When it comes to the voice of infamous Batman villain The Joker in animated series, video games, and even things like toys and other merchandise, there is simply no one better than Mark Hamill.
The man best known for playing Luke Skywalker in the original (and only, to some) Star Wars trilogy has also handled the voice of the colorful Joker on the Batman and Superman animated series, The New Batman Adventures, more comical shows like Robot Chicken, and of course, in the highly-popular 2008 video game, Batman: Arkham Asylum.
With that game going on to make an insane $562 million, a sequel was guaranteed and pretty much went directly into production on Batman: Arkham Asylum 2, already delivering a teaser trailer this past December (Read: Video Game Awards “˜09: “˜Batman: Arkham Asylum 2″² Trailer). But according to reports, Mr. Hamill himself was not so guaranteed.
While speaking to IGN at the Cannes Film Festival about The Black Pearl, his comic book for which he just announced intentions of directing a movie adaptation of himself, Hamill was asked about Arkham Asylum 2.
My answer to [developers Rocksteady] for the sequel was, ‘Guys, we’re never going to be able to top the original.’ It was so claustrophobic. There were so many abilities like the stealth mode, and all those things you can do with the new technology. I wanted to be able to say I’d gone out on a high note.
Of course Rocksteady Games found a way to lure him back anyway, though he can’t share how they really did so, saying “I got on the phone with Rocksteady and they really reassured me and told me what they were going to do with the sequel. But I’m sworn to secrecy!”
Hamill went on from there and made it very clear that though they won him back this time, it would indeed be the last time he did The Joker. “This will be my last, there’s no question about that. But it’s the last hurrah,” the actor stated.
Though Hamill seems pretty adamant about this decision, there’s no doubt fans will demand his return to the role if anything ever calls for it again. Sometimes you’re just born to do something, and Mark Hamill will always be the voice of The Joker to many fanboys all over the world.
NOOOOOOOOOOOO say it isn’t so! Mark Hamill is my second favourite Joker (he still can’t top Romero) and rocked the boat on Batman The Animated Series! DAMN DAMN DAMN!!!
Comment by Devon — June 4, 2010 @ 10:26 am
He made some very similar remarks when Arkham Asylum came out. I think as long as they keep drawing him in with good stories, he’ll keep coming back.
Comment by Josh — June 4, 2010 @ 1:59 pm
He said the same thing after the first AA, but he might have changed his mind because there was a sequel in progress. Pray for an Arkham Asylum 3 Hamill fans!
Comment by Captain Lulz — June 4, 2010 @ 2:47 pm
Kevin Conroy and Mark Hammill are THE *definitive* Joker and Batman, and should be used for all animated/video game version from now on!
Comment by phoenix — June 7, 2010 @ 8:01 pm
This is horrible, if he goes through with it I’ll abandon DC games, cartoons, and comics for long as I live.
The cartoons on today just suck so damned much. God I hate this decade and it’s barely even started.
It’s really going to suck.
Comment by Mike — June 10, 2010 @ 11:10 pm
mike you don’t know what you’re talking about, don’t be a troll
Comment by shutupmike — June 11, 2010 @ 6:27 am