Batman / Batman Joker

Why Was Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker Controversial?

Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker is a 2000 animated film that tells the story of a retired Bruce Wayne handing over the mantle of Batman to a new, teenage protégé named Terry McGinnis. However, the film was not without controversy. In this article, we’ll explore why it caused such a stir.

The Controversy

The controversy surrounding Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker stems from its original cut. The movie was initially given an R-rating by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) due to its violent content. This caused concern among parents and fans who felt that an R-rated Batman movie was inappropriate for children.

Changes Made

In response to these concerns, Warner Bros. Animation edited the film and released it as a PG-13 version instead. This new version removed some of the more graphic scenes and toned down the violence, making it more suitable for younger audiences.

What Was Cut?

So, what exactly was cut from the original R-rated version of Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker? Some of the more controversial scenes included:

  • A flashback scene where Robin (Tim Drake) is tortured by The Joker
  • A scene where The Joker shoots Commissioner Gordon
  • A scene where The Joker electrocutes Robin with a joy buzzer

These scenes were seen as too violent for younger viewers and were ultimately removed from the PG-13 version.

Response to Changes

While some fans were happy with these changes, others felt that they compromised the integrity of the film. They argued that the original version was intended for adult audiences and that by editing it down to a PG-13 rating, Warner Bros. had watered down its impact.

The Uncut Version

In response to these criticisms, Warner Bros. eventually released the uncut version of Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker on DVD and Blu-ray. This version restored the deleted scenes and provided a more complete picture of the film’s intended vision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker was controversial due to its violent content, which led to an initial R-rating that was later changed to PG-13. While some fans were happy with these changes, others felt that they compromised the integrity of the film. Regardless of one’s opinion on the changes made, it’s clear that Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker remains a thought-provoking and engaging entry in the Batman franchise.