Source: Ronê Ferreira

Stepping into the Shadow of a Legend

Hamish Linklater recently opened up about the challenges and experiences of voicing Batman in the new Prime Video series, “Batman: Caped Crusader.” As many fans know, taking on the role of the Dark Knight is no small feat, especially following in the footsteps of the late Kevin Conroy, who famously voiced Batman in “Batman: The Animated Series.”

Linklater, a massive fan of Conroy’s work, initially tried to imitate Conroy’s iconic voice. In a roundtable discussion at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, he admitted, “I grew up as a massive fan of Batman: The Animated Series and Kevin Conroy was like the voice of my god in my head. I kept going back and listening to it, trying to find that voice for Batman. I got as close as I was going to get but then realized I was just chasing Kevin’s voice.”

Finding His Own Voice

Eventually, Linklater realized he needed to bring his own interpretation to the role. He found voicing Batman to be an exhilarating process but noted that discovering the voice for Bruce Wayne proved more challenging. “It’s certainly taken longer to feel comfortable with Bruce than Batman. There’s a lot more Batman than Bruce in the first season,” he explained. The journey of perfecting Bruce Wayne’s voice continues for Linklater, much like the early stages of Batman’s career.

Guidance from a Veteran

Bruce Timm, co-creator of “Batman: The Animated Series” and showrunner for “Caped Crusader,” provided invaluable advice to Linklater. Timm suggested that “Batman is the person, that’s the human being, Bruce Wayne is the invention.” He advised Linklater to think about what a millionaire lothario in the 1940s would sound like, drawing inspiration from classic movie stars like Cary Grant and Humphrey Bogart.

Source: Bruce Clark

Honoring Kevin Conroy’s Legacy

Linklater’s dedication to honoring Conroy’s legacy while creating his own distinct voice for Batman highlights the challenges and responsibilities of taking on such an iconic role. Linklater expressed immense respect for Conroy’s work, acknowledging the profound impact his voice had on the character of Batman. Conroy’s deep, gravelly voice became synonymous with the Caped Crusader, setting a high standard for any actor stepping into the role.

A Fresh Take on the Dark Knight

“Batman: Caped Crusader” is a re-conception of the Batman mythos, utilizing ’40s noir aesthetics to present the Dark Knight and his famed villains and allies in a new light. This unique setting helped Linklater develop his own voice for the beloved masked vigilante. Known for his work in theater and roles in Netflix’s “Midnight Mass” and “Manhunt,” Linklater’s voice work as Batman marks a significant addition to his career.

Despite enjoying the process of bringing Batman to life in the animated series, Linklater expressed reluctance about portraying the character in live-action. His voice work provides a fresh dimension to the iconic superhero, promising to offer fans a new perspective on the character.

Anticipation for “Batman: Caped Crusader”

Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment, with notable figures like Bruce Timm, J.J. Abrams, and Matt Reeves serving as executive producers, “Batman: Caped Crusader” delves deeper into Batman’s noir roots, exploring the character’s detective skills and complex moral code. Fans eagerly await the release of “Batman: Caped Crusader,” hopeful that Linklater’s portrayal will honor Kevin Conroy’s legacy while bringing a fresh perspective to the beloved superhero. The series is set to premiere on HBO Max, adding to the platform’s growing roster of DC content.

Closing

Hamish Linklater’s journey to find his own voice for Batman in “Batman: Caped Crusader” is a testament to his dedication and respect for the character’s legacy. By balancing homage and originality, he brings a fresh take to the Dark Knight, ensuring that Batman’s storied history continues to evolve. Fans are excited to see how his interpretation will contribute to the rich tapestry of Batman in animation. Keep an eye out for the premiere, as “Batman: Caped Crusader” promises to be a thrilling addition to the superhero’s animated adventures.