'The People's Joker,' A Queer Comic Book Parody, Is Finally Coming to Theaters

"The People's Joker," a queer comic book parody, is finally getting a theatrical release after problems with copyright infringement kept the movie out of the film festival circuit.

As reported Entertainment Weekly, the film is described as a "revolutionary D.I.Y. parody film and hilarious reimagining of the classic autobiographical coming-of-age story." But basically its a spoof of the recent deluge of superhero movies.

Citing copyright issues related to the film's parody of superhero films, director and star Vera Drew has to pull the movie from Toronto International Film Festival's Midnight Madness. Now the L.A.-based Altered Innocence has acquired the movie and given it a release date of April 5, 2024.

EW reports that "The People's Joker" opens with a message aimed at its potential copyright problems. "This film is a parody," it reads, per Variety, "and is at present time completely unauthorized by DC Comics, Warner Brothers, or anyone claiming ownership of the trademarks therein (e.g., 'Joker,' 'Batman,' etc.)."

The film was partially financed via crowdfunding in a 2020 GoFundMe campaign that promoted a goal of making "a queer coming-of-age film about being a trans woman working in comedy." "The People's Joker" is the end result, which features live-action, animation, and a number of cameos, including from Bob Odenkirk, Tim Heidecker, Maria Bamford, and Scott Aukerman, among others.

"It follows Joker the Harlequin, played by Drew, an 'unconfident, closeted trans girl' who wants to become a comedian," EW reports. "To do so, she must join the only comedy program in town, one sanctioned by the Gotham City government at a time when all other comedy is outlawed. When that fails, Joker the Harlequin starts her own troupe with other misfits, putting them on a collision course with the city's fascist caped crusader."

It's very Batman, with a trans twist, and Drew reportedly also borrowed heavily from her own life experiences.

"We couldn't be more thrilled to champion this bold, intelligent, and hilarious piece of queer cinema that audiences around the globe have fallen in love with," said Altered Innocence founder Frank Jaffe.

Will you be watching?