Margot Robbie has played a huge role in the DCEU as Harley Quinn, but will James Gunn bring her back for his new DCU projects, or will the character be recast?
Some fans are a little confused about what will carry over from the previous DCEU to James Gunn’s new DCU, such as characters, storylines, actors, etc.
Fortunately, Gann has already clarified some of these elements.
Co-CEO of DC Studios noted that “Some actors will be playing characters they have played in other stories,” but he did not specify which people and which stories.
Will Margot Robbie be one of them?
How Harley Quinn fits into Gunn’s DCU
James Gunn has already named Harley Quinn as one of the most important characters in the upcoming DCU film created by him and Peter Safran.
In the couple’s statement, Harley’s name was mentioned next to “Superman, Batman, Amazing woman“,” And “Aquaman:”
“Our commitment to Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Harley Quinn and the rest of DC’s characters is matched only by our commitment to the miracle of human possibility that these characters represent.”
Gunn and Safran also vowed to do right by those names, as well as other DC characters, in the same statement, but the simple fact that he included Harley alongside the likes of Superman and Batman speaks volumes.
It’s unclear exactly how Harley will fit into Gunn’s new universe, but considering how incredibly popular Margot Robbie was for playing the character, it would make sense for Gunn to bring her back.
What did James Gunn say about Margot Robbie?
Many fans know how integral Margot Robbie was to the DCEU and how well she played the character Harley Quinn, as did James Gunn.
In June 2022, a fan wanted Gunn “bring Harley back for another project” to which Gunn replied that it was “Not bad idea,” showing that he truly respects Robbie’s work.
This was especially noticeable before he was named co-CEO of DC Studios, and therefore before he revealed his and Safran’s plans for the first chapter of the DCU, titled Gods and Monsters.
Following these comments, Gunn also stated in September 2022 that Harley would return to the DCEU. Again, this was back when the DCEU was still alive and well, and before the DCU was announced.
However, it is likely that already at that time Warner Bros. and Gunn were in talks for his new DCU. That being said, it’s entirely possible that Gunn secretly revealed that Harley would be part of his own universe.
However, it’s important to note that Gunn just said that Harley Quinn’s character would return, but didn’t specify that it would be Margot Robbie, even if that’s what the fan was hinting at.
Both of these comments made by Gunn were made before he began his duties in the new DCU.
He also commented on Robbie as an actress after being named co-CEO when a fan asked if he would work with her again.
Gunn simply responded to the fan, saying: “Certainly,” possibly indicating that he planned to work with her again in the DCU.
This will obviously mean that she will resume her role as Harley in Gunn’s universe, but the only question that remains is where she will fit in.
Where might Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn appear in the DCU?
Even though Gunn has named Harley Quinn as an important character in his upcoming DCU and teased that Margot Robbie might return to portray her, theorizing where she might appear is a little difficult.
Gunn has already shot down a rumor suggesting that a prequel project focusing on the character is in development, so it’s safe to assume that when she does appear, it won’t be in a movie or show of the same name.
The most likely place for Robbie’s Harley to appear would be either Waller or season 2 Peacemaker considering she has a history with both characters.
Both of these projects are TV shows, and she likely won’t star in either of them, but this could be a simple and effective introduction for her to the new DCU.
It is also possible that she may be in Brave and Bold a film that will focus on the DCU version of Batman.
Throughout comic book and screen history, Harley and the Caped Crusader have had a good relationship, and Gunn would probably want to explore that relationship fully on screen.
Of course, since the DCU will be fully connected, it’s possible that Harley will appear in other places as well.