Two of the most iconic voices in animation, Kevin Conroy, and Mark Hamill has been officially announced, thanks to Comic Book Resources, to star in the upcoming animated feature film Batman: The Killing Joke.
Conroy and Hamill are best known for playing Batman and Joker in multiple shows like the Justice League or the 90s animated Batman series. In addition, to these two heavy hitters, the film also stars Tara Strong as Barbara Gordon and Ray Wise as Commissioner Gordon.
"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," Hamill said in a statement to CBR. "I am beyond thrilled to return as The Joker in 'The Killing Joke!'"“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," Conroy added. "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.”
Last year, director James Tucker revealed that DC had given him clearance to make The Killing Joke R-rated, much to fans' delight. Knowing that DC is willing to risk isolating the audience with an R-Rating is a good sign that they’re looking to be faithful to the controversial source material.
The Killing Joke is still the closest thing there is to an official Joker origin story, although recently leaked images from the upcoming movie Suicide Squad also hint at Joker’s origins.
There has yet to be a release date for the home version of the feature film, but it will be making it premiere later this year at San Diego Comic-Con.
