Tim Curry’s Lost Joker in ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ Performance Goes Viral as Fans Remember the Actor

Tim Curry dedicated over five decades to crafting one of the most diverse careers in Hollywood, captivating and frightening audiences across film, television, and stage. This week, his legacy is being celebrated in a unique way, as fans reflect on a role that many never had the chance to hear him perform.

Curry passed away on Tuesday night at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 80, as confirmed by his longtime agent and manager Marcia Hurwitz. For much of the last decade, he faced serious health challenges following a stroke in 2012, which left him wheelchair-bound and unable to walk in his later years.

In the wake of heartfelt tributes honoring his most memorable performances, a particular piece of Curry’s history has resurfaced online. A clip showcasing Curry voicing The Joker for ‘Batman: The Animated Series,’ recorded before Mark Hamill was ultimately cast, has gained traction as fans revisit what could have been.

Curry was the original choice to voice the character during the animated series’ production and recorded dialogue for several early episodes before being replaced. According to Bruce Timm, the show’s co-creator, Curry’s portrayal initially impressed the creative team, striking a balance between humor and menace after auditions that leaned too heavily on Cesar Romero’s campier version from the 1960s.

Ultimately, producer Alan Burnett struggled to connect with Curry’s interpretation, leading to the decision to recast the role. Voice director Andrea Romano later noted that Burnett found it challenging to grasp Curry’s performance, despite Timm’s reluctance to redo episodes that had already been recorded.

Curry himself offered a different perspective on his departure, stating in past interviews that he was let go after developing bronchitis, which made the demanding vocal role too difficult to continue. Regardless of the circumstances, Hamill’s agent reportedly reached out soon after to express his client’s interest, and the rest is animation history.

Hamill’s portrayal of The Joker went on to define the character for an entire generation, spanning multiple DC Animated Universe series, video games, and various projects for over 30 years. Despite missing out on the role, Curry held no apparent resentment, later returning to voice other characters within the broader DC Animated Universe.

Most of Curry’s original Joker recordings were thought to be lost until they resurfaced in the documentary ‘The Heart of Batman,’ featuring insights from Timm and fellow creator Paul Dini. Fans have since synced portions of that audio with corresponding animation from the series, providing longtime viewers a glimpse of the alternate version of Gotham’s clown prince that almost came to life.

This footage is now being shared and celebrated, with fans regarding Curry’s performance as a captivating what-if moment in animation history, even though it never aired in its original form. From his iconic roles in ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show,’ ‘It,’ ‘Clue,’ and ‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,’ Curry’s ability to embrace eccentric, larger-than-life characters extended even to a role that the world barely got to experience.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!