Following the disappointing, though not totally unexpected news that queer coming-of-age satire set in the Batman universe, The People's Joker, had been pulled from the Toronto International Film Festival after just a single screening over alleged “rights issues,” director Vera Drew has released a statement promising that the film will see the light of day.
Drew reveals that the ongoing legal woes associated with the project have resulted in her pulling The People's Joker from all future festival screenings, but reassures those hoping to see the film that they will be able to do so - first in theatres, then on home release - at some point down the line.
"As The People’s Joker team and I work to resolve our previously reported “rights issues” and come up with a release plan, I have decided to pull our film from all future film festivals for the time being," Drew writes. "I didn’t come to this decision lightly. It sucks and hurts more than you’ll ever know. We had literally 10 incredible festivals all over the world ready and willing to exhibit this film. I’ve been looking forward to traveling with the movie since we started making it."
"It’s taken all the emotional strength and courage I have in me to recalibrate my brain into accepting that this is what is best for the future of our film and that this is not where the story ends; it’s just the beginning. I promise that everyone — everywhere — is going to be able to see this film soon, first in a theater and then in the comfort of their home. Stick with me. I’ll keep you posted every step of the way that I can. And you know where you can all send your angry letters."
While Drew's optimism is encouraging, depending on how stringently Warner Bros. is able to impede its release, it could be quite some time before The People's Joker hits our screens.
The official synopsis from TIFF reads: “With comedy criminalized in Gotham City, the show is the only government-sanctioned space for funny people, but only those who will toe the party line. Disillusioned by a botched audition, Vera partners with a birdlike slacker to found their own alternative comedy troupe, attracting not only a rogues’ gallery of would-be comics, but also the ire of a fascistic caped crusader.”
You can check out the teaser trailer below.