Is Margot Robbie Returning as Harley Quinn? James Gunn Reveals

Following the success of Superman, James Gunn has finally spoken about Margot Robbie’s future as Harley Quinn in his new DC Universe. Speaking to EW, Gunn said the big answer about her return “will be revealed down the line”. This one comment sparked headlines and sent fans into a frenzy.

Back in 2024, Gunn had made it clear that only Viola Davis (Amanda Waller), John Cena (Peacemaker), and Xolo Maridueña (Blue Beetle) would carry over to the new DCU. That’s when people asked about the possibility of seeing Margot Robbie return to her comic roots as Harley Quinn, to which Gunn responded via Threads,

I haven’t talked to Margot about Harley for a long time. But I’d love to work with her again as Harley or as someone else. There are no plans at this time for anyone else to play Harley (I mean, other than in Todd’s movie or the animated show/s).

Still, he admitted he’d love to work with her again, whether as Harley Quinn or someone else. He also confirmed there are no plans for anyone else to play the role, apart from Todd Phillips’ movie or the animated series. So, with Lady Gaga’s Harley in Joker: Folie à Deux facing heavy criticism, Robbie might just be the one to bring the fan-favorite antihero to DCU.

What Did Margot Robbie Say About Her Return as Harley Quinn

James Gunn might be leaving the door open for Margot Robbie to return as Harley Quinn in his new DCU, but the actress herself hasn’t sounded too sure. In 2024, speaking with Variety, Robbie suggested that she might be done playing the role that she popularized in Suicide Squad (2016), Birds of Prey (2020), and Gunn’s The Suicide Squad (2021).

Instead of holding onto the role forever, Margot Robbie seemed excited about other actresses taking a turn. Particularly referring to Lady Gaga’s adaptation of Harley Quinn in Joker: Folie à Deux, Robbie claimed to be excited to see other stars bringing her to life. She explained that her “dream” was for Harley to be like Batman or the Joker, a character played by different actors over time.

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. 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.

Margot Robbie, while immortalizing the character with her iconic portrayal, also said Harley Quinn is fun, unpredictable, and can go in many directions. Now, although her comments don’t exactly close the door on the chances of seeing her in the DCU, it does suggest that she’s happy to step aside, unless the right opportunity pulls her back.

How James Gunn Might Arrange Harley Quinn’s DCU Debut

While we’re still waiting on a confirmation from Margot Robbie about whether she might return as Harley Quinn, let’s focus on James Gunn’s tease about the character’s appearance in his DCU. How exactly would Gunn bring the DCEU character into the reboot universe, when several other fan-favorite characters were left and replaced, like Henry Cavill’s Superman?

Turns out, it’s all a matter of timing. Margot Robbie’s return to the DCU as Harley Quinn could actually work out perfectly, especially since Peacemaker Season 2 is next in line in Gunn’s rebooted DCU lineup, arriving August 21 on HBO Max. This season will directly connect to The Suicide Squad, which is where Gunn’s version of Harley last appeared.

The storyline of Peacemaker Season 2 brings back Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., the father of Rick Flag Jr. (played by Joel Kinnaman in The Suicide Squad). Now, Grillo’s character will be taking over A.R.G.U.S., the shady government group that controls the Suicide Squad, to get revenge on John Cena’s Peacemaker for killing his son.

This is where Harley Quinn could easily fit in, since, by the end of The Suicide Squad, Margot Robbie’s character had become a close ally of Rick Flag Jr. That gives Gunn the perfect reason to bring Harley into the story. Maybe she’ll help fight against Peacemaker, or even team up with him under unexpected circumstances.

If Gunn wants to reintroduce Margot Robbie as Harley, this storyline could be the most natural place to do it. Let us know in what other ways you feel James Gunn might introduce Harley Quinn in the DCU in the comments section below.

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