There’s little doubt that Jared Leto will be the most disturbing incarnation of The Joker in real life. Just a couple clips from Suicide Squad have shown Leto really got deep into the character. Thankfully not so deep that it cost him his life.
Leto has some huge shoes to fill and he wants to make the Jokers of the past proud. He’s cited both actors as inspiration for the performance but the actor found his biggest influence from The Killing Joke — the brilliant graphic novel from Alan Moore and Brian Bolland.
The Killing Joke is The Joker at his most demented and that dementia has moved from the colored pages to the small screen with the release of The Killing Joke as an animated film.
Based on the acclaimed graphic novel of the same name, Batman: The Killing Joke takes 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 Joke stays 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.
Leto has a lot to live up to.
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