Margot Robbie’s future as Harley Quinn in James Gunn’s reimagined DC Universe remains unclear as the studio undergoes major changes. Following the launch of Gunn’s Superman film last month, the DC movie slate is being reshaped with new casting and story directions, prompting fans to wonder if Robbie will reprise her fan-favorite role.
James Gunn and Peter Safran’s Revamp of DC Introduces New Characters and Storylines
James Gunn, now co-head of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, is rebooting the franchise with fresh projects, including a new Superman portrayed by David Corenswet and a shift from the traditional Justice League to a corporate Justice Gang. New actors are set to take on iconic roles like Wonder Woman and Batman, while Robert Pattinson is confirmed to return for The Batman Part II. However, the status of Harley Quinn within this lineup has not been disclosed.
Gunn Hints at Possible Returns and Future on Suicide Squad Characters
Gunn remained vague when asked about Robbie’s Harley Quinn but indicated that her future will be clarified “down the line.” He expressed enthusiasm about bringing back other characters from Suicide Squad, particularly Idris Elba’s Bloodsport. Gunn shared,
“I definitely am always looking for a place to put Bloodsport and figuring that out,”
—James Gunn, Co-head of DC Studios
Upcoming Projects Link Past and Present Suicide Squad Characters
The next installment in Gunn’s DC universe is the upcoming season two of Peacemaker, premiering August 21 on HBO Max. The series continues the storylines from The Suicide Squad, with Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr. leading A.R.G.U.S. and seeking revenge for the death of his son Rick Flag Jr., who was killed by John Cena’s Peacemaker. Considering Harley Quinn’s established camaraderie with Bloodsport following Rick Jr.’s death, it is plausible they might reemerge in related narratives.
Margot Robbie’s Previous Harley Quinn Appearances and Her Own Thoughts
Margot Robbie has portrayed Harley Quinn in three DC films: Suicide Squad (2016), Birds of Prey (2020), and The Suicide Squad (2021). A separate iteration of the character was portrayed by Lady Gaga in Joker: Folie à Deux alongside Joaquin Phoenix. Robbie herself has expressed the taxing nature of the role after back-to-back shoots, stating,
“It was kind of back-to-back filming Birds… and filming [The Suicide Squad], so I was kind of like, ‘Oof, I need a break from Harley because she’s exhausting,’”
—Margot Robbie, Actress
“I don’t know when we’re next going to see her. I’m just as intrigued as everyone else is.”
—Margot Robbie, Actress
What Lies Ahead for Harley Quinn and the New DC Universe
The reorganization of the DC Universe under James Gunn and Peter Safran introduces several new story arcs and characters, leaving many fan-favorite roles in flux. While the return of Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn is not confirmed, the inclusion of Suicide Squad elements and characters like Bloodsport suggests that the iconic antiheroine could find her place again. The evolving narrative promises more revelations as upcoming projects like Peacemaker season two expand the interconnected world.
