On the upcoming home release of Justice League vs. Teen Titans, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has included a new video with an extended preview for Batman: The Killing Joke. And if the early footage is any indication, Alan Moore and Brian Bolland’s classic story will be coming to animation with its most shocking parts intact.
In the video, producer Bruce Timm and DC Animation Creative Director Mike Carlin speak about the impact of Moore and Bolland’s Killing Joke on the Joker himself, as well as its continuing influence on Batman. Make no mistake, this is the darkest Batman story that DC has ever published, and it came out almost thirty years ago!
Mark Hamill has often cited The Killing Joke as his favorite Joker story, and he’ll be reprising his role as the Joker in this movie alongside his Batman: The Animated Series co-stars Kevin Conroy and Tara Strong. Conroy is the voice of Batman and Bruce Wayne, while Strong is once again voicing Barbara Gordon.
Related: Mark Hamill & Kevin Conroy Reunite For Batman: The Killing Joke Animated Film
This video reveals that Barbara Gordon will play a bigger part in the adaptation than she did in the original graphic novel. The most significant change will be an extended prologue with Barbara in costume as Batgirl. For anyone unfamiliar with the source material, Barbara’s ordeal in The Killing Joke redefined her character for decades and eventually led her to become Oracle, the most prominent hacker in the DC Universe.
While Batman: The Animated Series‘ Commissioner Gordon, Bob Hastings passed away two years ago, veteran actor Ray Wise is stepping into the role for Batman: The Killing Joke, as Gordon faces his ultimate crucible at the hands of the Joker.
Batman: The Killing Joke will premiere at Comic-Con International in San Diego, before hitting DVD, Blu-ray, and Digital HD later in the summer.
What did you think of the Batman: The Killing Joke preview? Let us know in the comment section below!
