New Joker figurine based on Heath Ledger's character to be released

There are at least two new official action figures coming out that depict Heath Ledger's much-anticipated Joker character in the Batman movie The Dark Knight, which is due for release on July 18. Ledger called his Joker "a psychopathic, mass-murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy ..." and was open about how he suffered insomnia and psychological torment during his grueling preparation for the role. His family said that it's fine with them that the action figures are released and that Heath was proud of his portrayal of the Joker. The NY Post quotes a toy expert who acknowledges that the action figures may become collectibles as a result of Heath's untimely death:

The Post got a sneak peek at the action figures for this summer's upcoming Batman flick "The Dark Knight," in which Ledger stars as the psychotic villain The Joker .

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.

Mattel will be selling two versions of the Joker doll, both of which hit store shelves in May.

The first retails for $7.99 and features a rocket launcher that can be placed in the Joker's hand.

The second, a slightly larger, more detailed version created by famed action-figure designers the Four Horsemen, sells for $10.99 and comes with a toy knife.

"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.

Watch the "Batman: The Dark Knight" Movie Trailer

(Sources: NY Post, celebitchy)