Heath Ledger’s Joker Doll Revealed

Heath Ledger lives on - as an evil figurine.

Though it’s been less than a week since Heath Ledger was permanently laid to rest, Warner Bros. is slowly bringing back its marketing campaign for The Dark Knight. Mattel has revealed images of its Ledger-inspired Joker dolls; the first of which will retail at $7.99 and features a rocket launcher that can be placed in the Joker’s hand. The second doll (pictured) is a slightly larger, more detailed version created by action-figure designers the Four Horsemen. It will retail at $10.99.

Although the doll is being unveiled less than a week after Ledger’s funeral, his family stands behind the company’s decision to go ahead with marketing the collectible.

“Heath was very proud of his work in the film, and his family is aware and supportive of Warner Bros. and its partner’s plans for the movie,” said a family spokesperson.

“It’s not exactly a marketing point,” said Mattel’s P.J. Lewis of Ledger’s death. “But kids are going to buy the toy if they like the movie.”

Cliff Annicelli, editor of Playthings magazine, said he believes Ledger’s death will definitely increase sales of the Joker figure, especially among adults.

“I would expect it will be a hotter collectible than it would have been before his death,” said Annicelli.

Mattel will probably rely on comic book stores, instead of toy stores, to sell most of the figurines, he added.

“That’s been the marketing plan all along, because the movie is dark and not particularly kid-appropriate,” Annicelli said.

Adrienne Citrin, of the Toy Industry Association, played down extra sales associated with Ledger’s death.

“Batman is an iconic figure,” she said. “There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the movie, and that correlates with sales. It’s going to be a popular action figure regardless of his unfortunate death.”

The Joker and other “Dark Knight” figurines will be on display at the American International Toy Fair this weekend at the Javits Center.