Batman The Killing Joke Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, Trailer, and More
by Sharmila | Updated Jul 18, 2023
Batman: The Killing Joke
"Batman: The Killing Joke" is a 2016 American adult animated superhero film produced by Warner Bros. Animation and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is the 27th installment in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies series and is based on the acclaimed graphic novel of the same name written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Brian Bolland.
Directed by Sam Liu and written by Brian Azzarello, the film features the voices of Kevin Conroy as Batman, Mark Hamill as the Joker, Tara Strong as Barbara Gordon/Batgirl/Oracle, and Ray Wise as Commissioner James Gordon. The movie faithfully follows the storyline of the graphic novel, delving into the Joker's disturbing plot to push Commissioner Gordon to the brink of insanity while Batman races to stop him.
The idea of adapting "Batman: The Killing Joke" into a film was initiated in 2009. However, the production faced delays after DC's live-action adaptation of Alan Moore's "Watchmen" under-performed.
In 2011, Mark Hamill expressed his interest in reprising his iconic role as the Joker for the adaptation, which sparked a fan campaign advocating for the movie's creation. Finally, in 2015, producer Bruce Timm confirmed that an animated feature based on the graphic novel was indeed in development.
Notably, "Batman: The Killing Joke" received an R rating from the MPAA, making it the first Batman film and Warner Bros. Animation film, as well as the first in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies series, to receive this rating. This rating was well-deserved due to the dark and mature themes explored in the story.
The film premiered at the San Diego Comic-Con on July 22, 2016, generating significant buzz and anticipation. Originally intended for a direct-to-video release, the film's popularity led to a unique one-night event on July 25, 2016, where it was screened in theaters and made available for digital viewing. Subsequently, it was released on DVD and Blu-ray on August 2, 2016.
"Batman: The Killing Joke" garnered mixed reviews from critics. The voice acting, animation style, action sequences, and faithfulness to the source material received praise. However, some critics raised concerns about the film's prologue, which was not present in the original graphic novel.
Despite the mixed critical reception, the movie managed to perform reasonably well at the box office, grossing $4.4 million worldwide. Its success also earned it the distinction of being the 9th highest-grossing R-rated animated film on a global scale. The film's darker tone and mature themes resonated with adult audiences and fans of the original graphic novel.
Overall, "Batman: The Killing Joke" remains a noteworthy addition to the DC Universe Animated Original Movies series, offering a faithful and compelling adaptation of a critically acclaimed graphic novel that delves into the complex dynamic between Batman and the Joker.
Batman: The Killing Joke Ending Explained
The narrative concludes with a pivotal moment where the Joker shares a joke with Batman, narrated by Barbara Gordon. The punchline leads to an unexpected reaction from Batman, as he laughs uncontrollably while clutching the Joker. This moment marks the first time throughout the story that Batman shows such a visible and emotional response.
The theory suggests that this laughter could signify a break in Batman's sanity, hinting that the Joker's relentless taunting and sadistic actions have finally taken their toll on the Dark Knight.
The interpretation further speculates that the story's narration by Barbara Gordon instead of Batman or the Joker might suggest that Batman is absent or unable to tell his own story. This ambiguity leaves open the possibility that Batman could be dead or imprisoned, possibly driven to commit a drastic act in response to the Joker's relentless torment.
While this theory adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the story, it is essential to note that the ending of "Batman: The Killing Joke" remains intentionally ambiguous, leaving it open to interpretation by readers and viewers.
The themes explored in the narrative, including the blurred line between hero and villain and the impact of trauma, continue to captivate audiences and make "The Killing Joke" a haunting and unforgettable addition to the Batman mythos.
Batman: The Killing Joke Plot
In "Batman: The Killing Joke," the story unfolds in Gotham City, where Batman and detective Harvey Bullock investigate a crime scene that points to the Joker as a suspect. Batman decides to visit Arkham Asylum to talk to the Joker about the recent incident, only to discover that he has escaped and left a decoy in his place.
Meanwhile, the Joker brutally invades the home of police commissioner James Gordon and his daughter Barbara (Batgirl). He shoots Barbara, paralyzing her from the waist down, and proceeds to kidnap Gordon, taking him to an abandoned amusement park where he subjects him to extreme torture, showcasing photographs of Barbara in pain and distress.
The film also features flashbacks that reveal the Joker's origin story. Initially, he was a lab technician who pursued a career in stand-up comedy to support his pregnant wife, Jeannie. However, his comedy aspirations failed, leading him to assist two criminals in robbing his former workplace. Unbeknownst to him, the criminals planned to frame him for the crime. Tragically, the police inform him that Jeannie and their unborn child have died in a household accident.
Devastated by the loss of his family, the technician tries to back out of the criminal plan, but the criminals coerce him into fulfilling his commitment. During the heist at the chemical plant, a confrontation with security personnel ensues, resulting in the death of the criminals and the technician encountering Batman.
In a state of fear, the technician accidentally falls into a vat of chemicals, disfiguring his appearance and driving him insane. This transformation marks the birth of the Joker.
Back in the present day, Batman rescues Commissioner Gordon while the Joker escapes. Despite the harrowing experience, Gordon remains mentally stable and insists that Batman apprehend the Joker following proper procedures. As Batman pursues the Joker, the villain attempts to convince him that life is a joke and that one bad day can drive anyone insane.
Batman eventually catches the Joker and informs him that Gordon remains sane, emphasizing that the Joker is alone in his madness. In a surprising turn, Batman offers to help the Joker rehabilitate and leave their ongoing feud behind. The Joker declines, believing it is too late for him.
The Joker then shares a joke about two asylum patients trying to escape. As they both laugh, the police arrive at the scene. In the post-credits scene, Barbara, now wheelchair-bound and retired as Batgirl, takes on the identity of Oracle as she prepares to continue her heroic work.
"Batman: The Killing Joke" presents a gripping and dark tale that delves into the psychological depths of the Joker and his twisted relationship with Batman. The film explores themes of tragedy, insanity, and the fine line between good and evil.
It has been praised for its voice acting, animation, and faithfulness to the source material, though it has also faced criticism for its portrayal of Barbara Gordon's character and the addition of a prologue not present in the original graphic novel. Overall, the movie remains a compelling exploration of the complex dynamics between two iconic characters in the Batman universe.
Batman: The Killing Joke Cast
Kevin Conroy
Bruce Wayne / Batman
Mark Hamill
Joker / Red Hood
Tara Strong
Barbara Gordon / Batgirl / Oracle
Ray Wise
Commissioner James Gordon
Robin Atkin Downes
Det. Harvey Bullock
John DiMaggio
Carlos Francesco
Brian George
Alfred Pennyworth
J.P. Karliak
Reese
Andrew Kishino
Murray
Nolan North
Mitch
Maury Sterling
Parry Francesco / Paris Franz
Fred Tatasciore
Carnival Owner
Bruce Timm
Patrolman
Anna Vocino
Jeannie
Kari Wahlgren
Call Girl
Rick D. Wasserman
Sal Maroni
Actor
Character
These are the actors and their respective characters from the animated film "Batman: The Killing Joke." Kevin Conroy portrays Bruce Wayne/Batman, while Mark Hamill gives voice to the iconic Joker/Red Hood character. Tara Strong takes on the role of Barbara Gordon, who is also known as Batgirl and later becomes Oracle. Ray Wise lends his voice to Commissioner James Gordon. The rest of the talented cast fills various roles in this gripping adaptation of the graphic novel.
Batman The Killing Joke Ending Explained - FAQ
"Batman: The Killing Joke" is a 2016 American adult animated superhero film based on the acclaimed graphic novel of the same name written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Brian Bolland. It is the 27th installment in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies series and features Batman's pursuit of the Joker, who terrorizes Commissioner Gordon and his daughter Barbara (Batgirl).
The film features the voices of Kevin Conroy as Batman, Mark Hamill as the Joker, Tara Strong as Barbara Gordon/Batgirl/Oracle, and Ray Wise as Commissioner James Gordon. These talented actors lend their voices to bring the iconic characters to life.
The idea of adapting "Batman: The Killing Joke" into a film was initially proposed in 2009. However, production faced delays following the under-performance of DC's live-action adaptation of Alan Moore's "Watchmen." Mark Hamill's interest in reprising his role as the Joker sparked a fan campaign, and in 2015, producer Bruce Timm confirmed that an animated feature based on the graphic novel was in development.
"Batman: The Killing Joke" received an R rating from the MPAA, making it the first Batman film, Warner Bros. Animation film, and DC Universe Animated Original Movies installment to be rated R. The rating was awarded due to the film's exploration of dark and mature themes.
"Batman: The Killing Joke" received mixed reviews from critics. It was praised for its voice acting, animation, action sequences, and faithfulness to the source material. However, some critics raised concerns about the addition of a prologue not present in the original graphic novel. Despite this, the film performed well at the box office, resonating with adult audiences and fans of the original graphic novel.