Until we actually see what James Gunn does with DC Studios and the new DCU, questions will continue to swirl. For instance, we know that certain actors are carrying over into their current roles, such as Viola Davis as Amanda Waller and John Cena as Peacemaker, along with Xolo Maridueña as Blue Beetle. But we’ve also seen a lot of popular actors replaced, including Henry Cavill’s Superman, Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman, and even Jason Momoa’s Aquaman.
But where does that leave Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn? Arguably the most popular portrayal of the entire DCEU, Robbie’s Harley Quinn was the breakout character of Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey, and Gunn’s own The Suicide Squad. Robbie, who has grown into a super-producer and obviously the star of Barbie, has a lot of options on the table. But would she come back as Harley Quinn if asked?
In a recent Variety interview, Robbie was asked straight-up if she would return as Harley Quinn, and while she doesn’t reject the idea, she also seems eager to pass the torch…
“I always wanted Harley to be a character that would get passed on to other actresses to play, the way there are so many iconic male characters. That was always the dream for her.”
When asked if she was passing the torch to Lady Gaga, who plays an Elseworlds version of Harley Quinn in Joker: Folie à Deux, Robbie refuses to give a straight answer.
“Harley’s so fun and can go in so many different directions. You put her in someone else’s hands, and it’s like, “What are they going to do with her?” The options are endless,” she said.
Robbie has been such a champion for Harley Quinn that it says a lot that she doesn’t express any enthusiasm here. She seems resigned to moving on, and that’s going to disappoint a lot of fans. It’s also surprising if Gunn, who loves working with actors he knows very well, doesn’t ask Robbie to return. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens, but I have to believe Harley Quinn will be a key part of the DCU at some point.
