Vera Drew, an alt-comedian, found inspiration in Todd Phillips' 2019 film 'Joker,' which led her to create her own subversive feature, 'The People's Joker.' The movie, opening in theaters soon, follows the story of Joker the Harlequin, a young trans woman navigating the comedy world.
Having worked with prominent figures in alt-comedy like Eric André and Sacha Baron Cohen, Drew honed her skills in editing and comedy. She realized the need to explore her identity further, especially after coming out as a trans woman.
'The People's Joker' features a parody of iconic Batman characters, adding a superhero twist to the coming-of-age narrative. Drew's intention was to remix these characters under the umbrella of parody and fair use, despite facing challenges during the film's festival season rollout in 2022.
For Drew, these characters represent modern myths that allow individuals to reflect on themselves and their roles in society. She believes that fandom can transcend political and social differences, offering a space for diverse perspectives.
Addressing potential hesitancy from comic book fans and the trans community regarding her reinterpretation of beloved characters, Drew sees it as an opportunity to spark conversations about complexity and representation in modern America.
She acknowledges the criticism of portraying a trans woman as a villain but emphasizes that her choice stems from feeling villainized and politicized due to her identity. Drew views her film as a reflection of the challenges faced by her community and a statement against societal oppression.
'The People's Joker' trailer showcases Drew's unique take on the iconic characters, inviting audiences to engage with the narrative and themes she explores in her subversive feature.
