Real Reason Kevin Conroy Hated Voicing Batman for WB
Late actor Kevin Conroy, best known for giving life to the Caped Crusader in Batman: The Animated Series has left a lasting impact on the world of animation. Despite being associated with the character for decades, Conroy couldn’t feel the thrill while recording for Warner Bros.
Kevin Conroy’s contribution to Batman: The Animated Series barely requires an introduction, the actor not only voiced the titular hero but made sure that his performances set the bar high for the next projects. After voicing Batman in the massive hit show, Conroy also got the opportunity to showcase his talent in the Arkham video games.
Surprisingly, Conroy revealed that recording for the video games was no fun. He compared the distinct recording process of the animated series and the video game, where Conroy was left alone in the booth to voice Batman, instead of bringing the whole cast to ignite the excitement and fun.
Why Kevin Conroy Didn’t Enjoy Recording For Warner Bros.’s Arkham Video Games
Kevin Conroy stepped into the animation work in 1992, with the premier of fan-favorite series Batman: The Animated Series. There have been numerous actors who have portrayed Batman, but no one could ever slay the role like Conroy did. The actor went above and beyond to do justice to the dual identities of the Dark Knight, by modulating his voice to highlight the difference between Bruce’s and Batman’s personalities.
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However, one project that Kevin Conroy literally hated was Warner Bros.’ Arkham video games. He did not seem to have enjoyed voicing Batman for the games, as the recording process was the polar opposite of how he did for the animated series. According to GeekTyrant, Conroy said:
“I didn’t understand how unique it was until 20 years later when I started doing the Arkham games. Because of the algorithms, and how they’re constructed, they have to have each voice completely clean and in your own take.”
Kevin Conroy explained that he had to record alone in the booth, resulting in boredom and no fun. The actor had to remain “four hours a day alone” and keep up with the energy in each line. He added:
“By the time you get out of there you’re pulling out your hair and you’re going, ‘what the f**k do they want me to say!?’”
The actor highlighted his exhaustion while recording for the video games, where he was asked to keep modifying his voice while being alone in the booth. Despite the challenges, Conroy managed to fulfill the requirements of the game and acknowledge its excellence.
Fans Will Hear Kevin Conroy’s Voice Again After Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Kevin Conroy passed away at the age of 66, in November 2022, but before his demise, the actor recoded his voice for another upcoming project. Even though his portrayal in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League became quite controversial, fans will again hear him in Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part 3 (via ScreenRant).
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Fans and viewers are also speculating that Conroy also recorded his voice for the upcoming animated series Batman: Caped Crusader co-created by Bruce Timm. Kevin Conroy’s departure was a major shocker for hardcore Batman fans who believe that his demise was the end of an era.
Watch Batman: The Animated Series on Max.
