Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000)

Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000), an American superhero film, was produced and distributed by Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment respectively. As the third installment in the DC Animated Universe, it draws from the animated series Batman Beyond and also resolves plot points left open in The New Batman Adventures. A new faction of the Jokerz gang – including Bonk, Woof, Ghoul, Chucko, and the Dee-Dee twins – tries to steal advanced technology but is stopped by Terry McGinnis, who has taken on the role of Batman under the guidance of his predecessor Bruce Wayne. The gang reports back to their leader, who turns out to be none other than Bruce’s long-presumed-dead arch-nemesis, the Joker. For defying him and to send a message to the others, he viciously murders Bonk. In a later attack on a press conference celebrating Bruce’s return to Wayne Enterprises, the Joker reveals himself to an incredulous Bruce, who denies that it could possibly be him. After successfully fending off this assault as well, Terry demands answers from both Bruce and Commissioner Barbara Gordon (formerly Batgirl) of Gotham City Police Department but is met with silence from both partiesHis tempting offer of gold convinces Belson to assist him despite his moral reservations and financial struggles.

In an attempt to shield Terry from the danger of facing the Joker, Bruce instructs him to relinquish the Batsuit and allows him to handle his old nemesis on his own despite declining physical abilities. However, the Jokerz launch an unexpected attack on Terry, putting his girlfriend Dana Tan in grave danger. Meanwhile, the Joker manages to poison both Bruce and his loyal dog Ace, and reveals that he is aware of their true identities as Batman and his successor. After Terry saves Bruce’s life with an antidote, Barbara finally reveals the truth about the Joker’s disappearance. Decades ago, while Nightwing (Dick Grayson) had left Gotham City for Blüdhaven, the Joker and Harley Quinn abducted Tim Drake – also known as Robin – while he was on patrol. They subjected him to three weeks of torture and brainwashing at the abandoned Arkham Asylum in order to obtain Batman’s secrets. When Batman and Batgirl eventually found Tim, he had been driven mad by the Joker’s mind-altering chemicals and had become a twisted reflection of his captor.