Kevin Conroy's Final Lines As Batman Are Even More Heartbreaking After His Death

For many, Kevin Conroy was Batman. His iconic voice for the character, which rose to prominence during "Batman: The Animated Series" and appeared in several other projects, will forever be associated with the Caped Crusader. Conroy's death in 2022 devastated fans, but a few superhero-related titles he lent his voice to were still in the works when he passed. His actual final role comes in the animated film "Crisis on Infinite Earths — Part Three," and it's eerily fitting.

Kevin Conroy's final performance as Batman.

"I care Joker. About Gotham, about Justice, And if it has to end at least I go out like this... being Batman" pic.twitter.com/IrGzcsrV14

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 16, 2024

The movie was released on July 16, 2024 and features versions of superheroes from different realities, including one straight out of "Batman: The Animated Series." Batman recreates the iconic intro as lightning illuminates him standing on a rooftop. Joker (Mark Hamill) then gets into a brawl with the Dark Knight as reality falls apart around them. It's here Batman declares, "I care Joker. About Gotham, about justice. And if it has to end at least I go out like this ... being Batman." 

It's a beautiful tribute to a man many consider to be the definitive Batman. Conroy may have left us, but at least he went out like this ... being Batman. 

While Kevin Conroy had an extensive acting career, Batman would define his legacy. He voiced the character in numerous other animated projects, like "Batman Beyond," "Justice League Unlimited," and "Static Shock," as well as video games like "Batman: Arkham Asylum." Even those credits barely scratch the surface of all he accomplished with the hero. Conroy even played a live-action version of the character on the Arrowverse's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" storyline, so this animated trilogy of films was a fitting way to see him off, with fans getting emotional over the performance. 

X was filled with posts from people appreciating how we got to hear Conroy as Batman one last time, like @Haydenbarton_39: "Notice how even in the face of Armageddon he doesn't cower? Within seconds of realizing they will be gone he isn't afraid and he's proud of what he's done." The scene directly harkening back to "Batman: The Animated Series" made the moment even better, with @DynamoSuperX writing, "The fact this starts and ends with the [Batman Animated Series] universe is perfect."

Other actors have voiced Batman before, including Jensen Ackles elsewhere in "Crisis on Infinite Earths — Part Three" and Hamish Linklater in "Batman: Caped Crusader." But Conroy truly did something special with the character, and his final scene was heartbreaking for another reason. This marked the last time to date that Mark Hamill voiced the Joker, as he publicly doubted he'd play the character opposite anyone other than Conroy.