Batman: The Killing Joke Gets A R-Rating

Batman: The Killing Joke animated movie has officially been given a R-Rating, according to a EW report.

Last year, Comicbook.com first reported that the animated film could receive a R-Rating. During a New York Comic Con Panel, producer James Tucker said in regard to The Killing Joke, "And you know, they said we could make it a R."

At the time, Tucker cautioned that just because they could didn't necessarily mean they would. Now, Warner Bros. Animation & Warner Series President Sam Register has confirmed that they did.

"From the start of production, we encouraged producer Bruce Timm and our team at Warner Bros. Animation to remain faithful to the original story — regardless of the eventual MPAA rating," said Register. "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."

Batman: The Killing Joke will be the first DC Universe Original Animated Movie to receive a R-Rating. However, it will not be the first Batman movie to receive such an honor. It was previously revealed that the Batman V Superman Ultimate Edition Blu-Ray will be released as a R-Rated movie.

Batman: The Killing Joke stars Kevin Conroy Batman, Mark Hamill as the Joker, and Tara Strong as Batgirl. The film will make its debut at 2016 San Diego Comic Con International, before being released on home video later in the year.