For over two decades, Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill have teamed up to portray Batman and the Joker (respectively) across various animated series and video games. Starting in 1992’s Batman: The Animated Series, Conroy and Hamill were embraced by fans as the definitive versions of their characters. Conroy and Hamill’s most recent collaboration was on the Batman: Arkham video game series, but they will soon reunite for the ultimate Joker story.
Comic Book Resources is reporting that both Conroy and Hamill will reprise their roles for Batman: The Killing Joke, an animated adaptation of Alan Moore and Brian Bolland’s influential and controversial one-shot that reframed the dynamic between the Dark Knight and the Clown Prince of Crime.
“I’ve had the great privilege of voicing Batman for more than two decades, and some of my favorite moments in the recording booth have been alongside Mark Hamill,” said Conroy in a statement to CBR. “Mark always enables me to be a better actor. I’m thrilled that we’re both back to bring these characters to life in one of the most heralded Batman/Joker stories of all time.”
“The chance to work once again with Kevin Conroy, my favorite Batman, in what some consider the definitive origin of this iconic villain is a dream come true for me,” added Hamill. “I am beyond thrilled to return as The Joker in The Killing Joke!”
Hamill and Conroy aren’t the only Batman veterans on this project. Tara Strong will reprise her role as Barbara Gordon from Batman: The Animated Series in The Killing Joke. Ray Wise will step in to play Commissioner Gordon in the film, which will likely adapt the Joker’s horrific treatment of both Barbara and her father from the original story. While the rating for The Killing Joke has not been finalized, Warner Bros. Home Video has reportedly allowed the film to be R-Rated.
Batman: The Killing Joke will premiere at Comic-Con International in San Diego, before it is released later in the summer.
