“People’s Joker”, queer movie set in Batman universe, pulled from TIFF due to “legal issues”.

The director of The People’s Joker, a queer coming-of-age film set in the Batman universe, has pulled the film from the Toronto International Film Festival over alleged “legal issues.”

Directed by Los Angeles-based director Vera Drew, the mixed-media film follows an aspiring clown (played by Drew) who struggles with her gender identity as she dreams of acting in a TV sketch show with a cast of Jokers and to be occupied by harlequins.

An official synopsis from TIFF reads: “Because comedy is criminalized in Gotham City, the show is the only government-sanctioned venue for fun people, but only for those who stick to the party line. Disillusioned with a botched audition, Vera teams up with a bird-like slacker to start her own alternative comedy troupe, drawing not only a rogue gallery of wannabe comics, but also the wrath of a caped fascist crusader.”

Warner Bros. Discovery, owners of DC Comics and holder of the rights to the Batman universe, has not yet commented on the film, although it appears the studio has issued a cease-and-desist order to block the film’s three additional screenings that are now cancelled.

diversity contacted Warner Bros. Discovery for clarification and comment.

Hinting at potential discord surrounding the film on Tuesday, Drew posted a cryptic tweet: “I have no idea how today is going and my team doesn’t want me to say anything of course so I’m going to be vague… but whatever in.” happening in the next few hours, I want you to know… if you’ve been waiting to see our film, you will soon. stay tuned and stay with me Need your help.”

Ahead of the screening, The Globe and Mail reported that a title card was shown that read:

“This film is a parody and is currently fully authorized by DC Comics, Warner Brothers or anyone else claiming ownership of the trademarks contained herein (e.g., “Joker,” “Batman,” etc.). Except for licensed material, all videos and graphics featured in the film are original materials, often recreations of iconic comic book film set pieces created by Vera Drew and a team of over 100 independent artists and filmmakers across three different continents during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Any copyright or trademark infringement was not committed intentionally. After consulting with legal counsel, the director has a good faith belief that the use of these names and characters in an autobiographical context of her personal coming-out story is protected by Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act of 1976, which defines “fair use ‘ for purposes B. Permits relevant criticism, social commentary or enlightenment.’

The film, which will be sold by UTA, was programmed as part of the festival’s popular Midnight Madness selection and screened to adoring fans on Tuesday night.

Twitter user @JuiceSimpsons wrote: “I can’t even begin to describe what #ThePeopleJoker was like. @VeraDrew22 created something so incredible, so funny, so touching, so mind-blowing, so unbelievable… I absolutely love it. Thank you @PeterKapow and everyone involved in bringing this to life!!”

Another fan of the film @BenSandergaard wrote: “THE PEOPLE’S JOKER is the best film on TIFF this year and you’ll never see it! A parodic journey into the world of DC with a trans lens. This is going to be my favorite performance of the festival. The film will live on in the hearts of viewers!”

The Canadian Press reported Wednesday that in a Q&A after the screening, Drew said she edited previously included scenes from the 2019 film “Joker.”

In a statement on the title’s official TIFF page, the festival said that “the filmmaker has withdrawn this film due to legal issues. We apologize for the inconvenience.”