LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The iconic voice behind the Joker in numerous animated projects, Mark Hamill, has made a heartfelt announcement that he "won't voice the role unless it's opposite Kevin Conroy's Batman."
This decision follows Conroy's passing just over a year ago at the age of 66.
Mark Hamill won't voice Joker without his partner Kevin Conroy
According to Cbr.com, during a Q&A session at Fan EXPO San Francisco, Hamill expressed his sentiment, asserting that he wouldn't voice the Joker character unless it involved Conroy as Batman.
He evoked the Joker's famous quote, "Without Batman, crime has no punchline," emphasizing the profound connection and partnership between their characters.
In a prior interview with Empire, Hamill revealed his intention to step back from the role before Conroy's passing. He had agreed to voice the Joker for specific projects only if the 'Justice League' actor reprised his role as Bruce Wayne.
With Conroy's absence, Hamill feels resolute about ending his tenure as the Joker.
"They would call and say, 'They want you to do the Joker,' and my only question was, 'Is Kevin Batman?' If they said yes, I would say, 'I'm in'," said Hamill, adding, "We were like partners. We were like Laurel and Hardy. Without Kevin there, there doesn't seem to be a Batman for me."
He also expressed, "Kevin was perfection," about his longtime friend following the announcement of Conroy's passing.
"He was one of my favorite people on the planet, and I loved him like a brother. He truly cared for the people around him – his decency shone through everything he did. Every time I saw him or spoke with him, my spirits were elevated," added Hamill.
He stated, "His rhythms and subtleties, tones and delivery -- that all also helped inform my performance. He was the ideal partner -- it was such a complementary, creative experience. I couldn’t have done it without him. He will always be my Batman."
Fans await Kevin Conroy's final role as Batman
Conroy's final representation of Batman, recorded before his passing, awaits fans in the upcoming video game 'Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League'.
A trailer teases his posthumous performance, yet it remains uncertain if the Joker will feature in the game or if Hamill will voice the character.
The game is set to release on February 2, 2024, leaving fans eagerly awaiting this final tribute to the actor's legacy.
Internet backs Mark Hamill as he shares he will no longer voice the 'Joker'
Soon after Mark Hamill's decision regarding voicing the Joker came to light, fans made sure to show support.
One wrote, "honestly a beautiful way to put it and I’m glad he’s ended it there, amazing legacy he and kevin have left," while another said, "End of an era."
"I understand and respect his decision. RIP Kevin, the one true Batman," noted a fan.
One person expressed, "You can't spell arkham without mARK HAMill Goat for reason."
"If someone ever asks “who is the best joker?” My answer is forever and always Mark Hamill," said another.
