Fans have been clamoring for an adaptation of Alan Moore and Brian Bolland's Batman: The Killing Joke for years and now their wish is about to come true, as an animated version of the graphic novel is set to be released later in the year. For those griping that one of the most definitive Joker stories never made it to the big screen, here's some good news: it will!
Following its premiere at the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), The Killing Joke will be appearing on the big screen as a one-night-only Fathom Events screening set for July 25. The animated adaptation will run for approximately 2 hours and will have two screening times: 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Tickets will go on sale starting June 17. The list of participating theaters will be released on the same day. For those who need reminding, you can sign up for a reminder online or via text.
Like other Fathom Events, well, events, The Killing Joke screening will include special features, like a special introduction from The Joker's voice actor himself, Mark Hamill, and a never-before-seen documentary exploring how the actor was cast into the role. The event will close with a special behind-the-scenes look at how Moore and Bolland's work was brought to life on film.
Given the nature of The Killing Joke's story, the animated adaptation was given an R rating by the Motion Picture Association of America. This makes it the second Batman movie to be given the rating (the first was Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice's "Ultimate Edition") and the first in DC's lineup of original movies.
According to Sam Register, president for Warner Bros. Animation and Digital Series, the rating reflects an authentic representation of the story that fans know all too well. There is no word if a PG-13 version will be made available, but The Killing Joke that will be shown at the Fathom Events screening will be the R-rated one.
"Following a gripping prologue introducing Barbara Gordon's heroic adventures alongside Batman as Batgirl, Batman: The Killing Joke stays true to the authentic tale that has held fans' imaginations for nearly three decades," reads the announcement.
Aside from Hamill, Kevin Conroy, Ray Wise and Tara Strong are also part of The Killing Joke, giving life to Batman, Commissioner Jim Gordon and Barbara Gordon/Batgirl, respectively.
After SDCC and the Fathom Events screening, Batman: The Killing Joke is headed for a Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD release.
