Joker Voice Actor Matthew Needham Talks About ‘Caped Crusader’

Batman: Caped Crusader Joker voice actor Matthew Needham reveals some answers of the Clown Prince of Crime that viewers may still have.

In an interview with Polygon, Needham talked about the Joker’s highly-anticipated debut on the animated show. Needham admitted that he felt a little nervous about the reception to Caped Crusader‘s different interpretation of the Joker.

“People adore this character, as they should. I didn’t want people to think we were taking him for granted or being silly or stupid with him. I really hoped that people would see that everything we were doing was with great respect. But it was a real big swing, and it’s not what people expect when it comes to the Joker.”

Matthew Needham on the Joker’s Voice

Needham also talked a little bit of the process of finding the Joker voice. He revealed that the original direction for his voice acting audition only reported that the Joker is “European and humorless”. However, Needham tried to also respect the Joker’s mysterious background.

“[Being European] was their creation, and I just gave my version of it. I have ideas where he’s from, but I think part of the power of the Joker is that his origins are unknown. Leaving it purposely vague is more impactful than locating it down to one specific origin.”

Similar to their comics source material, Batman and the Joker in Caped Crusader are also kindred spirits despite being on the different sides of the law. However, it is the Joker’s arrogance puts him in a much more villainous light, as well as motivates him to antagonize Batman.

“These two people complement each other in very, very dark ways. Our producers were saying that they’re two broken mirrors, and one’s trying to fix himself and the other isn’t. Joker’s trying to get Batman to reveal himself, to evolve to his final form. The Joker thinks of himself as an evolved human, a supreme being trying to get another supreme being to evolve. Batman and the Joker are more similar than you think”

What’s the Likelihood of a Joker and Harley Pairing?

How about Harley Quinn? The show did a reversal and actually introduced Harley before the Joker. Needham admitted that while he wishes the Joker will team-up with Harley, this version of Harley seems to be able to support her own stories. But then again, who knows?

“Harley Quinn was originally brought in as almost a plus one of Joker, but it’s really clear that the character is strong enough and vibrant enough to stand on her own, and she can occupy her own universe. She doesn’t need to be paired with a Joker. I would only love it selfishly, because it would be great to spend time with such a brilliant character.”