DC’s future depends on a familiar face.
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
Margot Robbie could return as Harley Quinn in the newly established DC Universe, but the decision remains unresolved, according to DC Studios co-chief executive James Gunn. The filmmaker has confirmed that the popular character is part of his plans for the franchise, while acknowledging that Robbie may no longer be interested in reprising a role she has portrayed across three major films.
Speaking on The Suicide Squad: Is It Canon? The Official Podcast, Gunn explained that Harley Quinn presents an unusual challenge for the continuity of DC’s expanding cinematic universe. Although several characters and events from his 2021 film can be incorporated into the new franchise, Harley’s established history creates complications that cannot be resolved without considering Robbie’s potential return.
The central difficulty involves the character’s relationship with the Joker. Harley Quinn’s origins have traditionally been closely connected to the Batman villain, whose presence and history have not yet been established within Gunn’s new continuity. Bringing back Robbie’s interpretation could therefore require adjustments to the way earlier films are incorporated into the interconnected universe.
Gunn nevertheless expressed considerable admiration for Robbie, recalling their collaboration on The Suicide Squadand praising her performance. He described the Australian actress as one of his favorite collaborators and indicated that he would make substantial efforts to accommodate her version of Harley Quinn if she wished to return.
However, he admitted that he does not know whether Robbie remains interested in the character. Her career has expanded considerably since her last appearance in the franchise, particularly following the international success of Barbie, which strengthened her position as both a leading performer and producer.
Robbie first portrayed Harley Quinn in David Ayer’s Suicide Squad in 2016, introducing a character whose unpredictable personality and distinctive visual identity quickly attracted substantial attention. She returned in Birds of Prey in 2020 before appearing in Gunn’s The Suicide Squad the following year.
Across those films, Robbie developed an interpretation that combined physical comedy, emotional volatility and increasingly independent characterization. Her performance helped establish Harley Quinn as a recognizable figure beyond her original association with the Joker.
That history now creates an important creative decision for DC Studios. Retaining Robbie would preserve an established connection with audiences, but it could also require the franchise to acknowledge selected events from its previous continuity. Introducing a different actress would provide greater flexibility to reinterpret the character without necessarily retaining those earlier narrative developments.
Gunn suggested that most of The Suicide Squad could be treated as part of the new DC Universe, with Harley Quinn representing one of the few outstanding complications. Other characters from the film have already established connections with subsequent DC productions, making the question of continuity increasingly relevant as the franchise develops.
The situation also reflects the broader challenges facing DC Studios following its creative restructuring under Gunn and producer Peter Safran. Their approach seeks to establish a coherent universe spanning theatrical films, television series and animated productions while preserving selected performers and storylines from earlier projects.
Such decisions are not simply matters of casting. They influence how audiences understand the relationships between characters, which previous events remain relevant and how future productions can introduce familiar figures without creating contradictions.
For Robbie, returning to Harley Quinn would mean revisiting one of the roles most closely associated with her rise to international prominence. Her subsequent career, however, has created opportunities across different genres and production responsibilities, making another long-term superhero commitment a decision with professional implications.
Gunn has not announced a dedicated Harley Quinn film, confirmed negotiations with Robbie or identified another actress as her replacement. His comments establish a clear interest in bringing the character into the new DC Universe but do not constitute confirmation of Robbie’s participation.
The distinction is important as speculation surrounding major franchise casting decisions continues to attract considerable attention. A filmmaker’s willingness to collaborate with an established performer does not automatically mean that an agreement has been reached or that a production is moving forward.
For DC Studios, Harley Quinn remains a valuable character whose future could influence how the franchise connects its earlier films with its current creative direction. Whether audiences encounter Robbie’s familiar interpretation or a newly cast version will depend on decisions that have yet to be announced.
Gunn has made his preference clear without closing the door to an alternative. Harley Quinn is expected to have a future in the DC Universe, but the actress who brings her to life remains an open question.
The Story Continues Beyond the Headlines.