created a domino effect, and pre-sales only continued to decline as the release date approached.
Industry insiders began to take notice. Professional entertainment outlets pointed out that despite several previews, 'Justice League' had failed to improve its reputation. In stark contrast, 'Joker' had opened its rating system early during previews, a move that showcased confidence. The consensus in the North American film market was clear: if a film's ratings aren't announced until the last minute, it's usually a bad sign.
By the time the 'Justice League' premiere arrived, there was still radio silence on the ratings from platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb.
Warner Bros. went all out for the premiere, hosting a grand event and inviting stars from across the DC movie universe, including Martin, in a desperate attempt to tie 'Justice League' to the success of 'Joker'.
In a last-ditch effort to capitalize on 'Joker''s momentum, Warner's executives, including Hamada, tried to rewrite history. In an interview, Hamada praised 'Joker', saying, "'Joker' is a fantastic movie and an essential part of the DC superhero landscape. It's the contrast with characters like Batman that makes Joker so compelling."
The media outlet interviewing Hamada, carefully orchestrated by Warner Bros., asked with rehearsed politeness, "Will we see any crossover between the Joker and the Justice League in the future?"
With a practiced smile, Hamada replied, "We're definitely considering connecting the Joker with the Justice League in upcoming projects. We'd love to bring Martin on board to work with us on that vision."
But while Hamada spun his narrative, Martin had no intention of playing along. He walked quickly down the red carpet, avoiding the media entirely, and made his way into the Dolby Theater with Bruce by his side.
Inside, on the second floor, Louise and Daniel stood by the large windows overlooking the entrance. They watched the commotion below, Hamada and Joss Whedon facing the media frenzy.
Daniel smirked, turning to Martin. "Well, congratulations are in order. Our film just crossed the $1 billion mark globally."
In just five weeks, 'Joker' had raked in $462 million in North America and pushed past $1.015 billion worldwide, edging ever closer to surpassing 'Captain America 3'.
Martin, ever diplomatic, smiled graciously. "None of this would've been possible without Warner Bros. Pictures' unwavering support."
He then got straight to the point, lowering his voice. "What's Warner's real expectation for 'Justice League'?"
Daniel leaned in slightly. "The pre-sales have been disappointing, so they stopped reporting them. Hamada and Kevin Tsujihara are still hoping it can pull in $100 million domestically during its opening weekend. Personally, I think even $70 million will be a stretch."
He paused for a moment, then added, "Honestly, if it weren't for the legacy of Superman and Batman, they'd be lucky to hit $40 million on opening weekend."
Martin nodded, understanding the stakes. "Are you ready to move?"
"Absolutely. If this film tanks, it won't just be Hamada and Tsujihara in trouble. Warner's board won't tolerate this kind of failure," Daniel said, his voice full of quiet determination. "We just need the right excuse."
Martin smiled coldly. "Once those first-week numbers are in, you'll have your excuse."
Daniel nodded, a subtle agreement between them. "It's in both our best interests, so there's no need to thank me."
Martin's eyes darkened with resolve. "When you strike a snake, you either don't hit it, or you kill it outright. Don't leave it any chance to bite back."
Daniel, fully understanding the gravity of the situation, replied, "This is a life-and-death struggle within Warner."
With that, the group made their way downstairs to the theater lobby just before the premiere began.
As the lights dimmed and 'Justice League' flickered onto the screen, it became clear that this film wasn't going to be a game-changer. The pacing was disjointed, with large sections of the film feeling like a patchwork of reshoots, and the overuse of 'Avengers'-style humor jarred awkwardly with what should've been a more serious narrative. In the end, it was Superman who swooped in and saved the day with a single punch, leaving audiences scratching their heads over the jarring imbalance in the heroes' power levels.
The reviews that came after the film's release were brutal. Fans were disappointed, and casual moviegoers were bored, with many venting their frustration online, expressing regret over the price of their tickets.
As the box office numbers rolled in after the opening weekend, the results were grim. 'Justice League' only managed to pull in $66.38 million domestically, far below even the most modest expectations. The long-awaited DC team-up film, seven years in the making, had faltered out of the gate.
Analysts predicted that the film's North American total would struggle to hit $200 million, while the global box office was projected to cap at around $500 million, barely covering the film's $350 million production cost.
In the end, 'Justice League' wasn't just a financial disappointment; it marked the end of an era for Warner Bros. and DC's superhero ambitions. Meanwhile, 'Joker' continued its unstoppable rise, standing as a stark reminder of the studio's missteps and missed opportunities.
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