If Xu Can's new action crime film John Wick was just a mild surprise, then Warner Bros.' latest announcement sent shockwaves through the industry.
When the news broke, most people's first reaction was disbelief. But after double-checking, they realized—it was true.
Xu Can, hailed as the most handsome Spider-Man in history and the first post-21st-century live-action superhero, your friendly neighborhood web-slinger...
Was officially cast as one of DC Comics' most iconic villains—the Joker.
Almost instantly, media attention shifted entirely to Warner's new project, stealing the spotlight from every other Hollywood production.
Even Xu Can couldn't help but quip:
"Warner might not be good at making DC films, but they sure know how to market them."
The buzz generated by John Wick conveniently carried over and built momentum for the Batman series.
The best part? Despite the storm, the man at the center of it all remained Xu Can.
Soon after, the media interviewed director Christopher Nolan:
"Yes, Xu Can was cast as the Joker. Honestly, I originally wanted him to play Batman, but he thought the role was too abstract. He insisted on playing the Joker instead."
"I'm looking forward to working with Xu Can. We'll begin filming with the second part of the trilogy. Our goal is to create the Gotham City fans have always dreamed of."
Wait—Xu Can requested to play the Joker?
Spider-Man playing Batman would've been odd enough… but asking to play the Joker? That was even more unexpected.
Reporters quickly found Xu Can. As he left Galaxy Pictures, his sleek Mercedes-Benz supercar was instantly surrounded.
He had no choice but to abandon the idea of pulling a GTA stunt and running them over. Instead, like a gentleman, he rolled down his window.
Microphones filled every inch of space.
"Yes, I took the initiative to play the Joker. I never intended to limit myself to the Spider-Man franchise."
"I've signed on to complete the trilogy. After that, I want to explore a wider range of roles."
"John Wick is a great challenge, and so is the Joker. I hope to create a version of the Joker that feels entirely my own."
With a brief response, Xu Can started his engine. The reporters, albeit reluctantly, stepped aside.
As the controversy surrounding Warner's Batman trilogy heated up, confirmation of the Joker's actor ignited fierce debate across the North American internet.
Xu Can's comment sections, movie fan forums, and comic discussion boards transformed into battlegrounds.
Online users were on fire:
"He's playing the Joker?!"
"Why not? Anyone who's seen him in Spider-Man knows Xu Can can act."
"This is the most charismatic villain. Don't ruin him with a 'boy-next-door' face."
"Didn't you see the John Wick trailer? He's not the boy next door anymore."
"So now Asians are playing both Marvel and DC characters? What's next?"
"Is that racism? Reported."
"Look at his Spider-Man. Who says Asians can't act in Western superhero movies? And he's Chinese, not just Asian. Get it right."
"What's the fuss? Did you forget how bad the last few Batman movies were? Let Xu Can and Nolan save the franchise."
"I'm hyped. Xu Can and Nolan teaming up? This trilogy is going to rock."
"Agreed. Bring on the new Batman."
Mainstream film media weighed in too, with mixed reactions:
"Tim Burton's Batman, featuring Oscar-winner Jack Cornelius as the Joker, is already perfection."
"The smart move for the reboot would be to highlight different villains—Penguin, Riddler, Freeze, Bane... Rehashing the Joker is risky."
"The worst part? They cast Spider-Man as the Joker. Can Xu Can even handle a role this dark and complex?"
"Bottom line: Most critics don't believe Xu Can can surpass Cornelius. His Joker is the gold standard."
Their concerns weren't without merit.
After all, part of the original Batman's success in the '90s was thanks to Michael Keaton and Jack Cornelius—two seasoned actors who elevated the material.
That iconic duo set the bar so high that subsequent comic adaptations struggled to keep up.
From the beginning, expectations for the reboot were weighed down by skepticism.
"Xu, are you holding up okay with all the buzz lately?" Nolan asked, a bit concerned.
Xu Can's smile was bright and carefree.
"Don't worry, Christopher. I'm used to the noise. Let's get started—I can't wait."
"Good. Just keep your mindset steady."
At Warner Studios, Xu Can arrived for the Batman: The Dark Knight script reading.
There were still over two months before John Wick's release, and less than six months before Spider-Man 2 began filming.
Scripts for Marvel's upcoming films—Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk—were still in early development.
This gave Xu Can a rare gap to squeeze in The Dark Knight. Later in the year, his schedule would be fully packed.
Coincidentally, Liam Neeson (who played Ra's al Ghul) had a scheduling conflict.
So Nolan decided to shoot the second installment first, before returning to parts one and three.
This just happened to mirror the broken and chaotic world Christian Bale's Batman inhabits.
Before accepting The Dark Knight, Xu Can had actually considered Heath Ledger for the Joker.
Tragically, after filming Brokeback Mountain in 2005, Ledger passed away due to depression and an overdose at just 26.
Had he been alive, Xu Can would've recommended him. Ledger's portrayal later became one of the most iconic villains in cinematic history.
Without the blessing of god-level acting skills, Xu Can would've never dared take on such a legendary role.
"Hey Xu, can I get an autograph? I'm a big Spider-Man fan."
Xu Can had heard that line countless times.
But this time, it came from Christian Bale.
"Of course. I was a fan of your work too—especially one of your films."
"Which one?" Bale asked, pleasantly surprised.
"American Psycho."
"Huh?"
Bale had expected The Prestige or something similar—not that cult classic.
What he didn't know was that his axe-wielding scene in American Psycho had become a viral meme in internet culture.
"Alright, let's begin."
With everyone assembled, Christopher Nolan clapped his hands.
"Script reading for Batman: The Dark Knight starts now."
Xu Can opened the script. As his fingers touched the page, a surge of energy rushed through him.
A dark, chaotic presence took root in his soul.
A transformation began.
My name is Arthur... never mind, names don't matter anymore.
I'm a clown in Gotham, scraping by with revue gigs to survive.
My dream? Stand-up comedy. I just want to make people laugh.
But I have a condition—uncontrollable laughter. It strikes anytime, anywhere.
People think I'm a freak. No one laughs at my jokes... not even during a variety show—they ridicule me.
That smug guy. Why's he judging me from above? What does he know?
What's that? I'm Thomas Wayne's illegitimate child?
He had my mother locked in Arkham like a lunatic?
Even on the subway, I get beat up—just for being sick?
Why? Why are the powerless always bullied?
Why do the rich get to decide everyone's fate?
Why is Gotham filled with injustice, and everyone just shrugs it off?
Am I the crazy one? Or is the world crazy?
Bang. Bang. Bang.
Oh—I didn't pull the trigger because you hit me. I did it because you needed saving.
And the only love I thought I had? A lie. She hated me all along.
Hahahahaha.
Hahahahaha.
I used to think my life was a tragedy. But now I know...
It's a comedy.
Who am I?
Spider-Man?
John Wick?
No.
Call me...
The Joker.
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