Directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, Late Night with the Devil is a supernatural horror film that stars David Dastmalchian in the lead role. In the film, Dastmalchian plays the role of a late-night talk show host and watched several talk shows to prepare for the role, including one that inspired Heath Ledger’s Joker.
In a recent interview, Dastmalchian spoke about his preparation for the role of a talk show host. The actor revealed that he was recommended an old talk show by the directors, which co-incidentally also inspired Heath Ledger’s turn as Joker. At the same time, Dastmalchian revealed being skeptical about playing a talk show host. Here is everything Dastmalchian has said about his preparation for Late Night with the Devil.
Late Night with the Devil‘s David Dastmalchian Reveals Watching the Talk Show That Inspired Heath Ledger’s Joker
Before playing the lead role in Late Night with the Devil, actor David Dastmalchian worked with Heath Ledger on Christopher Nolan’s critically acclaimed The Dark Knight. Years later, Dastmalchian has revealed how his latest role was inspired by the same source as Ledger’s Academy Award-winning performance.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Dastmalchian was asked about his preparation for playing a late-night talk show host. In response, the actor stated:
“The Cairnes brothers sent me a bunch of footage that they accumulated of Don Lane. If you’re not familiar with Don Lane, he was the Johnny Carson of Australian television.”
Dastmalchian revealed taking inspiration from the American-born Australian talk show host Don Lane, who hosted The Don Lane Show and Tonight with Don Lane, during the 70s and 80s.
“He did this famous interview with Tom Waits, and a lot of people think Heath Ledger took inspiration from it for his portrayal of The Joker.”
Dastmalchian made the above statement explaining how he and Ledger were inspired by Lane’s talk shows for their respective roles. According to reports, Ledger’s Joker performance was inspired by Tom Waits‘ appearance on Lane’s talk show.
David Dastmalchian Says He Was Initially Skeptical of Playing a Late Night Talk Show Host
During the interview, Dastmalchian also revealed taking inspiration from other talk show hosts. The Suicide Squad actor cited shock TV hosts like Morton Downey Jr. and Phil Donahue as inspirations behind his performance in the movie.
At the same time, Dastmalchian admitted to watching footage of hosts such as Johnny Carson, Dick Cavett, and David Letterman. Despite working hard to fit the part of a talk show host, Dastmalchian was initially skeptical about the role.
When he was offered the lead part in Late Night with the Devil, the actor thought the producers had made a mistake. He said:
“I looked at the log line and said, Which lead? There’s no way anybody thinks I’m the guy to play a late-night talk show host.”
Dastmalchian admitted he wasn’t funny and was initially terrified at the prospect of playing a talk show host. Therefore, he spent a lot of his preparation time studying every idiosyncrasy of the aforementioned talk show hosts and developed an understanding of their gestures and comedic timing.
Late Night with the Devil was theatrically released on March 22, 2024, and will be available for streaming on Shudder on April 19, 2024.
