Jonny Greenwood Demands Removal of 'Phantom Thread' Music from Controversial Transgender Joker Parody Film

Well, this certainly throws a wrench into things for an already talked-about indie film. Jonny Greenwood, the brilliant mind behind Radiohead's sonic landscapes and a truly acclaimed film composer, has made it crystal clear: his hauntingly beautiful score from 'Phantom Thread' is not to be used in Vera Drew's much-discussed 'The People's Joker.' And honestly, who can blame him? It turns out, nobody ever even asked for permission.

Taking to social media – specifically X, formerly Twitter – Greenwood didn't mince words. He explained, quite simply, that he'd never been approached about licensing his work for the project. 'My music in 'The People's Joker' was used without my permission and without any prior contact,' he wrote, making the situation undeniably clear. It’s a pretty fundamental point, really: you use someone’s art, you ask them first. Especially when that art is a key component of a major film score that's so widely recognized.

Now, 'The People's Joker' isn't just any independent film; it's a genuine conversation-starter, and not always for the reasons a filmmaker might hope. Directed by Vera Drew, this transgender Joker parody has been making waves, and let's be honest, attracting its fair share of controversy. Even before Greenwood's recent declaration, the movie was already locked in a legal tango with none other than Warner Bros. over its unauthorized (or so they claim) use of the iconic Joker character. Drew, for her part, maintains that her film falls squarely under the umbrella of 'fair use' and parody. But when one legal challenge is already brewing, adding another high-profile one from a respected artist like Greenwood certainly doesn't simplify matters, does it?

Greenwood's message really hammered home that using his music, particularly the distinctive score from Paul Thomas Anderson's 'Phantom Thread,' requires his explicit consent. He even alluded to the existing legal wrangles, mentioning the 'legal headaches' the film was already navigating. It suggests a certain level of frustration, perhaps, that his work would be dragged into such a complicated scenario without his input. For 'The People's Joker,' this isn't just a minor tweak; it’s a significant creative and potentially logistical hurdle. The team will now have to re-edit or replace the musical cues, adding another layer of challenge to an already ambitious and, let's say, bold project. It just goes to show, even in the indie world, permission is paramount.