The Joker's Gag Is Complete -- April Fooled!
Filed under: Fandom, Movie Marketing, Comic/Superhero/Geek, Remakes and Sequels
The Joker's latest campaign is currently overloading his server, but here's what's happened so far. Over on Clown Travel Agency, a list of addresses was posted for bowling alleys across the country. Whoever got there first received a bowling bag with a ball engraved with a number, and the usual Joker swag of a cellphone and a Joker card.
(Empire has some photos of the swag up and is one of the few sites not being completely overloaded.) Those who called the number were told "We know who you are" and that was that. As each bag was picked up, CTA received another stamp.
Now CTA is defunct, and forwards you to Acme Security Systems, where you are asked to enter your e-mail address and phone number for voice verification. For most (including Erik Davis and myself), the server wouldn't load. One person I know got through, and the next task is apparently to disable Acme's security system. The password is "Needle" for what it's worth -- I assume this is what you're supposed to voice verify.
New updates after the jump ...
And my friend Richey got the call! Here's what happened, in his own words: "Okay -- I got the call and I had to give my name, number and and email address. Bit of a pause then the distinct tones of GARY OLDMAN came on the line!! Jim Gordon says it's a trick, it was all a set-up and now I'm an official recruit of Gotham City PD. If I don't accept these terms, I'll be treated as a suspected member of the Joker's gang. Then it hung up on me!!"
What? REALLY? Because if that's all this was, than we have been April Fooled indeed. Fitting. Richey says he now feels like he's being watched.
However, whatever is going on with Harvey Dent is still in the works. His site is now overloaded. 3pm came and went with nothing, it's now 7pm EST and all that has happened is a successful rally for Dent.
We'll keep you updated if something goes on. So stay tuned ...
Update #1 -- I received the call and indeed, it's a very threatening Commissioner Gordon. I either have to help the Gotham PD, or go to jail for conspiracy to commit a criminal enterprise. At the same time that I received my phone call, Acme Security started flashing red with "Identity Captured!" My name, IP, and e-mail address have all been logged as evidence. Here's a screencap for those who couldn't get through.
Update #2 -- Looks like that's the end. Harvey Dent is back up, and nothing there has changed. However, some have pointed out the curious error in a few of the CTA travel stamps. Some of them were labeled April 4th. Quite possibly, this has all been a prelude to a trailer release for that day. Or it could have just been a typo . . .
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-01-2008 @ 11:49PM
Chris said...
I had the exact same thing happen to me. Im excited to see what happens next. And hopefully this Harvey Dent thing happens soon.
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4-01-2008 @ 7:20PM
Jordan said...
whats weird is that i'm not so sure the voice WAS gary oldman...i think the joker may have more planned yet...
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4-01-2008 @ 7:48PM
The Addict said...
The "Have a nice day" sounded distinctly like Ledger's Joker voice.
4-01-2008 @ 7:59PM
Elisabeth said...
I think it was Oldman impersonating the Joker to be a jerk to those of us foolish enough to follow him to prison. ;)
I really can't believe that we've had two viral campaigns with no real payoff -- I suspect a big release is still coming.
Reply
4-01-2008 @ 8:14PM
The Addict said...
I've heard it 3 times now, and i change my statement to agree with your's. It sounds like Oldman impersonating the Joker.
4-01-2008 @ 8:03PM
Justin said...
I think the payoff may not be big, but it is pretty fun killing some time. Wish there was a ball here in Detroit,MI. They did bring the Dent Van to town, but we were getting about 7 inches of snow, so it wasn't as great as it could have been. Still having fun though. I do wonder why all the viral when they know this movie is going to make a mint. I mean maybe a viral for Begins makes sense but for Knight?
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4-01-2008 @ 8:41PM
Lewis said...
:( My cell phones down. I wanna joiiiin UGH
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4-01-2008 @ 9:49PM
Lewis said...
I think the call was made by Gary Oldman, under the influence of Joker. Toxic gas, maybe? :)
4-01-2008 @ 11:13PM
Ray said...
I got my phone call, but not the 'captured' screen. It sounded like Gay Oldman, I guess.
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4-02-2008 @ 12:33AM
Swank said...
There's pictures and audio of the calls at Big Shiny Robot....
http://www.bigshinyrobot.com/reviews/archives/89/trackback
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4-02-2008 @ 9:04AM
Jesse said...
Free bowling ball and cell phone? Awesome. I'm so disappointed I missed out. I have a suspicion that living in the middle of nowhere like I do I'd have been no where close to get one anyway.
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4-03-2008 @ 10:28PM
nicely said...
I got the virginia ball/phone (so amazing!)
no calls yet but I'll be sure and let you cinematical folk know what happens...I mean you keep me so well informed, why not return the favor :)
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