Chapter 39

**Spider-Man plays the Joker?**

If Harsh Rai's new action crime film *John Wick* is just a little surprising, the official news released by Warner Bros. is simply a shock wave!

So when everyone saw it, their first reaction was that they had seen it wrong. After careful confirmation, they found that this was true!

Harsh Rai, the most handsome Spider-Man in history, the first live-action superhero after the 21st century, your friendly neighbor… is officially announced to star in one of the most famous villains in American comics, the Joker!

Soon all the media's attention was focused on Warner's new film, and other Hollywood films were robbed of the limelight.

Even Harsh had to complain:

"Warner is not known for making the best DC movies, but it really has something to do with marketing!"

*John Wick* finally created some buzz, which in turn built momentum for the Batman series.

But the good news is that the person at the center of the storm has not changed; it is still Harsh Rai himself.

Soon the media interviewed Christopher Nolan:

"Yes, the Joker's casting is indeed Harsh Rai. To be honest, I wanted to cast him as Batman, but he said it was too abstract and he didn't want to play him. He would rather play the Joker."

"I am looking forward to cooperating with Harsh. The second part of the film trilogy will be shot first. I hope we can create the Gotham City that everyone wants."

Ah? Harsh Rai asked to play the Joker himself?

Spider-Man playing Batman is indeed more abstract, but asking to play the Joker is more abstract, right?

The media quickly found Harsh. He had just left his film studio, and his luxury car was picked up by a group of people. The reporter stopped him.

He had no choice but to stop the car and roll down the window like a gentleman.

The microphone almost filled the small car window.

"Yes, I was the one who suggested playing the clown. I never planned to stick to the Spider-Man series from the beginning."

"I've signed a contract to shoot a trilogy, and I need a wider range of roles after that."

"John Wick is a good challenge, and so is the Joker. I hope I can create a Joker with a unique style...."

After a brief interview, Harsh started the engine and roared, and the media reporters finally made way.

As the controversy over Warner's new version of *Batman* trilogy continues to ferment, the confirmation of the Joker actor has triggered a discussion on the North American Internet.

Harsh Rai's comment area, movie fan forum, and comic fan forum are all divided into battlefields.

**Sexy netizens, passionate online conversation**

"Can he play the clown?"

"Why can't he act? Anyone who has watched Spider-Man will know Harsh's acting skills."

"This is the most charming villain. Don't mess with a boy next door."

"Didn't you watch the trailers two days ago? Harsh's image is no longer the boy next door."

"After Asians have played Marvel and then DC, they want to catch up on all American comics."

"Racism? Reported."

"Look at Harsh's Spider-Man, who says now that Asians can't play well? And he is Indian, figure it out!"

"What's the fuss about? What happened to the last few Batman films? Harsh and Nolan join forces to save this IP; you can just have fun!"

"Expect! Harsh joins forces with Nolan! I predict this trilogy will be awesome!"

"Agreed, looking forward to the new version of Batman!"

...

Controversial topics among North American audiences are also controversial in film and television media

"Tim Burton's version of *Batman*, Oscar winner Jack Cornelius played the Joker, this character has been perfectly created."

"The best choice for the new version of Batman is to create other villains, such as Penguin, Riddler, Freeze, Bane, etc… Maybe it is not a wise choice for them to challenge the Joker."

"The most terrible thing is that Warner chose Spider-Man to play the Joker. This makes people doubt the final effect of the film and whether Harsh can grasp the essence of this villain."

"In short, most film critics do not think that Harsh's Joker can be surpassed. Cornelius's Joker is already the highest peak and cannot be reached."

The media's concerns are justified.

The main reason why the old version of *Batman* was a huge success in the early 1990s was due to the outstanding performances of Michael Keaton and Jack Cornelius. The two experienced actors have already brought *Batman* to its peak.

This has also indirectly caused the gradual decline of live-action comic book adaptations, and it is difficult for anyone to surpass the classics.

From the beginning, the new version of Batman has been viewed with colored glasses by the outside world.

...

"Harsh, have you not been affected by what happened these days?" Nolan was a little worried about Harsh's condition.

Harsh's smile was as sunny as ever.

"Don't worry, Christopher, I'm used to being criticized. Let's get started. I can't wait!"

"Okay, just keep your mentality stable."

Warner Studios, Harsh came to participate in the script reading of *The Dark Knight*.

There are still more than two months until the release of *John Wick* and less than half a year until the filming of the sequel to *Spider-Man 2*.

Marvel plans The scripts for the new works *Iron Man* and *The Incredible Hulk* are still in preparation.

Harsh can take advantage of this gap period to film *The Dark Knight*; otherwise, he will not be able to get away in the second half of the year.

It just so happens that he plays the first part due to the conflict between Shadow Dancer and Liam Neeson's schedule.

Nolan simply filmed the second part first and then the first and third parts.

Only Christian Bale's Injured World was completed.

In fact, before taking over *The Dark Knight*, Harsh also specifically searched for Heath Ledger.

What is very sad is 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,

Harsh would have more strongly recommended Heath Ledger for the role. The Joker he portrayed is one of the most classic villains in film history and one of the most impressive characters.

If it weren't for Harsh's god-level acting skills, he would really not be able to take on this role.

"Hello, Harsh, can I ask for your autograph? I'm a Spider-Man fan!"

Harsh has heard this sentence countless times, but today it was Christian Bale who said it.

"Of course, I was also a fan of your movies before and particularly liked one of your works."

"Which one?" Bale was flattered.

"North American Psycho."

"Ah?"

Bale thought it was *The Prestige*, but didn't expect it to be such an unpopular movie?

In fact, he didn't know that his performance of holding an ax in *North American Psycho* would be made into a popular emoticon package by netizens.

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

Seeing that the important creators were in place, director Christopher Nolan clapped his hands and announced

*Batman: The Dark Knight*, the script reading has officially begun!"

Harsh opened the script. The moment his fingers touched the script, a familiar feeling came to his heart again.

The aura penetrated his soul and instantly brought him into a perspective full of darkness, madness, and chaos!

...

My name is Arthur… forget it, the name is no longer important.

I'm a clown who performs revues in Gotham City to make ends meet.

My dream is to be a stand-up comedian and hopefully bring joy to people.

Unfortunately, I suffer from a strange disease, uncontrollable laughter, which makes me lose my temper anytime and anywhere.

I have become a weirdo in the eyes of people around me. Why don't you laugh at the jokes I worked so hard to write?

Even in a variety show, you have to be ridiculed by the guests?

Oh, that damn guy!! Why are you blaming someone from above? What does he know?

What? Am I Thomas Wayne's illegitimate son?

This damn beast sent my mother to Arkham Hospital for torture?

Even on the subway, I have to be beaten for no reason? Just because of a strange illness that I can't control?

Why? Why should people at the bottom be bullied?

Why can those rich losers decide the fate of others?

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

Am I abnormal? Or is the whole world abnormal?

Bang bang bang!

Oh – I didn't shoot because you hit me, it was because you fell into it and needed to be redeemed!

OK OK! Is even the only love that warms me wishful thinking?

Did she actually hate me from the beginning?

Hahahahaha!

Hahahahaha!

I once thought that my life was a tragedy. But now I realize… it turned out to be a comedy!

... who am I? Am I Spider-Man? Am I John Wick?

No, please call me – clown!

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