One of the most controversial works of the DC Comics – Batman: The Killing Joke which was a one shot superhero graphic novel that gave a background story to the life of Batman’s enemy, Joker, has finally got itself a trailer. Released on 26 April, the trailer went on to receive positive response and looking at it, the movie did needed the R rating stamp on it.
This DC Comics animated movie from Warner Bros Animation and Warner Home Entertainment features Mark Hamill’s return to The Joker and Kevin Conroy’s return to Batman; roles the pair have played together off and on since the early 90s Batman: The Animated Series.
The husky voice of the Capped Crusader coupled with the eerie laugh of the Clowned Prince is enough to give one goosebumps. At the same time, the trailer manages to bring a smile on the faces of fans as the dialogues are pulled from the comic book.
As the trailer begins, a grave Batman enters the prison cell and tells the Joker, “I’ve been thinking about you and me. About how this is going to end. About who will end up killing who.” With various flashbacks, Batgirl being captured, glimpses of the violent tableaux, Batman trying to save Commissioner Gordon from the clutches of the clown prince, the trailer is packed with enough material to attract the comic book lore. The trailer ends with Joker’s creepy smile stating, “All it takes is one bad day.”
Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Digital Series president Sam Register had earlier explained, “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. 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.” And to showcase the various challenges the crew had to go through while working on this project, a clip was released wherein they explained as to how difficult it was to show few portions of the graphic novel in the movie and that they have added elements that were suitable for such a plot.
The first film in the DC Universe Original Movie series that received the R rating is set to premier during the 2016 San Diego Comic Con and will be later released on Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital HD.