Consideration

Lucas and Todd made their way through the restaurant to where Barry was seated. As soon as Barry noticed Lucas, he nodded in his direction with a warm smile, then stood up and extended his hand. "Nice to see you again, Lucas," he said.

Lucas grinned as he shook Barry's hand. "You too, Barry."

Barry's gaze shifted to Todd, who had been standing next to Lucas, and he greeted him with equal warmth. The three of them took their seats, and Barry looked at Lucas with a mix of amusement and curiosity.

"Lucas, I have to admit, I didn't think you'd actually go through with writing a villain protagonist script," he chuckled.

Lucas's expression turned seruous. "I'm serious, Barry. I'm really invested in this script, and I'd love nothing more than to see it on the big screen." He was silently hoping that Barry would be intrigued enough to consider the script for production.

Barry chuckled and shook his head. "You even got Todd here on board with your idea," he said, turning to Todd with a playful grin. "So, how did Lucas manage to rope you into this? Were you just dying to collaborate with the famous man?"

Lucas chuckled, feigning indignation. "I'm still here, you know."

Todd laughed softly and shook his head, playing along. "Maybe."

Barry couldn't contain his laughter, but it was clear that they were all just joking around.

Todd cleared his throat, adopting a more serious expression. "Honestly, I wouldn't have agreed to work on this if the script wasn't good. I don't care how famous Lucas is. But when I read it... I was blown away. It's that good."

Barry nodded, understanding dawning on his face. "So, you're telling me you two have been working on this together because you both genuinely believe in it?"

Todd nodded, "Absolutely. If you don't mind, take a look for yourself." He reached into his bag and handed the script to Barry.

Lucas silently thanked Todd as he watched Barry Meyer take the thick stack of papers. Barry glanced at the title, "Joker," and chuckled.

"Well, this should be interesting," he said, expecting a light-hearted read. However, as he started to read the first few lines, his expression shifted from amusement to intrigue. The more he read, the more he realized that this wasn't just another superhero vs. villain story. This was something darker, grittier. It was the backstory of the Joker's life, delving into the twisted psyche of Gotham's most notorious criminal mastermind.

Barry set the script down, his eyes meeting those of Lucas and Todd, who were both watching him intently.

"What do you think, Barry?" Lucas asked, a hopeful smile playing on his lips.

Barry took a moment to gather his thoughts. "I'm... speechless," he finally said, running a hand through his hair. "I never expected something like this from either of you."

Todd chuckled nervously. "Believe me, I was just as shocked when I read it for the first time. It's darker and more unsettling than I ever imagined."

Barry nodded, still processing the story. "The Joker's backstory... it's so depressing, it's hard to believe someone could live through that."

Lucas and Todd exchanged glances, unsure if Barry's reaction was positive or negative.

"So... what do you think?" Lucas ventured cautiously.

Barry sighed, choosing his words carefully. "Lucas, don't get me wrong. You've written a captivating script. It's just... it's so dark, even for a DC franchise. I'm worried that if we make this, it might alienate some fans and not perform well at the box office."

Disappointment etched itself on both Lucas's and Todd's faces.

"So, you don't like it?" Lucas asked, unable to hide the disappointment in his voice.

Barry sighed, empathy in his eyes. "It's not that I don't like it, guys. It's just... if we go ahead with this, we risk tarnishing the Joker's image in the eyes of the audience."

Todd raised an eyebrow. "How so? Wouldn't they sympathize with him more after seeing his backstory?"

Barry shook his head. "I'm not sure people would admire a character with such a dark past and mental issues."

Barry sighed, trying to soften the blow. He added, "People like the Joker for what he is now—a psychopath, a madman. Making his backstory too complicated might not sit well with the fans. They prefer their villains simple."

Lucas and Todd exchanged glances, both of them feeling deflated.

"So, there's no chance for this script to see the light of day?" Lucas asked, unable to hide the disappointment in his voice.

Barry looked at Lucas, considering the actor's current fame and the bright future that lay ahead of him. "You know, it's not impossible to make this script a movie, Lucas."

Lucas and Todd exchanged surprised glances, their crushed hopes now rekindled.

"I'm willing to invest my own money to help produce this film," Lucas said, and Todd nodded in agreement, ready to chip in his savings as well.

Barry smiled, impressed by their determination. "You two... It seems you're both really passionate about this script."

"Of course," Todd said, nodding in agreement. "There's something about this script that just feels right."

Lucas looked at him, grateful for his support. "So, how do we convince Warner Bros. to greenlight this project?"

Barry smiled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "It's simple, really. Our company just acquired a sci-fi script, very realistic and grounded. We're planning to put it into production, and... I'll consider yours, Lucas, if you're willing to star in it."

Lucas's eyebrows shot up. "You want me to star in this sci-fi film?"

Barry nodded. "That's right."

Lucas mulled it over, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Well, why not? But when it comes to contract negotiations, please contact my manager. He'll handle it."

"I know he will," Barry said with a chuckle. "But if you're willing to take on this role for a slightly lower fee, I'll bring your Joker script to the table. The studio executives and I will discuss it, and we'll see if we can make it happen. Agreed?"

Lucas looked at Barry, sensing that he was already interested in the Joker script but wanted to use this opportunity to his advantage.

Todd, on the other hand, silently willed Lucas to agree. After all, they'd both invested so much time and effort into this project; it would be a shame to see it go to waste.

Lucas considered the offer, knowing that his rising fame had made him more expensive to hire. However, he still took on indie projects from time to time, thanks to his manager's careful selection. "Well, for a slightly lower price, huh?"

"I'll discuss it with my manager," Lucas finally said, playing it safe.

Barry smiled. "That's all I ask, Lucas. And don't worry, we won't lowball you. Our initial offer will be at least 1 million."

Lucas chuckled. "I doubt my manager will agree to that."

"We're prepared to negotiate, Lucas. We know you're worth it," Barry said, and he meant every word.

Barry wasn't lying; he genuinely believed in Lucas's talent. He'd seen his previous performances and was impressed by his dedication to his acting.

Although Barry cared more about profits than acting prowess, he still appreciated true talent when he saw it. Especially in someone as young and rapidly rising in fame like Lucas.

After their conversation, Barry handed the script from his secretary. "Well, I must admit, as dark as it is, this script does have its own charm." He chuckled. "I'd love to see it on the big screen, but my opinion alone doesn't guarantee it'll be profitable."

Lucas laughed softly. "So, you think the script's good, but you just want to use me to star in your upcoming film in exchange for considering mine?"

Todd couldn't help but laugh, while Barry joined in. "Well, I do think your chances of getting it greenlit would be higher if you agreed to work with us first."

Lucas couldn't help but smile, "I just hope the film isn't a total trash fire."

Todd and Barry laughed at his directness.

Barry reassured him, "Don't worry, it's not that bad. In fact, you might even like it. It's about two astronauts stranded in their spacecraft after an accident occurs, leading to a series of unfortunate events."

Lucas raised his eyebrows, intrigued. "Well, that does sound interesting."

Barry smiled smugly, "Trust me, our studio wouldn't waste money on a dud."

"Heh, and here I am, always thinking you big shot studios waste so much money on boring, unoriginal blockbusters, just hoping to turn a profit," Lucas said sarcastically, unable to hide his cynicism.

Todd couldn't help but laugh, while Barry chuckled afterward, "Look at Twilight. We don't care how good the films are as long as people are buying tickets."

Lucas couldn't help but chuckle, "I think you shouldn't look at profits alone, Barry. Sure, Twilight's a successful franchise, but let's just say many people agreed that it's quality isn't there."

Barry chuckled in return, "Alright, alright. I'll keep that in mind. Anyway, I'll give you an update later." He added, "I'll give you a call in two days, and we'll let you know if the studio executives and I are on board with putting your script into production down the line."

Lucas and Todd exchanged smiles as they bid farewell to Barry. As they left the restaurant with Lucas's bodyguard in tow, Todd couldn't help but comment, "Looks like your fame came in handy there, buddy."

Lucas chuckled, "Don't be too impressed. I think Barry already saw potential in our script. He was just looking for an opportunity to use me."

Todd laughed, "I guess you're right. Well played, Barry, well played."