Batman: The Killing Joke Animated Movie Gets R-rating

The upcoming Batman: The Killing Joke animated movie has received an R-rating.

EW.com reports the R-rating marks the first for WB’s original animated DC movie universe and the second in WB’s DC movie slate (Batman Vs. Superman director’s cut is rated-R).

“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 Sam Register, president of Warner Bros. Animation & Warner Digital Series, in a statement. “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.”

It’s noted no plays are underway for a PG-13 version of the movie.

Batman: The Killing Joke premieres this Summer at Comic-Con starring Mark Hamill as Joker and Kevin Conroy as Batman, and will be released later this year on Blu-Ray and digital.

Watch: Batman: The Killing Joke sneak peek: