Movies News Talk
Batman: Caped Crusader is the biggest Animated Batman series to come out after Kevin Conroy's passing, but the new voice actor is shaping up to carry the legacy forward. The animated arm of DC has long been one of the most vibrant and successful areas in their repertoire. However, iconic voice actors like Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, voicing Batman and the Joker respectively, were foundational in these projects.
Despite two decades of voicing The Dark Knight, beginning with his debut in 1992 as the titular lead in Batman: The Animated Series, Conroy became the definitive article as the voice of Batman. There have been a few other actors who have tackled the role, notably including one of the stars of Supernatural, Jensen Ackles as a regular voice for Batman, but with the introduction of Batman: Caped Crusader, another actor has been cast in the role who could possibly become a spiritual successor to Conroy's Batman.
The trailer reveals that the GCPD are trying to formulate a plan to capture Batman, indicating that his endeavor has only just begun. It makes sense for the character to take time to find their voice, and under those gruff tones, the voice Linklater uses appears very familiar. Just like the Christopher Nolan Dark Knight trilogy, this series will serve as an origin story, establishing the characters, Wayne's dual life, and his struggle to contain the dark side of Gotham. But as it stands, Linklater's casting appears to be a perfect fit for Batman: Caped Crusader, especially as a spiritual successor to Conroy's performance.
Linklater's voice is distinct and possesses some key differences from previous iterations of The Gotham Guardian. Despite this, it does bear a striking resemblance to Conroy's version. It is slightly harsher, and a little more gravelly, but this is perfect for a younger and slightly inexperienced version of the character. As Bruce Wayne dons a mask and chooses to embark on a vendetta against the villains that populate Gotham, the extremely public socialite needs to mask his voice and protect his identity.
The trailer reveals that the GCPD are trying to formulate a plan to capture Batman, indicating that his endeavor has only just begun. It makes sense for the character to take time to find their voice, and under those gruff tones, the voice Linklater uses appears very familiar. Just like the Christopher Nolan Dark Knight trilogy, this series will serve as an origin story, establishing the characters, Wayne's dual life, and his struggle to contain the dark side of Gotham. But as it stands, Linklater's casting appears to be a perfect fit for Batman: Caped Crusader, especially as a spiritual successor to Conroy's performance.
Hamish Linklater will be the voice of Batman in Batman: Caped Crusader. The actor has not previously performed in this role, and to date, his only other performance in a voice role was in 2021 for a single episode of Showtime's comedy drama series, Cinema Toast. However, his lack of experience should not be a deterrent. Linklater has played incredible characters in several projects, including the antagonistic Father Paul in Mike Flanagan's Midnight Mass, and Clark DeBussy in the comic book adapted series, Legion.
His experience has taken him through roles where he has played villains and more heroic characters, which will aid him in his performance as Batman. The character requires nuance, complexity, and gravitas, and these are certainly elements that Linklater has displayed in his previous work. However, Linklater's voice can be heard in the trailer for Batman: Caped Crusader, providing a concrete first look at how the actor will tackle this challenging role.
Batman: Caped Crusader is shaping up to be a darker and more mature take on the Caped Crusader. The series will delve into the psychological depths of Gotham's inhabitants, exploring the noir roots of Batman. The show will also feature an extraordinary and expansive cast of talented actors to bring the animated Gotham City to life.
This series is a testament to the enduring legacy of Batman, and it's exciting to see what the future holds for the character. With Hamish Linklater at the helm, Batman: Caped Crusader is poised to be a must-watch for fans of the Dark Knight. The show is slated for a 2024 release, and fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to see how Linklater brings the character to life. While the future of DC is uncertain, Batman: Caped Crusader is a promising sign that the studio is still committed to creating high-quality animated content.
Batman: Caped Crusader looks like a big hit for DC and is sure to attract a lot of attention, especially with the new voice actor, Hamish Linklater. The series is a fresh take on the character, and the early trailers suggest that it will be both thrilling and thought-provoking. But what are your thoughts on the new voice of Batman? Is Linklater the perfect choice to carry on the legacy of Kevin Conroy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!