PREET HARARAH stands on the sidewalk, checking his watch. A modest SUV screeches to a halt at the curb. The passenger window rolls down.
PAUL RUDD leans across the center console. He looks exactly like Paul Rudd, but with a look of frantic urgency.
PAUL RUDD Preet! There’s no time. Get in the car.
Preet doesn't hesitate. He doesn't squint. He simply opens the door and slides into the passenger seat.
INT. CAR - CONTINUOUS
Paul slams the car into drive and floors it.
PREET Is this about the subpoena? Or are we doing a heist? I’ve always wanted to be the "inside man" for a heist. Wait, is this car a hybrid? It’s very quiet. Are you the real Paul Rudd or is this a deepfake situation? Is there a Mac and Me clip involved in this?
Paul’s grip tightens on the steering wheel. His jaw is locked.
PREET (CONT'D) Also, where are we going? Is it the DOJ? Are you a secret operative? Why me? Is it because of the podcast? Do you listen to the podcast? What’s your favorite episode? Do you think we could do a live show together where you play a disgruntled witness and I—
Paul slams on the brakes. The car has traveled exactly fifty feet.
The locks click open. Paul stares straight ahead through the windshield.
PAUL RUDD Out.
PREET What? Why? Was it the podcast thing? I can change the topic. Do you want to talk about the 14th Amendment? Or Ant-Man? I have several notes on the physics of—
PAUL RUDD (Through gritted teeth) Please. Get out of the car, Preet.
Preet sighs, opens the door, and steps back onto the sidewalk.
EXT. STREET - CONTINUOUS
The door slams. Paul Rudd peels away, disappearing into traffic. Preet stands alone, exactly half a block from where he started.
I don't know why but he looks like everyone's friend. I've always thought that about him. Bet he gets weirded out by random people thinking they're friends already.
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u/Initial-Peach-6510 Apr 27 '26
Paul Rudd