Fans were devastated to learn that Batman: Arkham City would serve as a swan song for longtime Joker cackler Mark Hamill. Especially since so many touchstone Joker tales had yet to be adapted. One such project–the second half of Bruce Timm’s Batman: The Dark Knight Returns–is headed to video early next year. Hamill won’t howl the character’s last laugh in his landmark curtain call, but the actor’s replacement is an inspired choice indeed.
TV Guide reports that Lost and Person of Interest star Michael Emerson will lend his haunting quaver to Frank Miller’s ultra-polished latter-day Joker opposite Peter Weller’s stone cold Batman. They also have our first look at the character’s design.
They also note that Human Target’s Mark Valley will voice Government stooge Superman.
The first half of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns hits home video later the month. Part Two follows early next year.
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Fantastic! Ben was my favourite Lostie, I always thought Emerson did ‘quietly creepy’ very well. Very psyched for these DKR adaptations.
Sometimes these DC adaptations get the best casting you’d never think of.
They do a great job directing the voice acting as well. Very few bad performances.
Does this mean there will be an added scene of someone beating the crap out of Joker/Ben?
I’m intrigued, only because I’ve never seen Emerson do much in the way of “manic.” His “cold, calm” is awesome, but I’ve seen him, say, cackle like a madman.
“Cold and calm” is a pretty apt description of The Joker in THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS.
@conor I was thinking the same thing. I always “hear” the Joker like that in Dark Knight Returns, which, I think, makes him even scarier.
I always read him in a sort of David Bowie way in DKR.
He’s always reminded me of Bowie too, but I think that has more to do with the way he’s drawn and Miller’s somewhat androgynous approach to the character.
“I’m going to kill everyone in this room.” …Very Cold. Very Calm.
I wonder if Letterman and Paul are going to cameo.
DC animated features have been pretty much spot on for a very long time now. Should be good.
Yes yes a thousand times yes!
Was hoping for Tim Curry.
Solid! I’ve enjoyed both of these actors on TV. They should fit the roles quite nicely.
Emerson’s kinda perfect. Not crazy about that image, but I’m sure he’ll look more accurate in other “shots”.
Mark Valley is perfect casting for Superman. He should get more work, he’s a good actor.
I love Michael Emerson but him being Joker is not something I could imagine. Once we hear some footage of him as Joker I’ll fully judge.