For the first time in Batman’s nine-year film history, the upcoming animated-film adaptation of The Killing Joke will be “R” rated.
There are no plans for a PG-13 version, at this time.
“From the start of production, we encouraged producer Bruce Timm and our team at Warner Bros. Animation to remain faithful to the original story – regardless of the eventual MPAA rating,” Sam Register, President, Warner Bros. Animation & Warner Digital Series, said in a press release. “The Killing Joke is revered by the fans, particularly for its blunt, often-shocking adult themes and situations. We felt it was our responsibility to present our core audience – the comics-loving community – with an animated film that authentically represented the tale they know all too well.”
Bruce Timm is directing.
Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill are reprising their respective roles of Batman and Joker. Two other notable voice talents are Tara Strong as Barbara Gordon and Ray Wise as Commissioner Jim Gordon.
The film will be shown for the first time at Comic-Con International this summer and follow that up with a Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD release.