‘The People’s Joker’: Trans-inclusive Joker film set for release

‘The People’s Joker’ is set to debut in the UK and Ireland.

Described as an “illegal comic-book movie,” this dark coming-of-age comedy tells the story of an “unconfident trans girl” (Vera Drew) who relocates to Gotham City aiming to join the comedy world through UCB Live, “a government-sanctioned late-night sketch show in a world where comedy is banned.”

The plot further reveals: “As our heroine struggles for mainstream success, she teams up with a ragtag group of outcasts and misfits, including a love interest named Mister J. Through this journey, 'Joker the Harlequin' is reborn as a self-assured (and psychotic) joker on a collision course with the city's fascist-caped crusader.”

In recent years, ‘The People’s Joker’ has encountered several challenges, according to ‘Gay Times’.

After premiering at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, additional screenings were removed from the schedule due to “rights issues.”

Fortunately, the initial setbacks did not prevent the film from reaching audiences.

In 2023, ‘The People’s Joker’ was showcased at the Outfest Film Festival, followed by a theatrical release in the U.S.A. in April 2024.

Now, this unofficial parody – directed and co-written by Drew – is set to arrive in the UK and Ireland through Matchbox Cine.

On January 13, the independent film exhibitor and distributor announced on Instagram that the movie would premiere in theatres on February 21. “FINALLY! The People’s Joker is coming to big screens in the UK & Ireland—screenings in London, Manchester, and Birmingham are already confirmed and on sale, with many more on the way! Let your local programmer(s) know if you want to see it where you are,” they shared.

Megan Mitchell, a producer, programmer, and audio describer at Matchbox Cine, also issued a statement celebrating the announcement.

“We're thrilled to finally bring The People's Joker to audiences across the UK and Ireland,” stated Mitchell.

“Matchbox Cine's exhibition activities have always focused on uplifting the orphans, outcasts, and outliers of cult cinema, and Vera's quintessential cult midnight movie is the perfect fit as our first new release title.”

Despite its rocky path, ‘The People’s Joker’ has garnered acclaim from critics and film fans, who have commended it for its dark comedy, DIY production style, and exploration of gender identity and self-acceptance.

This trans-inclusive project has also achieved a 95% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 109 reviews.

For more details about screenings and tickets for ‘The People’s Joker’, click here.