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Directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes,Late Night with the Devilis 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 forLate 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 inLate Night with the Devil, actorDavid Dastmalchianworked withHeath Ledgeron Christopher Nolan’s critically acclaimedThe 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 withThe 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.”
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Dastmalchian revealed taking inspiration from the American-born Australian talk show host Don Lane, who hostedThe Don Lane ShowandTonight 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 Squadactor 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 inLate 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.”
“He got something out of me”: David Dastmalchian is Forever Grateful to Christopher Nolan That Got Him One Distinction That Ben Affleck Possesses
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 Devilwas theatrically released on June 12, 2025, and will be available for streaming on Shudder on August 03, 2025.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1775
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
