It looks like the highly anticipated animated film adaptation of Alan Moore's 'Batman: The Killing Joke' could make history for being the first Batman movie to receive an R-rating!
According to Batman-News, an announcement has been made during the 'Batman: Bad Blood' panel at the New York Comic-Con, where the film's producer James Tucker confirmed they have been given permission by Warner Bros. to push for an R-rating.
But don't expect the R-rating to happen. James Tucker also admitted that although they were given permission to get as violent as it gets with 'Batman: The Killing Joke,' it doesn't mean that they will go all out just to receive it.
DC gave permission to make Killing Joke movie for R rating. #NYCC
— Stitch Kingdom (@stitchkingdom) October 10, 2015
Just to clarify, James Tucker said he was given okay to make Killing Joke for R rating but added that doesn't mean he will. #nycc — Stitch Kingdom (@stitchkingdom) October 10, 2015
However, Warner Bros. may have been on to something when they decided that 'Batman: The Killing Joke' should be allowed to get an R-rating. After all, the graphic novel features one of the most disturbing scenes ever depicted in a comic book when the Joker attacks Barbara Gordon in her home and shoots her in the back. The villain then undresses the paralyzed Batgirl and takes pictures of her to antagonize her father Commissioner James Gordon.
Leaving out or censoring such a pivotal scene could change the way the film will turn out, or disappoint fans of the Alan Moore classic.
The animated film 'Batman: The Killing Joke' will feature the long-time Joker voice talent Mark Hamill, who had previously expressed his interest in returning as the Clown Prince of Crime. Fans of the 'Star Wars' actor had even taken to Facebook to petition his involvement in the movie. You can hear the man best known as Luke Skywalker from the 'Star Wars' franchise doing the Joker's monologue in the clip below.
'Batman: The Killing Joke' will be directed by Sam Liu and Bruce Timm will serve as executive producer. The film is slated for release in 2016.
