Rebel Wilson is overjoyed to premiere her musical directorial debut Deb at the Toronto International Film Festival despite an ongoing legal battle with three of its producers.
The actress and director, 44, spoke to PEOPLE the day before the Sept. 14 red carpet event and admitted the situation was “not ideal.” Wilson, who had previously accused the producers of trying to prevent the film from showing at TIFF, added, “obviously there was a fight to get the film released.”
But she said she’s focusing on the positives. “At the end of the day, I’m so proud of that fact [TIFF CEO] Cameron Bailey chose this to play at the festival. And the honor of being chosen for TIFF — and again, as a first-time director — is simply huge,” she continued Pitch Perfect star.
Asked if she hopes to soon be able to put the legal drama behind her, Wilson said: “Yes, I’m sure of it… Yes, because the film speaks for itself. It’s so good and so original and so unique and it just goes to — the film will shine.”
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Wilson also has a supporting role in the Australian-set musical about a high school dropout (played by newcomer Natalie Abbott) who is determined to redefine herself at the Debutante Ball in her small town, known as “Deb,” as the locals call it.
‘The Deb’ stars Natalie Abbott, Charlotte MacInnes, Rebel Wilson and Stevie Jean at Cannes 2023.
Dave Bennett/Getty
Wilson said she hopes to focus on directing Debbut agreed to star in the film to help secure financing. She plays Janette, a pushy and sarcastic salon worker and the mother of a local young bully, Annabelle (Stevie Jean).
Abbott praised Wilson’s work as a director, saying she had a clear vision but also let the actors experiment.
“Technically everything was thought out, but when the scene is happening and you’re acting, I think there was a lot of freedom to play with, which is really cool,” she told PEOPLE.
“There was a lot of improv, which was great, especially for the scenes with me and Rebel,” added Jean. “It was just a lot of back and forth moments. It was so much fun.”
Lawsuit for defamation by two DebProducers Amanda Ghost and Gregor Cameron, as well as executive producer Vince Holden, responded to Wilson’s Instagram video on July 10 in which she accused the group of “bad behavior” on set.
Wilson claimed she was met with “absolute malice and vindictive behaviour” after reporting their alleged actions.
Ghost, Cameron and Holden denied Wilson’s claims of embezzlement and made their own allegations about her behavior during the filming process.
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Ramona Agruma and Rebel Wilson on June 2 in West Hollywood.
Eric Charbonneau/Getty
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After filing the defamation suit, Wilson — who shares 20-month-old daughter Royce with his fiancee, Ramona Agrum — wrote on Instagram on July 12, “It’s not defamation if it’s TRUE,” claiming the legal action was a “bogus PR stunt.” ”
Four days later, Wilson revealed it on Instagram Deb would close the 2024 edition of TIFF.
Several of the film’s cast and crew praised the first-time director on social media, with actor Max Ostler writing that she has “consistently expressed immense gratitude to all the individuals involved in the project. Notable examples of her gratitude include the personalized hats she gave to each cast member as keepsakes, as well as the raffle prizes she gave away during one of the filming nights.”
Deb no release date yet. Wilson’s other upcoming projects include another movie musical, Romeo and Juliet of Veronaplanned for 2025.
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Source: HIS Education