Looks like the producers of THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE are going to separate the comedic film from the existing LEGO Batman video games and animated films by casting a new voice actor to portray The Joker. Joining the legendary Mark Hamill who is the definitive animated voice of Batman's nemesis, Zach Galifianakis will voice the Clown Prince of Crime opposite Will Arnett and Michael Cera in the new film.

Arnett originated the role of Batman in last year's THE LEGO MOVIE. He was so popular that the spin-off was announced in addition to the sequel to THE LEGO MOVIE and the NINJAGO film. There is no word on what the plot of the Batman film will be, but I would hope the film focuses more on the LEGO universe created in last year's movie rather than a straight Batman plot.

Galifianakis will next appear in the comedy MASTERMINDS and is also slated to star in the Louis C.K. created FX series Baskets. He also recently wrapped the comedy KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES along with Gal Gadot and Jon Hamm. His brand of humor has been popular since his breakout role in THE HANGOVER trilogy. Galifianakis has previously lent his voice to the Dreamworks film PUSS IN BOOTS.

I enjoyed THE LEGO MOVIE quite a bit and I hope that they keep the self-referential Batman jokes in this movie. It is unknown if THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE is a prequel or a sequel, but don't count out appearances from Chris Pratt, Morgan Freeman, or Elizabeth Banks.

THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE hits theaters on February 10, 2017.