With the release of ARKHAM CITY and it’s incredible (and predictable) success, Mark Hamill…the voice behind the Joker since he took the character in 1992 for Batman the Animated Series (with some exceptions like THE BATMAN animated show from WB and the direct to TV movie UNDER THE RED HOOD) bid farewell to an old friend. Here’s his latest Tweet on october 19:
“Hello/Goodbye Joker!” the Star Wars actor wrote,“I’ve enjoyed every minute behind the wheel of the Crown Prince’s crazy car — I’m going to miss him more than I can say!!”
Though in previews tweets, he has expressed that this was Joker’s last hurrah!, but that he was not quitting as a voice actor… this leaves a very large void to fill as more DC movies in the future might decide to include the Joker as part of their cast once more. There are are many talented actors who could leave their memorable imprint in the villain, but no one will ever take away the place that Mr. Hamill has carved himself in the history of the Batman universe. I admit…I had hoped that Mr. Hamill would leave his characterization of Joker open for the “next perfect script” to come by, but now I understand that it is time to stand back and allow a new generation to take us to new places.
It is of this reason that I write this note. To thank Mr. Hamill for two decades of Joker and fun chaos and mayhem. The Jokerholics of the world bow at you and your legacy, and wish you the best in your new projects. You will always have a special place in Jokerdom…
