Redoing My Life (Modern Family)

The Tonight Show played on the TV in front of me as I sat in the dressing room at the studio. Around me, makeup artists worked diligently, making sure I looked camera-ready.

I turned my attention to the screen where Jay Leno was talking animatedly with Christopher Nolan and Jensen Ackles. Batman was just three days away from its theatrical release, and the marketing machine was in full force. I had been bouncing from interviews to press junkets non-stop, and we were in the final stretch.

"So, Chris," Jay Leno said, leaning forward slightly, "this movie is, what, twenty years in the making? Hell, even I remember the disaster that was the last Batman movie."

The audience chuckled.

"For those in the audience who don't know—or, I guess, those who have repressed the memory," Jay continued with a smirk, "let's take a little trip back in time."

The screen cut to a clip from Batman & Robin, the film that had effectively killed the Batman franchise for nearly two decades. The clip showed a montage of the most embarrassing moments: George Clooney's infamous Bat-credit card, Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze delivering one icy pun after another, and of course, the ridiculous rubber Bat-suits complete with unnecessary… details.

The audience erupted in laughter. Even Nolan and Jensen, seated across from Jay, were chuckling.

Jay shook his head dramatically. "I really hope that's not what we're getting this time."

Jensen, without missing a beat, shook his head. "Definitely not."

Nolan spoke. "We've made a film that I truly believe captures Batman the way he was meant to be seen…."

The audience cheered.

Nolan continued, his hands gesturing thoughtfully. "I have immense respect for the previous iterations. I think Michael Keaton did a fantastic job portraying a certain side of Batman, but what we've done here… we've worked to fully realize the depth of the character. I believe people will be instantly drawn to it."

Jay raised his eyebrows. "Now that is confidence."

Jensen smirked and quipped, "You can thank Adler for that. His almost terrifying confidence has rubbed off on all of us."

Jay turned toward the audience, throwing up his hands in mock disbelief. "Ah, him. That guy is everywhere these days! Like, seriously—what the hell?! He was sitting right here a few months ago for Toy Story 3! Now he's making Batman! He's writing books! He started a production company! What the fuck is this guy?!"

The audience roared with laughter at Jay's exaggerated expression of amazement. Even I couldn't help but crack a sheepish smile.

The makeup artists around me were laughing too, one of them shaking her head in amusement. "He's got a point, though," she said, dabbing powder on my forehead. "You are everywhere."

I chuckled, shrugging.

Back on TV, Nolan was describing how he came to direct the movie.

"You know," he started, his voice thoughtful, "I first met Daniel during the Oscars two years ago."

Jay Leno immediately butted in, grinning. "Where he won, becoming what… the youngest Original Screenplay Oscar winner in history! Am I right on that…?"

The audience erupted into applause, and I smirked a little as I watched.

Nolan nodded. "Yes, he did. Very impressive. So we got to talking, and to my great surprise and pleasure, he and I were on the same wavelength, so to speak. I mentioned that I wanted to make a Batman movie, and he just—without hesitation—said, 'Oh, so do I! Let's make it together.'"

"And the rest, well," Nolan added, smirking slightly, "here we are. Three days away from release."

More laughter and cheers filled the studio.

Jay turned to Jensen, shifting the conversation. "Now, Jensen, how did you feel when you got the call for this? You've never done a movie like this before."

Jensen grinned, shaking his head. "It was a huge surprise. I mean, this wasn't even on my radar. One day, my agent calls me up and says, 'Hey, do you want to be in the new Batman movie?' And I'm like, 'Wait… there is a new Batman movie? That's great… then I was like, so what part?'"

He paused for effect, then continued, "'Batman,' my agent says."

The audience burst into laughter as Jensen leaned back, shaking his head. "I did not believe him. It took me a while to comprehend the enormity of what he said…."

"You look like you still don't believe it," Jay said as the audience laughed.

Nolan chuckled, jumping in. "Well, that's all thanks to Daniel. He was very insistent on having Jensen, and I have to say—it worked out perfectly. He's an incredible actor, and he truly did Batman justice."

Jensen looked at Nolan and thanked him.

Jay let out an exaggerated whistle. "Wow. I really want to watch this movie now."

The audience clapped enthusiastically.

I exhaled, reaching for the remote and shutting it off. It was already late at night, and the tiredness was starting to set in, but I had something important to do.

"What do you think, Mr. Adler?" the makeup lady asked as she took a step back, examining her work.

I looked at myself in the mirror, tilting my head slightly. The reflection staring back at me was almost unrecognizable. I was wearing military gear, complete with a tactical vest and combat boots, but what stood out the most was the Leviathan symbol emblazoned on my shoulder.

I smirked. 'Why do I look so good in this wig?' I thought.

This was my cameo in the Wonder Woman movie—a small but fun role as a soldier working for Leviathan. It was the second cameo I'd filmed for a DC movie, the first being in Batman, where I played a rough-looking prisoner who landed the first punch on Bruce Wayne during the opening scene. But unlike Stan Lee, who had a consistent, recognizable look in his cameos, I wanted to be vastly different in every appearance so that viewers wouldn't instantly recognize me.

For this role, I had a short blonde wig and makeup that made me look slightly older. It was a subtle transformation, but it did the trick.

"Looks good," I finally responded, still studying my new appearance.

"I kinda look like a Targaryen from my books," I added with a smirk.

The makeup lady narrowed her eyes, giving me a sharp look. "Your books?" she asked. "You didn't write Game of Thrones."

I stiffened slightly. 'Oh shit. She's a fan.'

I quickly corrected myself. "I mean, the book I helped publish," I said smoothly, trying to play it off.

The woman simply smiled, shaking her head. "Mr. Adler, I was just kidding. It's basically an open secret in the fandom that you're actually George R.R. Martin. It's less secret than Lyanna being Jon's mom."

I forced a chuckle, crossing my arms. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Before she could press further, a production assistant stepped into the room. "Mr. Adler, they're ready for you on set."

I exhaled, pushing myself up from the chair. "Well, time to get this over with," I said, adjusting my vest and walking toward the door.

====

Wonder Woman was progressing really well. The crew had just returned from Italy after completing all the Themyscira scenes, and now filming had shifted primarily to the West Coast and the studio—where I was right now.

The set was designed to resemble a military airbase, though in reality, it was mostly a massive green screen with strategically placed military props, crates, and equipment scattered around. The main focus of this scene was a large airplane hangar, partially built with real set pieces, while the rest would be digitally added in post-production.

This was the beginning of the movie—where Steve Trevor, after successfully infiltrating the base, attempts to make a quiet exit. But before he can slip away, my character, Leviathan Henchman No. 13, grows suspicious and calls out to him. A brief exchange ensues before Steve, realizing he can't talk his way out, punches me square in the face and makes his escape.

From there, he would steal a plane, get shot down, and crash on Themyscira, setting the real story in motion.

As I surveyed the set, I spotted Bryce Dallas Howard, the director, deep in discussion with Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who was playing Steve Trevor. Several other extras in military uniforms were scattered around, either prepping for their scenes or chatting casually while waiting for their cues.

I walked over, adjusting the Leviathan patch on my uniform. Bryce noticed me approaching and gave a small clap.

"Ah, good! Finally out of the makeup chair," she said with a teasing grin.

"Hey, this is a very pivotal scene in the movie," I joked.

Bryce chuckled softly at my comment, then turned her attention back to the clipboard in her hand.

I smirked and turned to Nikolaj, extending my hand. "Hey, man."

He shook my hand firmly. "Hey, Daniel. You ready for this?" he asked, grinning.

"Absolutely," I replied. "Just promise you won't actually knock me out."

Nikolaj chuckled. "No guarantees."

"I'm serious—I'm very prone to accidental injuries," I said.

We'd talked a few times before, and he was a great guy—easygoing and professional. Watching him now, he looked younger than I remembered, which was another one of those weird things about this universe. 'When I eventually adapt Game of Thrones for Netflix, he's definitely going to be Jaime Lannister.'

Bryce clapped her hands together, calling out to the crew. "Alright, places, everyone! Let's get this going!"

I nodded and took my place. We had rehearsed this before, and I wanted to get it perfect on the first take. The set was alive with movement—cameras being adjusted, lighting fine-tuned, and extras getting into position.

I stood near a console station, holding a tablet with a green screen on it, pretending to be reading something. Bryce's voice came through the speakers.

"Alright, and… action!"

I looked down at my screen, acting as though I was scrolling through the tablet. Then I got the cue when Nikolaj walked into frame and passed by me.

I acted as though my suspicion was piqued. I frowned, glanced at him, then stepped forward, my boots echoing slightly on the concrete floor.

"You there!" I called out, my voice firm.

Nikolaj stiffened, stopping in his tracks. He turned slightly, trying to keep his composure. "Yes?" he asked, feigning innocence.

I narrowed my eyes, stepping closer. "Who are you? I've never seen you before."

Nikolaj let out a small, forced chuckle. "I'm new…."

I crossed my arms, still skeptical. "Are you one of the new recruits from the League?"

There was a brief hesitation before Nikolaj nodded confidently. "Yes… um… The League."

I scoffed, tilting my head. "Was getting beaten by a man in a bat costume the final straw for you..."

Nikolaj's expression shifted—annoyance flickered in his eyes and his jaw tightened.

Then—BAM!

He punched me, landing a (staged) clean hit. I dramatically fell backward, landing hard on a crash pad positioned just outside the frame.

A beat of silence.

"Cut!" Bryce called out.

Bryce grinned. "That was perfect. Don't even need another take." She turned to Nikolaj. "What do you think, Nikolaj?"

He relaxed, nodding. "Yeah, felt good. I'm happy with it."

I pushed myself up. "I'm good too."

Bryce clapped her hands, signaling to the crew. "Alright, that's a wrap on this scene!"

====

I watched the playback of the scene on the monitor, taking in the details. It looked clean—the punch landed perfectly, my reaction was sharp, and the timing was spot on.

Bryce, standing beside me with her arms crossed, smirked. "Been practicing, Daniel?"

I chuckled, still looking at the screen. "Well, you did drill this into me all day yesterday."

Bryce laughed, shaking her head.

"Also, this wasn't my first time shooting a cameo."

Bryce nodded knowingly. "Yeah, I know. You've got one in Batman, right?"

I grinned. "What I meant was—this month I already shot another cameo… for another movie."

Bryce raised an eyebrow. "Which one?"

I turned to her with a smirk. "Well… I was contacted by our friendly competitor who has a movie coming out in June."

Her face shifted in realization. "Really? That movie?"

I nodded. "Yep. I got to meet Stan Lee again, though—that was nice."

Bryce scoffed playfully. "You really are everywhere, huh?"

Before I could respond, she narrowed her eyes slightly. "Wait… aren't you supposed to be on a plane right now?"

My eyes widened. "Shit. Yes, I am!"

The Batman premiere was in three days, and I had media appearances lined up before that. I had completely lost track of time fooling around here after I wrapped up the scene.

"I'll see you in two weeks," I called out as I hurried toward the makeup room. Though, as I arrived there and glanced at myself in the mirror, I paused. 

"Maybe I should keep the wig," I mused, tilting my head. "I look kinda great in it."

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The Batman premiere next

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You can read up to chapter 176

p.a.t.r.eon.com/Illusiveone (check the chapter summary i have it there as well)