Superhero movie and comic book fans excited by Deadpool receiving an R rating earlier this year, and hoping for future R-rated films that include bolder, more adult material are getting their wish. Sort of. And with that will come a very brief theatrical release.
Last summer, Warner Brothers Animation announced it was producing an animated adaptation of DC Comics’ famed 1988 graphic novel Batman: The Killing Joke. Those familiar with the story know that the material touches on some dark themes and contains disturbing developments in its plotline. But any worries that the adaptation would pull punches and take a safe approach were appeased when the studio said the film would be rated R, the first of its DC Universe Original series to get that rating.
Building on that even further, Warner Bros. announced on Thursday that Batman: The Killing Joke is getting a one-night theatrical release. In partnership with Fathom Events, the movie will be shown in theaters throughout the United States on Monday, July 25 and will get two showtimes at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. local time. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning June 17.
Here is a trailer for the film:
Besides the opportunity to watch the film on a big screen, the theatrical release will present viewers with a special introduction by Mark Hamill, who provides the voice for The Joker, and a post-show documentary detailing Hamill’s relationship with the role (going back to Batman: The Animated Series, he’s voiced The Joker for cartoons, video games and toys since 1992) and some behind-the-scenes footage.
The original graphic novel was written by Alan Moore (Watchmen) and illustrated by Brian Bolland (Judge Dredd), intended largely as an origin story for The Joker. Flashbacks show his background as a former chemical engineer and failed comedian who turns to crime to support his wife and unborn child. During a botched robbery (thwarted by Batman), he falls into a chemical vat that bleaches his skin, turns his hair green, and makes him go insane.
Believing that one bad day made him into the insane villain who terrorizes Gotham City, The Joker attempts to push Commissioner Gordon into insanity by shooting his daughter Barbara (the former Batgirl), kidnapping him and subjecting him to psychological torture. Meanwhile, Batman pursues The Joker, grappling with the reality that their years-long conflict will only end with one of them dying.
Batman: The Killing Joke‘s national theatrical showing comes three days after the movie premieres at San Diego Comic-Con and one day before its release on Digital HD. The two-hour film will be released on Blu-ray and DVD Aug. 2. (Perhaps not coincidentally, that comes three days before Suicide Squad — featuring Jared Leto as The Joker — hits theaters.)
