'Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie': How Is 'Future' Parody Legal?

Variety

by William Earl

February 13, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Matt Johnson’s *Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie* is a labor of love that parodies *Back to the Future* while navigating the complexities of fair use and copyright law. The film, which began as a 2007 web series and later evolved into a Viceland TV show, finally hits theaters this Friday. Despite its heavy inspiration from the ’80s classic, Universal Pictures hasn’t pursued legal action, thanks to Johnson’s meticulous attention to legal boundaries. He collaborated with lawyer Chris Perez to ensure every element of the film stayed within fair use guidelines, avoiding any risky copyright infringement. Johnson shared how his past experience with *The Dirties*, a film riddled with potential copyright issues, taught him the importance of consulting legal experts early in the process. This time around, he ensured all creative decisions were vetted through Perez, even cutting some jokes—like a planned use of “The Power of Love” score—that couldn’t fit within fair use parameters. The final product includes only brief nods to *Back to the Future*, such as a fleeting use of its iconic theme. The film’s production was equally ambitious and challenging. Filmed guerrilla-style in Toronto, much of it features unscripted moments with unwitting passersby, adding authenticity but requiring countless takes and reshoots. For instance, one scene where a character drags an extension cord through the city took over a month to perfect. Johnson emphasizes that this project, spanning two decades of development, is his most time-intensive effort yet. For readers interested in entertainment law and independent filmmaking, *Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie* offers insights into balancing creativity with legal constraints. It highlights how filmmakers can push creative boundaries while respecting intellectual property rights, a crucial consideration for anyone

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Originally published on Variety on 2/13/2026