Batman: The Killing Joke has received an R-rating

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

The upcoming animated adaptation of Alan Moore & Brian Bolland's "Batman: The Killing Joke" graphic novel apparently hasn't been toned down in the slightest as Entertainment Weekly reports that the film has earned an R-rating. Considered to be one of the best Batman/Joker stories ever told, this adaption has been anticipated for some time and will be the first film in the DC Universe Original Movie franchise to receive an R-rating. Obviously that isn't any sort of guarantee of success, but it's nice to know that Bruce Timm and his team at Warner Bros. Animation haven't been forced to sanitize the story.

Sam Register, president of Warner Bros. Animation & Warner Digital Series, said:

From the start of production, we encouraged producer Bruce Timm and our team at Warner Bros. Animation to remain faithful to the original story — regardless of the eventual MPAA rating. 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.

BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE will see Kevin Conroy starring as the voice of Batman/Bruce Wayne, Mark Hamill as the Joker, and Tara Strong as Batgirl/Barbara Gordon. Alan Moore's comic finds the Joker attempting to drive Commissioner Jim Gordon insane and follows Batman's desperate attempt to stop him before it's too late. The animated adaptation will premiere at Comic-Con International in San Diego this summer and will be followed by a Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD release later in the year. In case you were wondering, there are currently no plans for an edited PG-13 version of the film.