The first trailer for “The People’s Joker,” a daring independent film that criticizes Batman’s archrival The Joker, has finally been released.
Vera Drew, an American director, directed the film, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2022. However, it encountered problems due to copyright difficulties.
Drew revealed after his debut festival performance that he had received a cease-and-desist demand from an unknown “media group”.
Subsequent screenings were canceled, but the film is now scheduled for an American distribution, with a copyright exemption based on fair use as a parody.
Drew stars in the film as Harlequin/Vera, a transgender woman seeking to make it as a stand-up comedian. Scott Aukerman, Tim Heidecker, Maria Bamford, and Bob Odenkirk round out the supporting cast.
The Joker is a humorous take on the Batman archetype, appearing in films such as “The Dark Knight” (2008) and “Suicide Squad” (2016).
Joaquin Phoenix won an Oscar in 2020 for his more serious interpretation of the Joker. He will appear in a sequel titled “Joker: Folie à Deux” alongside Lady Gaga.
“The People’s Joker” has received high accolades from critics, receiving a perfect “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film’s official website defines it as a “revolutionary DIY parody” that follows a transgender girl’s rise to popularity in a world where comedy is illegal.
While the film awaits a UK distributor and release date, its blend of satire, gender exploration, and comedy promises to be entertaining.
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