Robert Iger also laughed, saying, "Martin's new film has received rave reviews and excellent box office returns."
"Joker" had similarly caught the eye of the executives at Warner Bros. and DC Films.
In preparation for next month's release of "Justice League," the Warner Bros. team, using routine company procedures, pressured "Joker" into including a "Justice League" advertisement.
A media reporter interviewed Martin, who was promoting "Joker."
Facing the camera, Martin said bluntly, "Sorry, I don't want to talk about anything unrelated to Joker."
The reporter persisted, asking, "But Joker is part of DC, right?"
Martin spread his hands in exasperation, "The executives at DC have said more than once that 'Joker' does not belong to the DC movies; my film was expelled by DC."
After leaving the press site, Martin got into a car, and Thomas took the passenger seat.
He said, "Justice League is leeching off our popularity."