McFarlane Toys has done it again, bringing us a limited edition deluxe collector set that had the internet grabbing their pitchforks before it even hit shelves. The Joker Movie (Live with Murray Franklin) Set is loaded with details, accessories, and a diorama that aims to capture one of the most chilling scenes in recent cinema history. But at $249 plus shipping, the big question remains, is it actually worth it?
Let’s dive in.
Packaging – Nice, But It’s Gotta Go
First things first, the box. It’s well-designed, sleek, and packed with presentation value. If you’re an in-box collector, it’s a display-worthy piece with a premium feel. But for those of us who actually like handling our figures, storage space is king. And unfortunately, I’m not in the business of collecting cardboard. So, out comes the box cutter, and into the wild these figures go.
Joker Figure – Great Look, But Is It $249 Great?
Once freed from its cardboard prison, the Joker figure immediately impresses. The sculpt captures the gritty, unhinged look of Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal, and the multiple faceplates allow for some customization.
The suit? Painted well, featuring a dirty wash that adds depth and realism.
The articulation? It’s McFarlane’s standard suited-body articulation, meaning serviceable but nothing groundbreaking.
Now, is all of this enough to justify the steep price tag? Probably not. But if you’re a dedicated Joker collector, it’s certainly one of the better renditions out there.
Accessories – A Solid Mix, But Missing a Key Piece
McFarlane loaded this set with accessories, and for the most part, they’re great.
Joker comes with:
✔️ Multiple hands for different poses
✔️ His notebook for all those chilling thoughts
✔️ A pistol (you know what scene this is for)
Murray Franklin gets:
✔️ A microphone
✔️ An oversized coffee cup
While these are nice, an alternate head for Murray would have gone a long way at this price point. The included movie prop replicas (like the “Don’t Forget to Smile” sign and Joker’s notebook) will be a hit for die-hard fans, but personally? They don’t add much for me. I might use the notebook, but the rest? They’re just there.
One more missed opportunity—why no collector’s card for Murray? It would have rounded out the set perfectly.
Murray Franklin – Better in Person, but Standard McFarlane Articulation
Murray’s likeness to Robert De Niro is actually better in person than in promotional images. The paint applications on the suit make it pop just a little more than McFarlane’s usual suited figures, but when it comes to articulation, it’s exactly what we’ve seen before.
For collectors, having a De Niro figure in the collection is a win. But considering the price, a bit more effort could have been put into making him stand out.
The Talk Show Stage – Looks Good, But Feels Cheap
And now, the main event—the Live with Murray Franklin talk show diorama.
At first glance, it looks fantastic. The backdrop, the chairs, the desk, the plant—it all fits the aesthetic of the movie. But here’s the issue: it doesn’t feel as premium as the price suggests.
The cardboard floor is a letdown. The chairs are well-done, but overall, the set feels more in line with McFarlane’s Batman ‘66 releases rather than a true high-end collector’s piece.
Had it been a little bigger and made with higher-quality materials, it would have been a real standout.
Final Verdict – Is It Worth It?
This set looks great and is fun to pose and display. The figures are well-sculpted, the accessories are solid, and the talk show stage is a great concept, even if the execution is lacking.
But is it $249 plus shipping great?
Honestly? Not for me. I managed to get a discount through McFarlane’s Platinum membership, which made the purchase easier to justify. But at full price? I would have passed.
Now, I understand that McFarlane Toys had price restraints and had to release this set at a certain price point. There’s just a lot going on here that hurts it from a buying standpoint. However, I do think they genuinely tried their best with what they had.
Todd McFarlane has been on record saying he always wanted to do figures from this movie, and you can see the passion and heart that went into making it a reality. While the final product may not be perfect, it’s clear that this was a project driven by enthusiasm for the film.
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