Daniel Kaluuya's performance was a modest success. After all, playing a small-time thug with just one line wasn't exactly demanding.
Martin could tell the kid had some acting chops, though they were limited and formulaic—likely honed in a $40-an-hour acting class. As Daniel wrapped, Martin dug through his memories and pinned him down. (Ain't no way)
In the original timeline, Daniel Kaluuya starred in the 2017 horror hit Get Out, a breakout role, and later played a supporting part in Black Panther. From what Martin recalled, Daniel's performance in Get Out showed far more skill than the raw talent on display now.
"Not bad, kid," Todd Phillips said offhandedly, then turned to his assistant. "Get him paid and send him on his way."
Daniel panicked. "Sir, can I stay? I'll do anything—odd jobs, whatever. I don't even need pay!"
Nearby, Chris Pratt nearly choked. What the hell? This guy's trying to steal my gig?
Todd frowned. Did this kid think they were running some ragtag production? A legit film crew didn't just let randoms stick around.
Before he could shut it down, Martin spoke up. "Let him stay. Pay him 80% of Chris's rate."
Todd nodded to Martin, then turned to Daniel. "Lucky kid. You heard him—get to work."
"Thank you, sir!" Daniel bowed repeatedly, then turned to Martin from a distance, shouting, "Thank you, Mr. Meyers! I'll never forget your generosity!"
Chris Pratt's jaw dropped. "No way, this guy's actually getting Martin's attention?"
A surge of dread hit him. He resolved to double down on buttering up Martin, doing whatever it took to stay in his good graces. Watch out, kid—Chris Pratt's not losing this game!
The other stunned onlooker was Kevin Burak, the Black lawyer. "What the hell? The kid actually stayed? He grabbed that chance?"
Kevin had only been half-serious, mostly joking, but it seemed Daniel Kaluuya had genuinely seized the opportunity. If he managed to win Martin's favor...
Damn, should I give this kid my card? Could be a future connection.
Soon, a bizarre scene unfolded on The Joker set: one Black and one white "sycophant," vying for tasks and relentlessly flattering Martin at every chance.
From the crew's perspective, Daniel's brown-nosing edged out Chris Pratt's. His sincerity shone through, unlike Pratt's sly, almost comical pandering. But when it came to work, Daniel's inexperience showed. Pratt ran circles around him in efficiency.
"Listen, kid," Pratt hissed in a quiet moment, "Martin's not some average Joe. Flattery alone won't win him over."
Daniel, wearing an innocent look, shot back, "Oh yeah? Then why do you keep kissing up?"
"You think you can compete with me? I've known Martin for a year, and I'm better at the job!"
"So what if you met him first?" Daniel countered. "You said it yourself—Martin values ability. You're only better for now. I'll catch up soon."
"Dream on," Pratt scoffed.
And so began a new round of workplace rivalry. Like tireless mules, they scrambled for every grimy, exhausting task.
Todd Phillips watched, dumbfounded. "Is this why you kept the kid, Martin? The catfish effect?"
Martin hadn't planned this at all—he'd only given Daniel a shot because he recognized him from the original timeline. But he played it off with a knowing smirk. "Exactly. This is the vibe I wanted."
The Pratt-Kaluuya feud didn't just push them; it sparked a ripple effect. Other crew members instinctively upped their game, unwilling to be outdone by two "idiots." The set buzzed with a competitive, almost frenetic energy.
When Alan Horn visited, he was floored. No wonder Martin's Martin, he thought. Controlling a crew of Hollywood veterans ? That's not normal.
Clearly, Warner's CEO had misread the situation.
"Didn't expect you'd make a biopic for the Joker," Jack Nicholson said, visiting the set with a look of surprise. "This is a full-on villain. First time I've heard of someone building a whole movie around one."
He paused, then added, "Makes sense, though. The Joker was a massive hit in The Dark Knight. Shame I'm too old. If I were ten—no, twenty years younger, I'd have begged you to let me play him. You're great, but I'm the original Joker."
"Original?" Martin cut in, grinning. "Nah, Cesar Romero's the OG Joker."
"No way, he doesn't count!" Nicholson protested. "His version wasn't half as good as mine!"
(Note: Cesar Romero, a veteran Hollywood actor, was the first to play the Joker. His portrayal leaned too comedic, more circus clown than menacing villain, leaving little lasting impact.)
"If we're judging by performance to crown the Joker's 'founder,' then I'm the one," Martin said, striding toward the camera.
Filming was about to start.
"Let's see how you top this," Nicholson muttered in curiosity.
Martin's Joker in The Dark Knight had blown him away, but playing a villain as a supporting role was one thing. Leading as the Joker? Nicholson was dying to see what Martin could do.
The Washington Post: "The second televised debate between Republican and Democratic presidential candidates McCain and Obama drew 63.2 million viewers, 10 million more than the first. Front-runner Obama aims to lock in his lead, while McCain pushes to shift focus from the economy to reverse his fortunes..."
The Wall Street Journal: "On the 7th, Republican candidate John McCain proposed a new plan to ease the mortgage crisis for everyday Americans, catching Obama off-guard. During their second debate, McCain unexpectedly announced a $300 billion government plan to buy up bad mortgages, helping homeowners crippled by plummeting property values. He called it a critical step to navigate the current crisis..."