Margot Robbie May Not Return as Harley Quinn, But James Gunn Aims to Keep Her in DCU

In a twist that could reshape the landscape of the DC Universe, it appears that Margot Robbie may not be returning to play the iconic character of Harley Quinn. This development comes as the beloved actress, known for her dynamic performances in 'Suicide Squad', 'Birds of Prey', and the recent 'The Suicide Squad' sequel, faces potential changes in her career trajectory within the expansive world of DC Comics adaptations.

James Gunn, the visionary director behind some of the most celebrated entries in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), has expressed a notable openness to keeping Robbie involved in the DCU, even if she chooses not to continue as Harley Quinn. According to several outlets, Gunn would reportedly bend over backwards to include her in future projects, highlighting her status as one of his favorite collaborators. This sentiment underscores the significant impact Robbie has made on the DCU, both as an actress and a cultural touchstone.

The DCU, under Gunn's direction, is rapidly expanding, with plans for 'Man of Tomorrow', the highly anticipated sequel to the 2025 release 'Superman'. Additionally, the universe has seen recent additions such as Peacemaker receiving his own show and Weasel joining the ranks of Creature Commandos, further illustrating the rich tapestry of characters and stories being woven into this cinematic universe.

Harley Quinn's place in the DCU remains almost certain, despite the reported uncertainty around Robbie's involvement. The character's unique relationship with the Joker adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, as the Joker has yet to be firmly established in the DCU. This leaves room for creative exploration and potential casting surprises in the future.

Robbie's journey with Harley Quinn began in 2016 with her debut in 'Suicide Squad', followed by appearances in 'Birds of Prey' in 2020 and the aforementioned 'The Suicide Squad' sequel in 2021. Since then, she has taken on diverse roles in films like 'Barbie' and 'Wuthering Heights', showcasing her versatility as an actress. She is also set to star in 'Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman', directed by Tim Burton, further cementing her status as a leading figure in Hollywood.

While the immediate future of Harley Quinn in the DCU remains to be seen, the enthusiasm from Gunn and the ongoing expansion of the universe suggest that there is ample opportunity for exciting developments in the world of DC Comics on the big screen.

What we know

• - Margot Robbie may not return to play Harley Quinn. ¹²
• - James Gunn is open to using another actress for the role of Harley Quinn if Margot Robbie does not want to play her again. ²
• - Harley Quinn will 'almost certainly' return in the DCU. ¹
• - Robbie played Harley Quinn in three DCEU movies. ¹
• - Only Batman has been established in the DCU through a cameo in the animated series Creature Commandos. ²
• - 'The Suicide Squad' was released prior to the establishment of the new cinematic DC Universe. ³
• - Robbie debuted as Harley Quinn in 'Suicide Squad' in 2016. ¹
• - Robbie also appeared as Harley Quinn in 'Birds of Prey' in 2020. ¹
• - Robbie played Harley Quinn again in Gunn's 'The Suicide Squad' sequel in 2021. ¹
• - Robbie starred in 'Barbie' and 'Wuthering Heights' since 'The Suicide Squad'. ¹
• - Robbie is set to star in 'Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman' directed by Tim Burton. ¹
• - Robbie is considered one of James Gunn's favorite actors to work with. ²
• - Robbie has become a bigger star since filming The Suicide Squad. ²
• - Peacemaker has received his own show, and Weasel has joined the Creature Commandos since 'The Suicide Squad' was released. ³
• - James Gunn is currently working on 'Man of Tomorrow', the sequel to 2025's 'Superman'. ³
• - After completing 'Man of Tomorrow', Gunn has started working on another project, with writing underway. ³