Many have tried, but many have not reached Mark Hamill’s level of bringing out the Joker in its countless animated series. The way Hamill handled Joker’s appearance as an animation made the character feel so real and lively to fans. The way he laughed maniacally, his way of talking, and the pure elements of joy when he spoke – all solidified Mark Hamill as untouchable.
With a new Harley Quinn animated series coming soon, Alan Tudyk will take on the role of the iconic DC villain. He feels the pressure of not meeting up to Hamill’s expectations, but he is confident with what he will bring to the table specifying that it will surely be different.
“So knowing I can’t be Mark Hamill, I haven’t listened to Mark Hamill,” said Tudyk. “I have heard him, but I didn’t watch it so I couldn’t recreate it. He’s different in the way that he can cuss. I think that’s probably referring to be able to say, ‘Ah, fuck off.’ Having that in your ability and your Joker is fun. It’s a very funny cartoon, animated series, so I think the style of it lends itself to allowing more flexibility. I don’t know, man. I don’t know. I think I’m doing some of my voice and sometimes I’ll hear it, and when I watch the previews of it all, and I just sound like me. I hope it’s okay. I’m just hoping, yeah I hope it’s okay.”
Tudyk is fully aware that he could never mimic Hamill nor would he want to. Tudyk could surprise viewers with his own rendition of the Joker. Joker’s influence in the comics, TV shows and movies has led to a rather huge fan following. There is no other character quite like the Joker which is why fans always hope for the role to be taken seriously.
Harley Quinn will premiere on the DC universe streaming site sometime during the fall. No exact date has been given yet.