Mark Hamill’s contributions toDC Comicsin film and television span over three decades, during which he’s portrayed a wide array of characters, ranging from the fleeting to the iconic. From his first live-action DC role in the early 1990s to his legendary tenure as the Joker, Hamill has demonstrated his incredible range and adaptability throughoutthe DC timeline. Over time, his performances have redefined iconic villains and breathed life into lesser-known characters.
Mark Hamill began his DC journey in 1991 playing the Trickster on CBS’sThe Flash. The role foreshadowed his defining work as the Joker inBatman: The Animated Seriesin 1992, a performance that would become a cornerstone of his career. Over the years, the famedStar Warsstar has portrayed a mix of heroes and villains, bringing his distinctive voice to animated series, live-action television, blockbuster films, and video games. Mark Hamill retired from playing the Joker after “his” Batman, Kevin Conroy, died. However, he could return to play other characters inthe DCU’s future.
21Trickster In Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League - Attack Of The Legion Of Doom!
(2015)
In theLego DCanimated film, Hamill reprised his role as the Trickster, a character he had made iconic decades earlier. This version of the Trickster was comedic and playful, perfectly fitting the lighthearted tone of theLego DCuniverse. It was a brief appearance, butHamill’s performance brought a sense of nostalgia. His ability to balance humor and chaos, even in a simplified context, highlighted his enduring connection to the character and his versatility as an actor.
20Joker In Birds Of Prey
(2002)
Hamill lent his voice to theJoker inBirds of Prey, a short-lived live-action series focusing on Batman’s legacy. Joker only appears in one scene, which recreates the iconic moment when Joker shoots Batgirl, paralyzing her. Although Hamill’s was used sparingly,his distinct vocal performance brought authenticity to the show’s depiction of Gotham. His chilling laugh and menacing tone were incredibly sinister, adding gravitas to a relatively minor role. Despite the limited screen time, his presence elevated the series.
19Sinestro In Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League - Attack Of The Legion Of Doom!
In addition to voicing the Trickster, Hamill also took on the role of Sinestro in thisLego DCfilm. As the primary nemesis of the Green Lantern Corps, Sinestro is typically portrayed as a cunning and formidable adversary. Hamill’s performance leaned heavily into the comedic tone of theLegouniverse, emphasizing the character’s arrogance and theatricality. This was a far larger role than Trickster andallowed Hamill to explore a very different kind of character. While entertaining, theLegomovies only allow for a certain amount of characterization, restricting the performances somewhat.
18Tony Zucco In The Batman
(2006)
Hamill’s role as Tony Zucco inThe Batmanoffered a grounded and chilling performance. Zucco, the mobster responsible for the death of Dick Grayson’s parents, is a key figure in Robin’s tragic backstory. Hamill’s portrayal was more subdued than his typical roles,emphasizing the character’s cold, calculating nature. While the role was relatively small, Hamill brought an intimidating presence to the episode, demonstrating his range and his commitment to elevating even secondary DC characters.
17Joker In Justice League Action
(2016-2018)
Hamill’s Joker returned inJustice League Action. The show’s lighter tone allowed Hamill to lean into the Joker’s comedic side, while still maintaining the character’s underlying cruelty. His interactions with other heroes and villains added to the series’ charm,proving that his Joker could thrive in any context. Hamill’s performance was certainly fun, but not quite as groundbreaking as other outings as the Joker.
16The Spectre In Batman: The Brave and the Bold
(2010)
As the Spectre inBatman: The Brave and the Bold, Hamill stepped into a heroic role, a rarity in his DC career. The Spectre is a ghostly force of vengeance, and Hamill’s deep, resonant voice brought an ethereal quality to the character. His portrayal balanced solemnness and otherworldly menace, effectivelycapturing the Spectre’s enigmatic persona. Though the role was brief, Hamill’s performance stood out in a show known for its lighthearted tone. It was a testament to his ability to adapt to different character archetypes.
15Joker In Justice League
(2002-2003)
InJustice League, Hamill reprised his role as the Joker, bringing his signature performance to the series. While the character’s appearances were very limited, Hamill’s performance was consistent with his earlier work,capturing the Joker’s chaotic unpredictability. The crossover nature of the series allowed the Joker to interact with a wider array of heroes, including Superman. Though not as dynamic as his appearances, Hamill’s performance allowed for a sense of continuity as the seriesfollowed on fromBatman: The Animated SeriesandSuperman: TAS.
14The Trickster In Justice League Unlimited
Hamill’s Trickster returned inJustice League Unlimited, offeringa more comedic and sympathetic portrayalof the character. In a standout episode, season 3, episode 5, “Flash and Substance,” the Trickster was depicted as a somewhat pitiable figure, blending humor with moments of vulnerability. Hamill’s performance struck a perfect balance, capturing the character’s eccentric charm while hinting at a deeper emotional complexity. Unfortunately, Hamill’s contributions were very limited.
(2022)
Hamill took on a surprising role as Merv Pumpkinhead in Netflix’s adaptation ofSandman. Merv is a snarky, pumpkin-headed janitor in the Dreaming, and Hamill’sgravelly voice and impeccable timing perfectly fit the character. While the role was relatively small, Hamill’s performance added a layer of levity to the series’ darker themes. His ability to bring charm and personality to even more serious roles highlighted his skill as a voice actor and proved he could make an impact on any project.
12Joker In Superman: The Animated Series
(1997)
Hamill brought his Joker toSuperman: The Animated Series’s villain line-up, showcasing the character’s versatility as he faced off against the Man of Steel. His performanceretained the theatricality and wit that defined his earlier work, but the different setting offered new dynamics to explore. The contrast between the Joker’s chaotic nature and Superman’s stoic demeanor made for entertaining clashes. While not as prominent as in Batman-centric series, Hamill’s portrayal added depth to the Joker’s characterization, reinforcing his role as a central figure in the DC universe.
