After the news earlier today that Warner Bros.‘Suicide Squadwould begetting a PG-13 rating, it looked like the supposedDeadpooleffect was dead in the water when it came to R-rated DC Comics theatrical releases. However, just as the news of the R-rated adaptation ofAlan MooreandBrian Bolland’sBatman: The Killing Jokedelighted fans, they’ll once again be pleased by the fact that the animated film will be getting a theatrical release.
Yes, Warner Bros. will be releasing an R-rated DC Comics adaptation this summer after all!Batman: The Animated Seriesvoice-acting veteransKevin ConroyandMark Hamillwill reprise their roles as Batman and The Joker, and will be joined byTara Strongas Barbara Gordon/Batgirl, withRay Wiseas Commissioner James Gordon in the adaptation directed bySam Liu. Look forBatman: The Killing Jokein theaters on July 25th at 7:30pm and 10:00pm local time.
As of this writing, the theater locations weren’t available, but we’re hoping that will be rectified shortly as ticket sales open up on June 17th. Here are all the necessary details, following a new image from the film:
The dark journey into insanity begins as“Batman: The Killing Joke”gets the big-screen treatment for one night on Monday, August 17, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. local time. Fathom Events, in partnership with Warner Bros., is teaming up with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment to bring the acclaimed graphic novel-turned-film to select cinemas nationwide. “Batman: The Killing Joke” reunites the foundation of “Batman: The Animated Series” with Bruce Timm returning as executive producer, and actors Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprising their seminal roles as Batman and The Joker, respectively. In addition to the animated feature, audience members will get to experience a special introduction from Mark Hamill plus a never-before-seen documentary about how Hamill was cast in this project and what the role means to him as an actor and a fan. The event will conclude with a special behind-the-scenes look at how the Joker’s memorable, yet disturbing song and dance number was recreated for this feature.
Tickets for “Batman: The Killing Joke” can be purchased online beginning Friday, June 17 by visitingwww.FathomEvents.comor at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Eventswebsite(theaters and participants are subject to change).
Based on the acclaimed DC graphic novel of the same name,Batman: The Killing Joketakes a journey into the dark psyche of the Clown Prince of Crime – from his humble beginnings as a struggling comedian to his fateful encounter with Batman that changes both of their lives forever. Years later, and now escaped from Arkham Asylum, The Joker devises a plan to prove that one bad day can make anyone as insane as he is – setting his sights on Commissioner Gordon. It’s up to the Dark Knight to put a stop to The Joker’s latest scheme and save one of Gotham City’s finest. Following a gripping prologue introducing Barbara Gordon’s heroic adventures alongside Batman as Batgirl,Batman: The Killing Jokestays true to the authentic tale that has held fans’ imaginations for nearly three decades – spotlighting the birth of a Super-Villain, the fortitude of a Super Hero and the punchline that will leave you speechless.
In addition to Conroy and Hamill, the feature also stars the voices of Tara Strong (Teen Titans; Batman: Arkhamgames) as Barbara Gordon and Ray Wise (Twin Peaks, RoboCop) as Commissioner Gordon. Sam Register and Bruce Timm are executive producers. Benjamin Melniker and Michael Uslan (The Dark Knightfilms,Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice) are executive producers. Alan Burnett serves as co-producer.
“Fathom Events is thrilled to be able to bring ‘Batman: The Killing Joke’ to movie theaters across the country so fans can see it on the big screen,” Fathom Events Vice President of Studio Relations Tom Lucas said. “Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment have created an amazing production based on a beloved graphic novel, and we’re honored to be a part of this release.”
“Fans have been clamoring for a theatrical release of the popular DC Universe Original Movies, and the highly anticipated ‘Batman: The Killing Joke’ presented a perfect opportunity to work with Fathom Events to bring the fans’ wishes to fruition for this special, limited release,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Vice President, Family & Animation Marketing.
