Lucas was catching up on personal matters when his phone buzzed with news about TikTok, a fresh competitor to Vine in the USA. Though just launched, the app was picking up users faster than expected.
Despite Vine's strong position with nearly six hundred million users and steady daily growth, Lucas knew better than to ignore competition. He immediately pushed for Vine service improvements, wanting to stay ahead in the short-content market.
Vine's constant feature updates kept users engaged, contributing significantly to Lucas's growing wealth as both an actor and music artist.
He could have hit billionaire status already if he wasn't constantly investing in cancer research projects and other philanthropic work. Lucas also kept buying up Tesla shares whenever he could, aiming to acquire enough stock for a meaningful ownership position.
His strategy was simple - build enough wealth to help more people while making a real difference in environmental issues.
The concerning reports about global warming led him to invest in various environmental companies as well.
Lucas and Jennifer made an appearance at Eco Innovate, the environmental company he'd founded two years ago. The facility, which transformed waste materials into clothing and everyday products, drew larger crowds than usual thanks to their presence.
Fans swarmed around them, phones out for photos and autographs. Lucas handled each request with his usual warmth, taking time to interact with everyone who approached.
When he took the stage, his passion for environmental issues showed through. "The plastic we carelessly toss away today will still be here centuries from now," he said, gesturing to the recycled products on display. "But we can change that. Each small choice we make - whether it's choosing recycled products or being mindful of our waste - adds up to significant impact."
Jennifer recorded the speech on her phone, later posting it to Lucas's Twitter with his caption: "Let's be clear - Earth will survive whatever we throw at it. The real question is: will humanity survive the consequences of global warming? The choice is ours to make."
The video hit millions of views within hours, resonating with viewers worldwide. His straightforward message about human survival rather than abstract environmental concern struck a chord with people who usually tuned out climate discussions.
But the good intentional tweet of Lucas got the attention of Donald Trump, who retweeted with: "More LIES about this Global Warming HOAX! Coldest spring ever in NYC! Just another Chinese trick to DESTROY American oil & coal jobs! These Hollywood elites want to kill your energy industry with their FANTASY stories about climate! FAKE NEWS!"
The tweet rallied support from Trump's followers and Lucas's critics. Lucas responded thoughtfully:
"With respect, Mr. Trump, global warming is inevitable with our current infrastructure and technology - that's reality. But we can slow its progression and reduce its worst effects through gradual transition to green energy, continued innovation in climate solutions, and better waste management practices. Even small changes like proper recycling and reducing single-use plastics can help. The goal isn't to stop development, but to develop more sustainably for our future."
Lucas's measured response to Trump earned praise from environmental advocates, but also attracted flat-earthers and climate change deniers.
"The elites are hiding the TRUTH! Earth is FLAT and climate change is a HOAX to control us!" one user ranted.
Lucas couldn't resist replying: "Sure, and pizza is cube-shaped. My bad, thought those round pizzas were real all this time."
"You're just another brainwashed celebrity!" another attacked.
Lucas replied: "Fun fact: I used to be a flat earther too! Then I realized I was brainwashed into believing Earth was flat. Maybe check if you're the one being brainwashed? Just looking out for you buddy."
"Keep your global warming FANTASY to yourself!" another critic snapped.
"Speaking of fantasy - which flat earth theory do you prefer? The 'fall off the edge past the ice wall' version, or the 'mysterious undiscovered lands beyond the ice wall' one? Both sound more fantastical than climate change to me. Oh wait, I forgot theory number three - the flat earth with a dome to keep people from falling off, with water outside making the sky look blue. That one's my personal favorite for creativity!" Lucas responded.
His witty comebacks reminded everyone of his legendary roasting skills - clips from his Comedy Central Roast episode were still racking up views on YouTube. Unlike Justin Bieber's awkward roast attempts, Lucas knew how to deliver burns with style.
***
At home, Jennifer found Lucas still glued to his phone, scrolling through responses to his climate change post.
"Stop obsessing over your phone," she nudged him. "Let them believe what they want. You can't force people to accept facts they're determined to ignore."
Lucas sighed, putting down his phone. "You're right."
"This is exactly why I avoid social media," Jennifer added. "It's just endless arguments and toxicity. Not worth risking my mental health over it."
"I almost got sucked in again," Lucas sighed, tossing his phone aside. "Social media is a black hole."
Jennifer picked up his phone curiously, scrolling through his replies. Her laughter suddenly filled the room. "Did you really post these? Are you insane? Neil's going to have a meltdown when he sees how you're roasting people!" She shook her head, still chuckling. "You need to maintain your image. Can't be out here destroying flat-earthers, even if they deserve it."
Lucas shrugged with a half-smile. "We can always blame it on the social media manager."
His joke faded as he realized some poor social media handler might actually take the heat if this blew up.
"I'm confiscating this," Jennifer declared, pocketing his phone. "You've got that project to focus on, remember?"
Lucas released another sigh but nodded in agreement. She had a point - he needed to stay focused on what mattered.
Something about the climate change deniers had struck a deep nerve in Lucas - memories from his previous life made him acutely aware of just how serious global warming would become.
"I should delete these replies," Jennifer mused, looking at his phone.
"Don't bother."
"What if this blows up?"
"Then I'll deal with it," Lucas said firmly. "Besides, deleting now is pointless. People have probably screenshotted everything already. It'll be in the headlines by morning."
Jennifer nodded slowly. "You're right about that."
Lucas turned his attention to the script in front of him, focusing on Nolan's upcoming project "Dunkirk." The controversy could wait - he had work to do.
***
The next morning, media outlets lit up with headlines about Lucas's Twitter exchanges. "Lucas Delivers Epic Takedown of Flat Earth Conspiracists" ran across entertainment sites, while his breakdown of different flat earth theories - the edge-fallers versus the beyond-the-ice-wall believers - became an instant meme.
Social media buzzed with reposts of his replies. "Never knew there were different types of flat earthers until Lucas pointed it out 😂" one viral tweet read. Others praised his ability to roast conspiracy theorists while somehow staying oddly educational about their various beliefs.
His categorization of flat earth theories particularly resonated - people began jokingly identifying themselves as "Team Edge-Fall" or "Team Secret Lands." Even some former flat earth believers admitted his gentle mockery made them question their beliefs.
The headlines transformed what could have been controversial celebrity tweets into a moment that had people laughing while actually discussing science - exactly the kind of impact Lucas had hoped to achieve, even if not quite in the way he'd planned.
At the same time, the Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 trailer dropped on YouTube, instantly becoming a trending topic and racking up three million views within 24 hours.
"Finally! We've waited years for this!" fans flooded the comments section.
Those who had quietly blamed Lucas or Jennifer for the franchise's delay now celebrated its return. The trailer's impact was amplified by Lucas's haunting original song "Way Down We Go," its melancholic melody and dark undertones perfectly capturing Mockingjay's somber themes.
The music added an extra layer of anticipation for the film. Comments praised how the song's emotional weight elevated the trailer beyond typical action sequences, making the darkness of the story feel more real and immediate.
"The way Lucas's voice builds with the tension in the trailer... chills!" one fan wrote.
"This might be the darkest Hunger Games yet, and that song just confirms it," another commented.
The anticipation built as fans dissected how perfectly the music's somber tone matched the trailer's dark visuals. Though the wait for the film's release stretched ahead, the trailer's impact kept excitement high.
Meanwhile, Lucas arrived at Nolan's production office in London, where warm afternoon light filtered through tall windows. The director studied Lucas thoughtfully.
"It's been quite a while," Nolan said, pouring tea from a ceramic pot. "Last saw you at the Oscars, what, three years ago now?"
Lucas smiled warmly. "Looking forward to working together again. Inception feels like ages ago."
Nolan gestured to a leather armchair as his assistant brought fresh tea. They settled in as Nolan outlined the vision for "Dunkirk" and Lucas's role as Alex - a soldier whose story would capture the raw desperation of the evacuation.
After an hour of discussion, Nolan emphasized his vision - he wanted performances focused purely on survival, not character-centric drama. Though watching Lucas's previous films had convinced him the actor could deliver exactly what he needed.
Suddenly, Lucas shifted his demeanor. His eyes took on a haunted look, body tensing as if hearing distant explosions. Yet beneath the fear, a steely determination showed through - pure survival instinct in human form. Then just as quickly, he returned to normal.
"Something like that?" Lucas asked casually.
Nolan chuckled, caught off guard by the impromptu performance. "Exactly like that. You caught the balance perfectly - fear without losing that drive to survive."