Somewhere, the Joker is smiling.
Entertainment Weekly is reporting that the upcoming DC animated film Batman: The Killing Joke has received an R-rating. This is the first time one of the DC animated films has been rated anything more severe than PG-13. Though this isn’t as shocking as the Batman v Superman R-rating announcement, it is a bit of a surprise that Warner Bros. would step outside of the box like this for a cartoon. However, according to WB’s Animation & Warner Digital Series president Sam Register, it’s meant for fans of the classic tale.
“The Killing Joke is revered by the fans, particularly for its blunt, often-shocking adult themes and situations. 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.”
The Killing Joke reunites the stellar voice talents of Kevin Conroy (Batman) and Mark Hamill (The Joker). The film will premiere at Comic-Con in July.
