Rebel Wilson’s 'The Deb' to Close TIFF Amid Legal Drama

Rebel Wilson's 'The Deb' will close this year's Toronto International Film Festival, while 'Nutcrackers' by David Gordon Green will open. Wilson faces legal issues with producers over the film's premiere. TIFF promises a star-studded lineup highlighting humor and empathy. The festival runs September 5-15.

Rebel Wilson's directorial debut, 'The Deb,' has been selected as the closing film for this year's Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Meanwhile, David Gordon Green's 'Nutcrackers' has been chosen as the opening night film for the 49th edition, according to Variety.

'The Deb' is an original musical comedy depicting two teenage cousins on a quest to find dates for the Debutante Ball in a small Australian town. In contrast, 'Nutcrackers' tells the story of a strict, work-focused man who unexpectedly becomes the caregiver for his orphaned nephews.

'This year's Festival is shaping up to be a star-studded event with highly anticipated films that reflect the world around us with humor and empathy, like our opening and closing night selections, 'Nutcrackers' and 'The Deb,'' said Anita Lee, chief programming officer of TIFF. 'TIFF aims to showcase both returning and first-time directors on a big stage, and we are excited for fans to experience these two films and the many diverse works premiering in between.'

Wilson is currently embroiled in a legal battle over 'The Deb.' Producers recently sued the actor for defamation after Wilson accused them of embezzlement and sabotage. In an Instagram post, Wilson criticized the producers' 'bad behavior' and efforts to 'bury' the movie. She emphasized the significance of 'The Deb' being selected for TIFF's closing night, calling it an enormous honor but lamented the business partners' attempts to prevent its premiere.

TIFF is scheduled to run from September 5 to September 15.

(With inputs from agencies.)