Amid news that an R-rated version of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice will be released on home video later this year comes even more shocking news that one of Warner Bros’. direct-to-video animated films, Batman: The Killing Joke, will also be rated R. This will be the first time one of the DC Universe Original Movies will carry that rating.
This news should not be shocking, though, to fans of the original comic by Alan Moore. In The Killing Joke, an unhinged Joker taunts the Dark Knight by capturing, paralyzing and violently torturing Barbara Gordon/Batgirl. He also attempts to drive Commissioner Gordon mad with photos of his wounded, naked daughter.
Warner Bros. Animation president Sam Register told Entertainment Weekly, “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.”
The world premiere of Batman: The Killing Joke will happen at San Diego Comic-Con this summer and be released on home video later this year.
(Thanks to mtv.com for some details reported in this story.)
