Mcfarlane pulls off the impossible: jack nicholson's joker figure finally arrives

For decades, collectors have yearned for a high-quality action figure capturing the unsettling brilliance of Jack Nicholson's Joker from Tim Burton's 1989 Batman. Now, defying licensing hurdles that have stymied competitors for years, McFarlane Toys has delivered—a feat few thought possible.

A licensing labyrinth: why nicholson's joker was so elusive

The scarcity of Nicholson-based merchandise isn't a matter of lack of demand; it's a consequence of the actor's famously shrewd contract negotiations. Nicholson secured not just a hefty payday for his iconic performance, but also retained significant rights over his likeness, reportedly demanding substantial fees for any licensing agreements. This made securing the rights to produce toys featuring his Joker a particularly expensive proposition—one that Mattel and NECA apparently deemed too costly. Hot Toys, known for its premium collectibles, managed to secure a license previously, but McFarlane's entry broadens accessibility to this coveted character.

Double the joker: two versions for collectors

The new DC Multiverse Collector Edition figure isn't a singular release; McFarlane has smartly presented two distinct versions. One faithfully recreates the Joker's signature purple and green suit, while the other pays homage to the 1989 Kenner figure with a pinkish-red costume—a clever nod to the era. Perhaps most impressively, McFarlane appears to have navigated the licensing complexities by strategically avoiding explicit references to Nicholson’s name or likeness on the packaging itself, a subtle maneuver that likely smoothed the path through DC’s licensing department.

Articulation and accessories: a collector's dream

Beyond the aesthetic appeal, this figure boasts impressive functionality. Standing approximately 7 inches tall and featuring 22 points of articulation, it allows for dynamic posing and display. The included accessories—extra hands, interchangeable hair pieces, a cane, a bullhorn, a novelty revolver, a long-barrel revolver, and a display base—further enhance its playability and collector value. The MSRP is $34.99 for each version, a surprisingly reasonable price given the licensing challenges overcome.

While currently unavailable for preorder on Amazon, the figure is slated for a ship date of April 2026. The release also marks a continued focus from McFarlane on the villains of the Burton and Schumacher-era Batman films, a departure from their previous emphasis on the broader DC Universe.

The arrival of this figure isn't just a win for collectors; it’s a testament to McFarlane’s tenacity and a shrewd understanding of what fans truly desire. After years of yearning, the Clown Prince of Crime, as portrayed by Jack Nicholson, finally has a worthy action figure representation—and the fact that it took this long only amplifies its significance.