Chapter 444: Martin's Influence

On a brisk Monday morning, Martin, Nolan, and Charles Rowan made their way into the Warner Building, entering from the discretion of the underground parking lot. They ascended to the upper floors in a private elevator, a sense of anticipation in the air.

As the elevator doors glided open, Warner's presidential assistant, Marissa, was there to greet them. Her smile was warm and welcoming as she shook hands with each of them. "Barry and Allen are eagerly awaiting your arrival," she informed them with a hint of pride in her voice.

Charles led the way, with Martin and Nolan following suit, their steps echoing in the quiet corridor.

They were soon greeted by the sight of Barry Meyer, CEO of Warner Bros., and Alan Horn, President of Warner Pictures, emerging from a reception room. Barry's enthusiasm was infectious, more akin to that of an ardent fan than a corporate head. He greeted Nolan with a firm handshake, moving on to Martin with equal vigor. "Here's to the actor who brought our myth to life!" he exclaimed.

Martin responded modestly, attributing his success to the well-crafted script and Nolan's direction. "It was the role of the Joker that brought everything to life."

Alan Horn chimed in with a smile, "Martin, you've etched your name in film history. When we speak of iconic villains, the Joker and your name will be synonymous." The previous tensions between Martin and Warner Pictures seemed to dissolve in the face of such monumental commercial success.

After exchanging pleasantries, Barry quickly steered the conversation towards business. "Chris, I hear you've got a new project in mind?"

Nolan, buoyed by the success of "The Dark Knight," shared his concept confidently. "It's a blend of sci-fi, adventure, action, and suspense, potentially surpassing a 150 million dollar investment." Normally, such a grand original project might be dismissed, but Nolan's recent triumph afforded him a different standing.

He added, "Jonathan will pen the script, and Charles will produce."

The clincher came when Nolan announced, "And Martin will be the lead."

Barry was visibly intrigued. The success of "The Dark Knight," particularly its staggering first-week box office, was a compelling argument for Nolan's new venture.

Alan Horn didn't hesitate. "Let Warner Pictures take this on. We'll secure the funding," he proposed, with one stipulation, "Martin must be the lead."

Nolan's gaze met Martin's, a moment of unspoken agreement. "There's no one else but Martin for the role," he affirmed.

Martin could only smile in response to their enthusiasm, aware of the powerful ripple effect a box office hit could have.

...

Meanwhile, in New York, at a quaint ferry terminal in Manhattan, Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese were preparing to board an old-fashioned ferry to Roosevelt Island. Their destination was the long-abandoned mental hospital on the island, a site of historical intrigue.

As they approached the terminal, a voice rang out, "Hey, man, want to be a Joker? Only ten dollars!" Leonardo turned towards the source and saw faces painted like clowns, a stark reminder of Martin's recent portrayal.

A balloon seller wandered past, his face also adorned in the clown makeup. Leonardo remarked in mild astonishment, "So many Jokers around!"

Scorsese nodded, "Martin's portrayal has had a profound impact. It's become a phenomenon."

Leonardo sighed, half in jest, half in admiration. "That guy's going to have a lot more to brag about now. A $172 million opening weekend!"

Before they could dwell on it further, two assistants hurried over, ushering Leonardo and Scorsese back into the car. The doors shut firmly behind them as the driver steered the vehicle away, leaving the echoes of the clown phenomenon behind.

The old pier's adjacent convenience store became the unlikely stage for a robbery. As Leonardo peered through the car window, he caught sight of the robber bolting out of the store, his face painted white with a stark, blood-red mouth – unmistakably emulating a clown.

"Martin's impact is astounding!" Leonardo exclaimed, watching the scene unfold. "Even robbers are dressing up as clowns now!"

Scorsese, observing the scene, remarked, "It's fascinating how movies can influence reality."

Leonardo, a member of the renowned 'Bastard Trio,' couldn't help but feel a tinge of pride. "Looks like Martin's fan base is expanding in quite unexpected ways."

Scorsese, seizing the moment, steered the conversation towards their work. "Leo, we need to channel some of that spirit Martin's unleashed."

Scratching his head, Leonardo mused, "Never thought I'd see the day when Martin outshines me. Do you think 'The Dark Knight' could be the year's top grosser?"

Indeed, the release of 'The Dark Knight' had reignited Batman's allure, but the Joker's influence was proving even more pervasive. The clown makeup, once a mere cinematic prop, had become a symbol for many – from passionate fans to mischievous pranksters and, as they had just witnessed, even robbers seeking a confidence boost for their illicit deeds.

Criticism and concerns inevitably arose. A Washington Post article suggested that this clown trend might incite a surge in criminal activities. However, Hollywood has often been unfazed by such criticisms, having faced similar situations in the past, like the unsettling incident where a young fan of 'The Matrix' tragically acted out in violence, believing he was part of the film's alternate reality.

Meanwhile, 'The Dark Knight' continued its triumphant march, breaking records with over $200 million in North American box office revenue within just four days of release.

...

In Sherman Oaks, Cotis Community, the frenzy around 'The Dark Knight' and its iconic villain was palpable. Martin's home had become a magnet for reporters, paparazzi, and ardent movie fans.

Among them was Toni, a young woman captivated by the Joker's character. She had watched 'The Dark Knight' three times over the weekend, her admiration for the Joker growing with each viewing. Toni had even formed a group of like-minded fans, all young women who shared her fascination.

Dressed in red Coke shirts and white clown face paint, Toni and her group arrived at Martin's doorstep, ready to express their adoration. "Sisters, let's show our love!" Toni rallied.

Aisha, one of the girls, echoed her sentiment, "Let Martin know our love for the clown!"

The group broke into a synchronized 'zombie machine gun' dance, drawing the attention of nearby reporters and paparazzi who quickly turned their cameras towards the spectacle.

"On my count, one, two, three, pull!" Toni commanded.

In a dramatic gesture, the girls tore off their tops, revealing a message scrawled across their chests: "I love the clown, I love Martin!"

Toni led the chant, "I love Martin!" and the others joined in, their voices resonating through the crowd. Even other movie fans began to echo the chant.

Amidst the commotion, a lone Latina woman emerged, holding up a poster of a supporting actor from 'The Dark Knight.' "I love Mene!" she shouted passionately, though her solitary voice struggled to gain attention.

The clamor of the fans reverberated through the Coty community, disturbing the peace of the neighborhood and prompting calls to the community committee.

Meanwhile, a few keen-eyed reporters and paparazzi discreetly shifted their attention to the side of Martin's house, having spotted a large bag of garbage emerging from the chute.

Toni, noticing the same, quickly rallied her group. "Sisters, let's go! We might find something Martin's used or worn!" The group, hastily redressing, hurried towards the potential treasure trove.

Toni, caught up in her obsession, made a bizarre request to her companions. "Keep an eye out for any personal items of Martin's. There's a reward in it for anyone who finds something significant!"

Aisha, puzzled, asked, "But why are we looking for his personal items?"

Toni, with a fanatical glint in her eye, replied, "Anything that's closely connected to him. It would be like having a piece of him with us!" The other girls exchanged uneasy glances. None of them shared Toni's extreme devotion to Martin.

In a frenzied rush, the group of girls dived into the garbage, jostling with reporters and paparazzi who were already sifting through the discarded trash. They grabbed several bags and darted away.

"Quick, let's find somewhere private to go through this!" Toni urged.

The reporters and paparazzi, realizing what was happening, gave chase. "Hey, stop! That's our find!" they shouted.

One paparazzo, seeing the girls heading for their car, yelled out, "Don't let them get away with Martin's things!"

Amidst the chaos, another shouted, "I saw a pair of socks! Definitely his!"

The scene descended into bedlam, with several people lunging towards the girls to claim the alleged treasures.

However, before the situation spiraled out of control, Coti Community Council vehicles and police cars arrived, LAPD officers swiftly stepping in to stabilize the situation and disperse the crowd.

Harold, the chairman of the community committee, was having a difficult time managing the overwhelming influx of people over the past few days.

Meanwhile, inside his home, Martin sat comfortably in front of the attic window, casually snacking on melon seeds and sipping cola. Bruce was tidying up nearby.

"Did you see that, Martin? Those girls were practically fighting over our trash," Bruce remarked.

Martin, concerned, asked, "Was there anything... sensitive in there?"

"Just household stuff and some old clothes," Bruce reassured him.

Martin, somewhat relieved, added, "In the future, we'll have to be more careful with what we throw out."

Bruce, half-joking, suggested, "Or maybe just be more careful in general."

Noticing the community chairman Harold approaching, Martin stood up. "Looks like Harold's here. Let's go see what he wants."