Why The DCU Should Reintroduce Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn

Warner Bros. Studios is embarking on an exciting new chapter, marking the post-DCEU landscape after 12 years since Man of Steel initiated the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). While the DCEU faced challenges in reaching the heights of its initial successes, it produced remarkable performances from actors like Henry Cavill, Jason Momoa, Viola Davis, and Margot Robbie. Among these, the future of Robbie as Harley Quinn within the newly minted DC Universe (DCU) remains uncertain.

Although the original cast of the DCEU has largely transitioned to new endeavors, the return of characters like Davis’s Amanda Waller and Cena’s Peacemaker offers a glimmer of hope that Robbie might reprise her iconic role as the Clown Princess of Crime. Since she first graced the screen as Harley in David Ayer’s Suicide Squad, fans and critics alike have hailed her portrayal as quintessential. Robbie herself has shown enthusiasm for returning to the role; thus, the lingering question arises: why hasn’t she been formally reintroduced as Harley in the DCU?

Margot Robbie: The Quintessential Harley Quinn

Harley Quinn made her debut in Batman: The Animated Series, created by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini, becoming one of DC’s most beloved characters outside of comic books. Initially introduced as the Joker’s sidekick, Harley’s character has undergone significant evolution, transforming into a complex figure with layers far beyond simply being “Mr. J’s girlfriend.”This complexity is reflected in her tumultuous relationship with the Joker throughout the DCEU, poignantly portrayed by Robbie.

Originally set to lead a spin-off with Jared Leto’s Joker, Robbie’s role shifted to focus on her own storyline, which blossomed in projects like Birds of Prey and The Suicide Squad. Despite some controversy regarding the film’s handling of Leto’s character, Robbie consistently delivered standout performances that resonated with audiences, positioning her as an essential part of the franchise. Even though James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad was intended as a fresh start, it still maintained connections to prior narratives.

Gunn’s upcoming projects such as Creature Commandos have already integrated elements from the DCEU, demonstrated by Davis reprising her role. The conclusion of The Suicide Squad presented a hopeful chapter for Harley, yet a distinct absence of her character remains palpable within the new direction of the DCU.

While Tara Strong has lent her voice to Harley in animated formats and Kaley Cuoco has also provided a modern rendition, Robbie’s portrayal is fiercely celebrated. Fans were disappointed that Strong didn’t transition into the live-action realm. Still, Robbie undeniably captured the essence of Harley with her iconic performances, earning praise from Dini for her captivating portrayal that broke away from restricting narratives heavily tied to the Joker.

Margot Robbie’s Reflections on Harley Quinn

Even three years since Robbie’s last portrayal of Harley, her interpretation still resonates deeply with fans. Gunn has expressed a willingness to collaborate with Robbie, whether as Harley or in another role. In a recent update on Threads, he remarked:

“I haven’t talked to Margot about Harley for a long time… There are no plans at this time for anyone else to play Harley. I mean, other than in [Joker: Folie à Deux] or the animated shows.”

Gunn’s acknowledgment of Lady Gaga’s portrayal in Joker: Folie à Deux doesn’t impact Harley’s standing in the DCU, especially with no confirmed appearances slated for her in other upcoming cinematic ventures. The DCU plans to bypass Batman’s origin, hinting that familiar villains, including Harley, could also already exist in this universe, raising the potential for a new Harley Quinn to emerge. However, the smooth transitions of characters from the DCEU into the DCU remain enigmatic.

Robbie has shown readiness to explore other narratives surrounding Harley, suggesting a wish for the character to be reinterpreted by various actresses, similar to iconic male counterparts. During a January 2024 conversation with Variety, she stated:

“I always wanted Harley to be a character that would get passed on to other actresses… The options are endless.”

While it would be disheartening to see Robbie’s Harley Quinn written off, Gunn’s inclination to collaborate with her in future projects provides a hopeful avenue. Given her established marketability and strong rapport with the audience, it seems only logical for the DCU to build upon what Robbie has already created with Harley. Whether she continues within the evolving landscape of the DCU or departs alongside fellow DCEU stars, fans are poised to embrace her return as Harley Quinn with enthusiasm.

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