Star Wars Day 2020: Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker is nothing compared to his voice acting as the Joker
Yes, 'Star Wars' was the project that made Mark Hamill's career but was Luke Skywalker his best work? Not by a long shot.
Luke Skywalker did inspire generations of fans and we have to give it to Hamill for putting on a great performance despite the character mostly being a Mary Sue. It takes a lot of skill to not be overshadowed by Harrison Ford and Hamill managed it even if just barely.
But more than the young Jedi Knight, there was a role that Hamill was practically born to play. In fact, one might argue it was the greatest role of his career, more so than 'Star Wars' and Luke Skywalker. Hint: the actor's name has the name of an asylum in it (mARK HAMill) and that's where this character spends most of his time.
While playing young Skywalker may have been the role that turned Hamill into a big-time celebrity, his voice acting as the Joker in 'Batman: The Animated Series' wasn't just one of the best performances of his career. It was one of the best Jokers ever, period.
Whenever fans talk about who the best Joker is in live-action, they would go with Heath Ledger's performance as the Clown Prince of Crime in 'The Dark Knight'. But if we include animated shows and games, Hamill comes out on top every time.
Hamill was the indisputable voice of the Joker in the DC Animated Universe and his work as the Harlequin of Hate didn't stop there. The actor brought the character to life in a number of 'Batman' video games including 'Batman: Arkham Asylum' and its sequel 'Batman: Arkham City'.
He also provided his voice for the character in 2016's adult animated adaptation of 'Batman: The Killing Joke'. His performance in the movie is lauded as one of the best takes on the Joker ever seen in live-action or animation.
Joaquin Phoenix may have won the Oscar for his Clown Prince but any true fan of the character would agree, Mark Hamill is the standard for all Joker performances. Compared to that, even Luke Skywalker doesn't stand a chance.