Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill are set to reprise their roles as Batman and the Joker, respectively, in Warner Bros. Animation’s adaptation of “The Killing Joke.”
According to CBR, the two will be joined by Tara Strong, who will voice Barbara Gordon (aka Batgirl), and Ray Wise, who will lend his vocals for 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 told the website. “I am beyond thrilled to return as the Joker in ‘The Killing Joke!'”
“The Killing Joke” was written by “Watchmen” and “V for Vendetta” scribe Alan Moore and illustrated by Brian Bolland. The story is considered one of the most iconic tales about the Clown Prince of Crime ever published. For all the acclaim it received, it also was the subject of controversy over the violent nature of the book, specifically surrounding Batgirl.
Mark Hamill tweeted an image of Batman and the Joker with famous quotes from the villain.
THE "All it takes is one bad day to reduce the sanest man alive to lunacy…Just one bad day." pic.twitter.com/bqzBQPIhOw
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) March 14, 2016
KILLING "Remember there's always madness… Madness is the emergency exit" pic.twitter.com/hEvNRaxL6e
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) March 14, 2016
JOKE "If I have to have a past, then I prefer it to be multiple choice" pic.twitter.com/o1ZybkvTwa
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) March 14, 2016
Hamill and Conroy have been working opposite each other in DC animated works since “Batman: The Animated Series” in the 1990s. They most recently reprised their roles for the “Batman: Arkham” trilogy of video games.
“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 said. “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.”
