Given the kind of adult themes it explores, an R-rated Batman: The Killing Joke isn't so surprising. In fact, it would have been natural for anyone who knew about the comic book to expect nothing less. But now that the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has released its rating for the animated film, we can officially say that Batman: The Killing Joke will be R-rated.
Talking to Entertainment Weekly, Sam Register, Warner Bros. Animation and Digital Series president, said that they encouraged Bruce Timm and the rest of the Warner Bros. Animation team right at the very beginning to stay true to the comic book's original story, without factoring in what the MPAA's rating will be.
"We felt it was our responsibility to present our core audience ... with an animated film that authentically represented the tale they know all too well," he said.
With its MPAA rating, Batman: The Killing Joke is the second Batman movie to be R-rated (the first being the extended version of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice) and the first of DC's original movies to get an R.
Currently, there are no plans for the animated film to have a PG-13 version, although more details may be revealed when Batman: The Killing Joke makes its world premiere in July at the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC).
Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy were confirmed in March to be returning to their roles as the Joker and Batman, respectively. They will be joined by Ray Wise as Commissioner Jim Gordon and Tara Strong as Barbara Gordon/Batgirl.
According to Timm, Batgirl will be getting more screen time to give the audience a proper backgrounder on who the character is and how she figures in The Killing Joke's story beyond the shock value she represented in the comic book originally.
"She wasn't just somebody's daughter, she was somebody who mattered to Gotham City, and Batman in particular," added Mike Carlin, DC Entertainment Creative Director of Entertainment.
After its world premiere at the SDCC, Batman: The Killing Joke is headed for a Blu-ray, Digital HD and DVD release later in the year.
