As experts voiced their opinions across the media, public sentiment quickly shifted.
People began to echo the experts' reasoning: "Yeah, a criminal's mindset doesn't form overnight. Look at all the prep James Holmes did before the shooting—this wasn't some spur-of-the-moment crime. He must've been building up to it for a long time!
"A grown man committing murder because of a movie he saw four times? That's ridiculous."
Martin, joined by Cameron Diaz and other key Joker cast members, visited the injured in the hospital, publicly pledging to cover all medical expenses out of humanitarian concern.
Facing the press, Martin, with his polished acting skills, conveyed deep sorrow. "Words can't express my shock and grief. I can't fully grasp the pain of the victims and their families, but my heart is with them."
His actions won widespread admiration. The public saw it as a profoundly responsible and compassionate gesture.
As one of his fans posted on Facebook: "Dear Martin Meyers, you may play the Joker on screen, but in real life, you've shown the strength of a true superhero, not a movie villain. You make me feel there are real, flesh-and-blood, sincere heroes in this world."
Soon after, a tidal wave of online debates erupted about gun violence in America.
"Gun violence is getting worse in our country, claiming countless innocent lives. According to the Gun Violence Archive, this year alone has seen 190 mass shootings with at least four casualties, and over 1,400 deaths from gun-related incidents. Against this backdrop, we have to ask: what's driving these relentless shootings?"
"Behind these tragedies is the greedy, black-hearted gun trade. We need to ban guns—ban them, ban them now!"
"Ban guns? Are you out of your mind? If guns are banned, how do I protect myself? Rely on the cops? Ha, they only protect the rich. Us poor folks? We need guns to keep ourselves and our families safe."
"I'm against a ban too. It goes against America's freedom and democracy. We need guns—they give us security."
Shockingly, the shooting didn't tank Joker's box office. After a slight dip on Monday, ticket sales climbed again by Tuesday.
By the second weekend, Saturday and Sunday brought in $35.66 million and $34.54 million, respectively.
After breaking $100 million in three days, Joker hit $312 million in eight days (including the first weekend's Sunday), surpassing $300 million in eleven days, shattering records left and right.
It was clear to everyone: Joker's storm was just getting started.
Then came the premiere of Inglourious Basterds.
Though Martin and Brad Pitt didn't get along, his relationship with Quentin Tarantino was decent enough—Quentin had quietly helped him out during his Harvard days.
So Martin attended the Inglourious Basterds premiere.
And promptly turned it into his own press conference.
Reporters swarmed Martin, peppering him with questions, while Quentin and Brad, trailing behind on the red carpet, were ignored.
"Martin, what's your take on the Aurora shooting?"
"Do you think the suspect was imitating the Joker?"
"Of course not. In Joker, Arthur's actions are driven by desperation."
"Maybe the shooter had his own desperate reasons, like Arthur in Joker."
"Oh? Then we've found the real issue—who pushed him to that point? That's the true cause. I don't believe my film has the power to warp a grown adult's judgment or behavior."
"Martin, any predictions for Joker's box office?"
"Good question. I think Joker will easily clear a billion globally."
"Martin, Joker has broken every box office record for an R-rated comic book movie. What do you make of that? Is the market entering an anti-hero era?"
"I'm thrilled Joker's breaking records. As for the market entering a new era? Nah, I don't buy that. Joker's success doesn't mean superhero films are done or that other genres can't sell. The market's diverse—it can handle all kinds of films, as long as they're good."
"Martin, many critics say if Joker weren't a comic book movie but a gritty realist drama, it'd sweep awards season. Such a shame. Thoughts?"
"I don't think Joker's comic book roots will keep it from awards. Don't underestimate the judges like that. I made this film to express myself. Awards are great, but if they don't come, it's fine—I've got the audience's support."
"Martin, what's your take on Inglourious Basterds? Will Quentin's new film dent Joker's box office?"
Martin chuckled, pointing to Quentin and Brad waiting outside the interview zone. "You guys are too much. Quentin was just smiling, thinking you'd finally ask about his movie, but nope—you pivot back to Joker. Look at his awkward face. Give him a break, yeah?"
Quentin gave a wry wave from the sidelines.
Martin nodded back, then grinned at the reporters. "Last question. I know Quentin's talent well—Inglourious Basterds is absolutely a great film. But I don't think it'll hurt Joker's box office, nor will Joker hurt its numbers. The summer market's big enough for two different films to coexist."
Watching Martin hold court, Brad muttered to Quentin, "I hope he's right. Talk about bad luck. Not only did the shooting fail to tank Joker, it sparked another box office surge. All our press releases ended up helping Martin, making Joker even bigger."
Quentin sighed. "Forget it. No use dwelling. Let the movies do the talking."