Summary
Batman: Caped Crusaderis the biggest animatedBatmanseries 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 inBatman: 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 ofSupernatural,Jensen Ackles as a regular voice for Batman, but with the introduction ofBatman: Caped Crusader, another actor has been cast in the role who could possiblybecome a spiritual successor to Conroy’s Batman.
Batman: Caped Crusader Cast & DC Characters Guide
Batman: Caped Crusader is set to feature an extraordinary and expansive cast of talented actors to bring the animated Gotham City to life.
Hamish Linklater Voices Batman In The Caped Crusader
A Fresh Take On A Classic Character
Hamish Linklater will be the voice of Batman inBatman: 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’sMidnight Mass, and Clark DeBussy in the comic book adapted series,Legion.
His experience has taken him through roles wherehe 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 thetrailer forBatman: Caped Crusader, providing a concrete first look at how the actor will tackle this challenging role.
Linklater Is A Perfect Heir To Kevin Conroy’s Batman
Younger, But Rough And Ready To Fight Back
Linklater’s voice is distinct and possesses some key differences from previous iterations of The Gotham Guardian. Despite this, it does bear astriking 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 character requires nuance, complexity, and gravitas, and these are certainly elements that Linklater has displayed in his previous work.
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 theChristopher NolanDark Knighttrilogy, 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 forBatman: Caped Crusader, especially as a spiritual successor to Conroy’s performance.
Batman: Caped Crusader
Cast
Wealthy socialite Bruce Wayne, transformed by tragedy, takes on the mantle of Batman to combat the rampant corruption and crime in Gotham City. His vigilante actions attract both allies within the GCPD and City Hall and deadly adversaries, leading to unforeseen consequences. The series delves into the noir roots of Batman, exploring the psychological depths of Gotham’s inhabitants.
