The upcoming Batman: The Killing Joke animated movie has officially been given an R-Rating, according to an EW report.
Last year, it was reported that the animated film based on the highly celebrated comic could receive an R-Rating. During a New York Comic Con Panel, producer James Tucker said in regard to The Killing Joke, “And you know, they said we could make it a R.”
At the time, Tucker had stated that just because they could didn’t necessarily mean that they would. Now, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Series President Sam Register have confirmed that it will be rated R.
“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,” said Register. “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 be the first DC Universe Original Animated Movie to receive an R-Rating. However, it will not be the first DC Comics film to receive this rating. It was previously revealed that the Batman V Superman Ultimate Edition Blu-Ray will be released as an R-Rated movie.
The Batman: The Killing Joke animated film stars Kevin Conroy Batman, Mark Hamill as the Joker, and Tara Strong as Batgirl. The film will make its debut at 2016 San Diego Comic Con International, before being released on home video later this year.
Source(s): Comic Book , EW