Mark Hamill has once again confirmed that he will not be returning to voice the role of the Joker. Hamill had hinted at this decision earlier this year, after the tragic passing of co-star and Batman voice actor, Kevin Conroy, last November. The iconic duo of Hamill and Conroy as Joker and Batman began in Batman: The Animated Series in 1992.
Even though Conroy as Batman was not essential for Hamill’s performance, the Star Wars legend shared that they were like partners, and without Conroy, there was no more Batman for him. Hamill’s retirement was respectfully accepted by the DC fandom.
Mark Hamill Announces His Retirement From The Joker Role
Mark Hamill made the eerie voice and high-pitched laugh of the Joker iconic; however, fans will never get to hear him in the role again. Hamill has announced leaving the DC villain character for good after the death of Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy last year. Hamill was asked about the Joker role and his potential return when he appeared for a Q&A session at Fan EXPO San Francisco.
He shared that he “won’t voice the role unless it’s opposite Kevin Conroy’s Batman.” Despite working on opposite sides in the series, Hamill had remained close friends with Conroy. Hamill used his character’s iconic line to describe Conroy’s absence, stating, “Without Batman, crime has no punchline.”
Mark Hamill says he will no longer play The Joker.
He adds he doesn’t want to voice the role without Kevin Conroy — “Without Batman, crime has no punchline.” pic.twitter.com/ih9Wc9eLQc
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) November 25, 2023
Fans too shared their sadness at losing not just one but two iconic characters. One fan further added upon Hamill’s line stating, “Without Kevin Conroy as Batman, crime has no punchline.” Many fans paid their tribute to the Batman actor and shared their respect for Mark Hamill’s decision. Some also commented on the beautiful relationship between the two actors. Different fan reactions read:
Without Kevin Conroy as Batman, crime has no punchline.”😭 pic.twitter.com/dsWlA4i9H0
— Rigby リグビー (@Rigby_The_Gamer) November 25, 2023
honestly a beautiful way to put it and I’m glad he’s ended it there, amazing legacy he and kevin have left
— jonny (@smgiscoming) November 25, 2023
I understand and respect his decision. RIP Kevin, the one true Batman.
— Chainsaw Reacts (@ChainsawReacts) November 25, 2023
End of an era
— zbigi (@zbigi15) November 25, 2023
😭😭 their bond is so pure and amazing 🫂 pic.twitter.com/apYDzIv1NL
— White knight 🦇 (@santhoshtiger14) November 25, 2023
Hamill’s statement that “Without Batman, crime has no punchline” speaks to the deep connection between the two characters. The Joker is defined by his opposition to Batman, and without Batman, he loses his foil and his raison d’etre.
— pastor (@pstbless_ing) November 25, 2023
At the time of Conroy’s passing due to colon cancer, Hamill shared in his tribute that Conroy was one of his favorite people on the planet. He added that he loved him like a brother and his spirits were elevated every time he saw or spoke with Conroy.
Kevin Conroy And Mark Hamill Made Batman And Joker Iconic
Batman: The Animated Series became a beloved show in the DC universe, thanks to the memorable voice performances of Hamill and Conroy. The actors understood the dynamics between the characters perfectly to the extent that whenever Hamill’s voice agent called him about the Joker role, the actor’s only response was “Is Kevin Batman?”.
The entire team behind the animated series also contributed to the show’s success, but special mention goes to casting director Andrea Romano who found both Hamill and Conroy for the roles. Interestingly, Hamill has previously returned to projects after losing longtime friends and collaborators. He returned to The Last Jedi after the passing of Carrie Fisher in 2016.
Fans will hear Kevin Conroy one last time as Batman in the upcoming video game Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. The trailer for the game was released earlier which featured glimpses of the posthumous performance of Conroy. The game will be released on February 2, 2024. Batman: The Animated Series is now available for streaming on Max.
Also Read: Mark Hamill Fell Prey To Face Reconstruction Rumors After Car Accident Left Actor With a Broken Nose
