Margot Robbie‘s future as Harley Quinn in the DC Universe is currently unclear despite her significant contribution to the franchise. Over five years, Robbie’s portrayal of the iconic villain-turned-antihero has generated $1.1 billion globally through appearances in Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey, and The Suicide Squad (2021). Her character has become one of the most recognizable faces within DC’s cinematic world.
While Birds of Prey and The Suicide Squad faced challenges at the box office due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Suicide Squad succeeded with a worldwide gross of $749 million, despite mixed critical reviews. Robbie’s presence has been widely praised as a highlight across these films, lending hope to fans eager for her return, but official confirmation remains pending as DC continues to reshape its cinematic continuity.
How the Film Birds of Prey Captured the Spirit of the DC Universe’s New Direction
Birds of Prey, though one of the lower-grossing DC movies, delivered critical acclaim and established the tone that much of the new DC Universe (DCU) aims to replicate. Released before James Gunn’s guidance on the DCU and the later films, Birds of Prey melded vibrant action and humor with a fresh narrative style that aligns closely with DCU’s evolving stories.
The film’s plot, which follows an unlikely group teaming up to protect a child from Gotham’s criminal elite, balances chaos and comedy in a way that foreshadows the future tone of DCU projects, blending elements of traditional superhero storytelling with a more playful and irreverent mood. This suggests that Robbie’s Harley Quinn would fit naturally within the DCU’s landscape.
Reasons Supporting Margot Robbie’s Return as Harley Quinn in the DCU
Margot Robbie’s status as a leading actress, demonstrated by her box office success including Barbie’s $1.3 billion haul, makes a compelling case for her return as Harley Quinn. Her ability to navigate both serious and comedic roles simultaneously offers versatility essential for a character as complex and unpredictable as Harley Quinn.
Several cast members from The Suicide Squad are already integrated into the DCU, easing potential continuity challenges should Robbie’s Quinn be incorporated. As key events involving her version of Harley Quinn are now part of DCU’s canon, her inclusion makes coherent sense from a storytelling perspective.
Robbie’s Harley Quinn still has many unexplored facets compared to the extensive comic book history of the character. With Gotham city playing a prominent role in upcoming DCU projects—including Creature Commandos and the 2026 Clayface film—there are ample opportunities to deepen the character’s narrative. Expanding Harley Quinn’s role would enrich the cinematic portrayal of Gotham and its complex inhabitants.
The Evolution and Context of the DC Universe Reboot
The DC Universe, one of the largest and oldest comic book franchises, originated in 1935 under Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson as National Allied Publications. Over decades, it has expanded into a massive cultural phenomenon spanning comics, films, television, and video games. The modern cinematic phase began in 2013 when Zack Snyder introduced Henry Cavill as Superman.
Following mixed success and reception in several films, the franchise underwent a soft reboot led by James Gunn and Peter Safran, aiming to realign the storytelling and tone across the DCU. This transition has brought new energy and direction to the franchise, focusing on diverse characters and stories while balancing familiarity with fresh concepts.
The Broader Importance of Harley Quinn in DC’s Film Future
Harley Quinn stands out not only for her popularity but also for her narrative potential. Portrayed by Robbie, she has become a defining character for the franchise, embodying the conflicted antihero archetype effectively. Her return would not only please longtime fans but also provide continuity and a strong foundation for future DCU storylines centered on Gotham and its complex criminal underworld.
With Gotham’s increasing prominence, seen in upcoming projects such as Creature Commandos and Clayface, the integration of Harley Quinn could serve as a vital link, attracting audiences eager for interconnected stories. Robbie’s proven capability to embody the character’s chaotic charm and depth ensures she remains uniquely suited for this task.
The Uncertain Yet Hopeful Path Ahead for Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn
While the future involvement of Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn has not been officially announced, indicators from the franchise and the tone of past films suggest a strong likelihood of her return. Her portrayal has consistently been a standout element in the films she has appeared in, and the DCU’s current trajectory aligns well with the style and spirit she brought to the role.
Given the evolving landscape of DC films under James Gunn and Peter Safran, and the franchise’s shift toward more character-driven and tonal coherence, Robbie’s Harley Quinn could soon reemerge as a significant figure. For fans and the franchise alike, her return would bolster the DC Universe’s lineup with a character who continues to captivate and challenge audiences.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Margot Robbie a millionaire?
A. By 2024, Margot Robbie’s net worth is about $60 million. This is $20 million higher than her reported wealth last year. The increase is likely from the $50 million she is rumored to have earned for her leading role in Barbie, where she worked both on and off-screen.
Q. What makes Margot Robbie special?
A. Playing Harley Quinn helped her become a top actress in Hollywood and showed she could handle complex characters.
Beyond acting, Margot Robbie has also explored working in film production.
Q. What syndrome does Margot Robbie have?
A. Robbie mentioned to Vogue that she has felt like an imposter at times during her career.
Q. Is Margot Robbie a natural blonde?
A. Surprisingly, the famous blonde star is actually a natural brunette. Jimmy Kimmel revealed her real hair color on his show in 2016. He did this by showing an old photo of her when she was 13, where she looks different with glasses and braces.
