Summary:
Vera Drew, a trans woman, creates and stars in The People’s Joker, a queer parody of the Batman universe that challenges mainstream superhero narratives. The film, which she both directs and writes, reflects her personal journey and critiques the fascism within fictional heroism. Initially, Drew never expected the film to receive widespread attention, considering it a work made for a small audience.
Drew’s Joker character, influenced by her own experiences, navigates a world where comedy is outlawed. The film draws upon her childhood discovery of gender identity while engaging with contemporary issues such as culture wars and oppressive ideologies. Despite facing legal pressure from Warner Bros. over rights concerns, she remained steadfast in her vision, highlighting the importance of niche art and artistic freedom.
The People’s Joker explores themes of family, identity, and the absurdity of current political climates, using a mix of animation and puppetry in its production. Drew’s work stands as a bold statement during a time of regressive societal trends, affirming her voice in a predominantly cisgender industry. Ultimately, she finds beauty in the unconventional and aims to inspire others in the creative field.
