Stars Wars 8 Mark Hamill Gets 'Batman: The Killing Joke' An R-Rating For The Joker Role!

It looks like Batman: The Killing Joke will be "faithful" to the Alan Moore graphic novel, which the animated movie is based on. The animated film featuring Star Wars 8 actor Mark Hamill as the Joker and Kevin Conroy as Bruce Wayne/Batman has just been officially given an R-rating!

The announcement was made by Entertainment Weekly via a statement from Warner Bros. executive Sam Register, who explained that the studio had every intention to push boundaries with the animated adaptation of the graphic novel.

"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," Register said in a statement, adding that the decision was made to please comic book readers, who are aware of the graphic novel's mature content.

"The Killing Joke is revered by the fans, particularly for its blunt, often-shocking adult themes and situations," he continued.

"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."

But is there a need for an R-rating? The comic book deals with the brutal shooting, violation, and torture of Barbara Gordon aka Batgirl, who is eventually paralyzed from the encounter.

The Killing Joke will be the first DC Animated Universe Original Movie to receive an R-rating. It will be the second R-rated Warner Bros. home release this year, following the Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Ultimate Edition.

Batman: The Killing Joke also features the voice talents of Tara Strong as Barbara and Ray Wise as Commissioner James Gordon. The film is scheduled to debut at the San Diego Comic-Con in July, and will be available in DVD, Blu-Ray and Digital HD by the end of 2016.