Voice of Batman Kevin Conroy Talks Gotham Knight + More Photos

The voice of Bruce Wayne/Batman for the past 17 years, Kevin Conroy reprises his role in the upcoming direct-to-video Batman: Gotham Knight. Warner Bros. recently caught up with Conroy who shared his thoughts about the film, his ongoing relationship with the character and more.  I’ve also included a few new images from the movie.

Here are some highlights from the interview:

Warner Bros.: What are your impressions of the film?

Kevin Conroy: It’s a really rich experience. The artwork in this film is so beautiful, so amazing. I love the adult-themed animated shows like “The Simpsons” and “South Park” and “King of the Hill.” I love the appeal of their writing, the irony, the sense of humor. Those are great animated productions. But you forget just how rich animation artwork can be until you see a film like this. There’s just no comparison. I’ve never seen anything like this in terms of diverse and rich animation in the industry – it’s like getting six movies in one.

The story is very interesting, especially the way it weaves in and out of Bruce Wayne’s history – like the flashback to him training in India, learning to endure pain. It’s very well conceived story and I think it enhances a lot of the Batman mythology.

I don’t think there’s any question the fans will love it, because it’s such a deep animation experience, and it gives such great background into a character they already love. It’s a very positive piece.

WB: Batman Gotham Knight has essentially 12 different looks at your characters – nine of Batman and three of Bruce Wayne, varying in design and age range. Were there any challenges to maintaining the consistency of your performance despite voicing to so many different image variations?

KC: In the past, we’ve always treated the shows like a radio play – we recorded the lines and then the animation took place. This time, the artwork came first, and that made the process interesting. Sometimes the artists put extra mouth flaps in, or they made the cadence different from the way I’d usually deliver a line. So we had to work within those parameters and try to time the acting to fill the space.

Interestingly, they originally they were going to cast another actor to do the younger Bruce Wayne, and Andrea (Romano) convinced them to let me take a stab at it. I had done the younger voice in a number of the “Batman: The Animated Series” flashbacks, so Andrea knew that I could do it. And once I got into the studio and gave them a sample, they were convinced. The challenge is making the distinctions – you have to make concessions for youth and give the character the sound of a younger man, while still believably being the same guy.

Batman: Gotham Knight (official site) will be released on both DVD and Blu-ray Hi-Def on July 8, 2008.  Check out some newly released photos.

As always, click to enlarge.

Other Batman: Gotham Knight coverage on Your Entertainment Now:
Alan Burnett interview
Brian Azzarello interview

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/nwTovNqB_BE]

Source: Warner Bros.

Trademark information for the images:

“Batman Gotham Knight” (c) Warner Bros. Ent Inc.

“Batman” and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and

(c) DC Comics. All Rights Reserved.