As he can’t imagine playing the part again without actor Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill has declared that his time portraying the Joker in animated Batman series and other DC Comics productions is finished. Words are inadequate to convey Hamill’s appreciation and regard for Conroy, whom he described as a brother and who passed away in November of last year. The two initially appeared together in 1992’s Batman: The Animated Series as the Joker and Batman, and their performances were hailed with enthusiastic praise.
The Iconic Voices
Conroy portrayed the role for the longest time of any actor in both live-action and animation, and he also provided the Batman: Arkham series with his voice to give the already excellent games iconic stature. Conroy wasn’t eager to appear in any Batman: Arkham episodes until March 2022, assuming they were ever planned. He discussed the friendship he had with Conroy and how playing the Joker would not be the same in an interview with Empire Magazine.
Not One Without the Other
The actor recalled, “They would call and say, “They want you to do the Joker,” and my only response was, “Is Kevin Batman?” (via Screen Rant). We were like partners; we were like Laurel and Hardy. Without Kevin there, there doesn’t seem to be a Batman for me. If they said yes, I would say, “I’m in.”
Naturally, the Joker will continue to appear in animated and live-action Batman adventures, such as the Joker sequel starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, but for many, Hamill’s portrayal of the character remains the greatest of the lot and will forever be cherished as one of the most iconic voices in the industry alongside his dear friend: Kevin Conroy.
