In the first full trailer for “Batman: The Killing Joke,” viewers are left haunted by the laugh of The Joker as he executes his plan to drive the Caped Crusader to the edge.
The animated film, based on the Alan Moore graphic novel of the same name, tells the story of the Joker’s origin, from his days as a struggling comic to his encounter with Batman that will change their lives forever.
“The Killing Joke” is often held up as one of the best Joker stories ever told, in which the Clown Prince of Crime tries to show Batman that “one bad day” can drive a person completely insane.
Kevin Conroy reprises his “Batman: The Animated Series” role as the Batman, while Mark Hamill returns as The Joker.
It also features the voices of Tara Strong as Barbara Gordon and Ray Wise as Commissioner Gordon. Warner Bros. will premiere the film at this summer’s San Diego Comic Con, with a subsequent release in 2016 on Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital HD.
Warner Bros. announced earlier this month that “Batman: The Killing Joke” will be rated R — a first for the studio’s animation division.
Choosing to remain true to the DC comic’s violent story, the film will be the first 17-and-up entry in the DC Universe Original Movie franchise’s nine-year history.