The Batman Movie That Made Kevin Conroy Cry

Kevin Conroy has voiced the Dark Knight for 30 years – here’s the Batman film that made the actor cry during production. Conroy made his debut in the beloved, Emmy-winning Batman: The Animated Series, which aired from 1992-1995 and is often regarded as the best onscreen depiction of the Caped Crusader. For many, Conroy is the defining voice of Batman, lending his talents to several animated films, video games, and even a live-action role in Batwoman for the Arrowverse crossover event “Crisis on Infinite Earths”.

Batman: The Animated Series was hailed for its mature tone and complex storytelling, pushing the boundaries for what could be shown in animation, ensuring its suitability for both adults and younger viewers. The series launched the DC Animated Universe, comprised of several TV shows and feature films, with Conroy reprising his role in each successive project. Kevin Conroy’s version of Batman was known for demonstrating a great level of empathy towards his Rogues’ Gallery, never breaking the crimefighter’s no-kill rule.

Most Batman films have delved into the character’s psyche to some degree, pushing actors into the character’s inherent darkness. However, arguably none have explored the duality of Bruce Wayne and Batman as effectively as Conroy’s famed interpretation. It was 1993’s acclaimed Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, the first feature-length DCAU film and only one to receive a theatrical release, that moved Conroy to tears. There was a particular scene involving Bruce speaking to his parents’ gravestone that struck a chord with the actor’s own childhood, resulting in one of the character’s most heartbreaking moments.

Alongside Conroy, the film stars Mark Hamill as the Joker and Dana Delany as Andrea Beaumont, Bruce’s love interest. Told in a non-linear fashion, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm sees Batman unexpectedly reunite with his former love, prompting him to recall their previous relationship and how he briefly considered relinquishing life as a crimefighter. Believing he can’t balance a commitment to both his late parents and Andrea, Bruce visits their grave, seeking a sign that will allow him to break his vow. The scene culminates in Conroy’s emotional plea, “I didn’t count on being happy.” Speaking at Nashville Wizard World Comic Con in 2017, Conroy recalled, “I had a very complicated relationship with my parents throughout my life and when I recorded that scene … I lost it.” He then stated that voice director Andrea Romano, who also worked with Conroy on the sequel show Batman Beyond, had to enter the performance booth to check on him, and he took a walk to calm himself.

Conroy doesn’t explain the specific cause of conflict with his parents but is noticeably hesitant when describing the memory. The scene resonating with Conroy perhaps illustrates why he is so perfect as the Dark Knight. He clearly adores the role and understands the character’s turmoil on a deep level. He has frequently discussed how much he admires the psychological storytelling for the DCAU’s Batman. Conroy cites “Perchance to Dream” as his favorite episode of Batman: The Animated Series for its tease of a happy life that will forever elude the hero. Arguably the best origin movie, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm’s graveyard scene remains one of the most affecting Batman moments put to film, with Conroy expertly capturing Bruce’s anguish, wishing he could walk away from a vow he knows he will never betray.

Whatever painful memories Conroy carries from childhood have thankfully been put to great use in his performance. Other actors have successfully portrayed the dual personas of Bruce and Batman, but Conroy’s distinct vocal tones best demonstrate it is the latter that is his true, tormented self. Kevin Conroy’s sincere attachment to Batman demonstrates why he remains so popular after 30 years.