It's safe to say that a lot of fans are anticipating Batman: The Killing Joke, the adaptation of the same-named 1988 graphic novel written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Brian Bolland. While most of DC's other animated movies have earned positive reception from fans, The Killing Joke is distinguishing itself among the bunch for its intensity and violence, so much so that it earned an R rating. To capitalize on this, it was announced that there would be a "one-night-only" screening of the movie on Monday, July 25, but now it's getting an even bigger theatrical release, with hundreds of theaters being added.
Earlier today, Fathom Events announced (via Variety) that it would be including more than 300 additional screens for its Batman: The Killing Joke event, taking the number of theaters across the U.S. showing the movie to 1,075. This makes Batman: The Killing Joke Fathom's biggest rollout ever. Along with the movie itself, the event will feature a special introduction from Mark Hamill; a never-before-seen documentary about how Hamill was cast in the project and what playing The Joker means to him; and a special look at how the "disturbing" song and dance number was created. There will be showings at 7:30 and 10:00 at these theaters, but once those are done, you'll only be able to watch the movie on your small screens or if you've already caught the big debut at San Diego Comic-Con.
Batman: The Killing Joke is the third animated DC movie to be released this year, following Batman: Bad Blood and Justice League vs. Teen Titans. Needless to say, though, that this movie will be seen by many more eyes thanks to these screenings. After two unsuccessful attempts to get made due to various complications, The Killing Joke was officially announced last July, with Bruce Timm producing. Just like the original story, it will follow Batman and Joker in their tensest conflict yet, as the latter has kidnapped Commissioner James Gordon to drive him insane. There will also be a 15-minute Batgirl prologue to give Barbara Gordon an added role before her "encounter" with the Clown Prince of Crime in the main story. The movie's main cast consists of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprising Batman and Joker, respectively (roles they've voiced continuously since Batman: The Animated Series), Tara Strong as Batgirl and Ray Wise as Commissioner Gordon.
Click here if you want to find out if you're near a theater that's showing Batman: The Killing Joke later this month. For those who can't make it to the theatrical screening, the movie will be available for digital purchase on July 26, and the Blu-ray/DVD release will follow on August 2.
