Mark Hamill’s performance as Joker inBatman: The Animated Seriesis among the most beloved takes on the character in the entireDC Universe, although he wasn’t the first actor cast for the role. With his manic and intense characterization and his chilling laugh, it is hard even to imagine anyone else in the role. Hamill’s performance has been among the many features that have madeBatman: The Animated Serieshold up even better todaythan on release, and the actor provided one of the most iconic takes on the villain.
Hamill has providedtouching reasons for not returning to Jokerafter the recentJustice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part 3, where he made a final appearance beside the late Kevin Conroy’s Batman. The two provided such iconic takes on the characters that it is hard to imagine anyone doing any better. Fortunately, new takes, including Alan Tudyk’s Joker inHarley Quinnhave put their own stamp on the character’s legacy, allowing them to exist beside iconic takes like Hamill’s. It is strange to consider Hamill nearly did not play the role.
Tim Curry Was Originally Cast As Joker In Batman: The Animated Series
Tim Curry, star of films likeThe Rocky Horror Picture Show, wasoriginally cast as the voice of Jokerin the animated series. The actor was known for his unsettling charm, which seemed to be the perfect fit for the villain. Following the success of 1989’sBatman, the producers of the series clearly had a different, more sinister, and unsettling version of the villain planned for the series. Curry seemed to fit their interpretation right, especially after playing Pennywise in 1990’sItminiseries.
Clips have circulated around the internet of Curry’s Joker because the actor actually recorded four entire episodes. This sample of Curry’s Joker gives audiences an idea of how the character might have been portrayed had he persisted in the role.Curry’s voice is creepy and effective, although it is hard to give it a fair assessment after knowing what great work Hamill would later do with the character. Unfortunately for the actor, Curry contracted a case of bronchitis and was unable to finish recording the series.
How Mark Hamill Became Joker In Batman: The Animated Series
The Actor Was Already Cast For Another DC Role
After Curry developed bronchitis, he was not able to continue recording for the series, leading to a need for the studio to recast the role. They hired Mark Hamill to take over as Joker in theBatman: The Animated Seriescastafter he had already been cast to voice Ferris Boyle. Boyle was the CEO of GothCorp, and was directly responsible for Victor Fries becoming Mr. Freeze in the series. Hamill played the role much differently than how he would play Joker, leading to his ability to take on two roles.
Hamill was added as Joker, and his voice has since become well-associated with the character. Hamill’s performance was so successful, in fact, that it became the blueprint for many other DC villains, includingThe Trickster, whom Hamill himself playedinThe Flash.Hamill’s voice as Joker became one of the most iconic versions of the villain yet and a perfect foil to Kevin Conroy’s dark and intense take on Batman. It is creepy, original, and brings the popular comic book villain to life in a way no other actor has.
Every Actor Who’s Played The Joker In Live-Action
One of the most iconic villains of all time, the Joker pops up in various live-action films and TV shows; here’s every actor who’s played the part.
While Curry would likely have done an excellent job as Joker, it is difficult to imagine any animated version of the character better than Hamill’s. The actor’s voice modulation is inspired and creates an incredible contrast to his other most famous role as Luke Skywalker in theStar Warssaga.Batman: The Animated Seriesowes much of its success to the effective use of villains like Joker, and Hamill’s voice was an essential part of that success.
Batman: The Animated Series
Cast
Batman: The Animated Series follows Bruce Wayne as he assumes the role of the masked vigilante Batman to combat crime in Gotham City. This acclaimed 1992 series explores his dual identity and features an array of iconic villains, while Bruce vows to avenge the murder of his parents.
