Batman 89's Wayne Murders Made Joker's Co-Creator Reconsider His Origins
The Wayne murders in Batman 1989 proved controversial, but the movie’s changes prompted the Joker’s co-creator to reconsider his origin. Directed by Tim Burton, Batman 1989 redefined comic book movies onscreen, showing they can be dark and serious stories that weren’t just for children. However, the decision to have Jack Nicholson’s Joker murder Bruce Wayne’s parents was an unusual departure from the comics, even if the character’s co-creator was onboard with the decision.
Batman 1989 sees Michael Keaton’s Dark Knight inadvertently create the Joker, with gangster Jack Napier falling into a vat of chemicals that bleach his skin and drive him insane. Jack Nicholson’s Joker is a truly memorable performance, part noir gangster and part bloodthirsty artist who wants to paint Gotham in his own twisted image. Batman/Bruce Wayne’s investigation into the clown prompts him to recall his parents’ murder, with the film changing Joker's origin to reveal that Napier gunned down the Waynes.
Related: Why Batman 1989's Writer Hated The Controversial Joker Change
This decision provoked controversy among comic purists, as the Wayne murders were originally committed by Joe Chill. However, speaking on the Hollywood and Levine podcast, producer Michael Ulsan revealed that Joker co-creator Bob Kane liked the change so much, he wished he had thought of it himself. Kane was only one of three people who claimed credit for the Joker’s creation, but his approval further validates the character’s Batman 1989 origin. Meanwhile, Uslan recalled finding a way to appease comic fans.
Uslan is a huge Batman enthusiast who had spent several years trying to make the first dark and serious outing for the Caped Crusader. Batman 1989 had to overcome several
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