In a reveal that has fans buzzing, Mark Hamill will be reprising his renowned role as the Joker in the crossover fighting game MultiVersus. The iconic voice actor joins the already stellar cast, including the late Kevin Conroy as Batman – setting the stage for what could be their final performance together as the quintessential DC Comics nemeses.
The news was unveiled through a clever social media riddle campaign run by the game’s developers at Player First Games. Over 22 hours, the MultiVersus community cracked 10 cryptic clues, unlocking a sinister laugh that heralded the Joker’s imminent arrival when the game relaunches on May 28th.
For many, Hamill’s masterful portrayal of the Clown Prince of Crime is simply definitive, tracing back to Batman: The Animated Series in the 1990s. His deranged cackle and unhinged line delivery have become inextricably linked to the character over decades of reprising the role across films, shows, and games like the acclaimed Arkham series.
He really packs a punchline! Full Gameplay Trailer coming Monday morning. #MultiVersus pic.twitter.com/epoeXxeQes
— MultiVersus (@multiversus) May 8, 2024
Hamill had previously stated his intention to retire as the Joker following the passing of his friend and co-star Kevin Conroy in 2022. Conroy’s iconic work as Batman alongside Hamill’s Joker was a celebrated pairing that fans thought had reached its conclusion.
However, MultiVersus has gifted audiences one potential final hurrah, reuniting the two titans for what is likely their last video game collaboration as this legendary duo. Their work together will carry on in the upcoming animated film Crisis on Infinite Earths, but the opportunity to bring their unmatched chemistry into an interactive setting is an unexpected treat.
Within MultiVersus, the Joker looks devilishly formidable, bringing a destructive crowbar, explosive gimic gear, and tricky playing card projectiles to the multiplayer arena. As a “Mage” class fighter, he’ll employ a zoning-oriented kit that allows him to control space and engagements.
While the Joker himself is an incredible addition, it’s the reunion between Hamill and Conroy’s iconic voices that has fans truly excited. Their participation elevates MultiVersus as a celebration of the entire DC universe and its rich heritage of masterful performances.
As Player First Games co-founder Tony Huynh teased, the Joker is “but the beginning,” with more fighters still to be announced ahead of the game’s relaunch later this month. But regardless of what additional combatants join the fray, Hamill and Conroy’s final meeting as the Clown Prince of Crime and the Dark Knight is sure to be a showstopper.
