James Gunn clears the air surrounding Margot Robbie’s rumored exit from the Harley Quinn role

James Gunn has finally opened up about the future of Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn in the DC Universe. The Barbie actress recently hinted that she was ready to pass the torch to other actresses. However, when questioned about this, Gunn remarked that he still wanted to work with Robbie, though he also mentioned that it might not necessarily involve the Harley Quinn character.
Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn in a still from The Suicide Squad
Robbie stands out as one of the few actresses who genuinely built a fanbase for her DC role. She initially played the role of Joker’s girlfriend/henchwoman in Suicide Squad (2016) and later reprised the role in Birds of Prey and The Suicide Squad.

James Gunn Is Not Ready To Let Go Of Margot Robbie

James Gunn with Margot Robbie on the sets of The Suicide Squad
DCEU fans will miss seeing several of their favorite superhero actors due to the restructuring of the universe into DCU. The fate of many DCEU actors remains unclear, but Margot Robbie’s recent comments have left many DC fans disappointed. During an interview with Variety, Robbie opened up about her Harley Quinn role and shared her thoughts on Lady Gaga playing the role in the upcoming film, Joker: Folie à Deux.

The Terminal actress shared that she always wanted the Harley Quinn character to be passed on to other actresses. She added that the character can go in different directions based on the actress portraying it. According to Robbie, the “options are endless” for the character. Many fans interpreted these comments as a potential indication of her retirement from the role.

When James Gunn took to answer fan questions about DCU on his Threads account, one fan brought up Robbie’s remarks, prompting Gunn to address the obvious question. Gunn shared that he and Robbie had not discussed Harley Quinn for quite some time. He further added that he would love to work with Robbie again, whether in the role of Harley Quinn or any other character. Gunn also clarified that no other actresses were being considered for the iconic character.

 

 

Lady Gaga is set to appear as the character in Todd Phillip’s Joker: Folie á Deux in the DC Elseworlds universe. However, Gaga’s casting doesn’t imply that Robbie is relinquishing her role, as the Elseworlds universe is not part of the main DCU.

Does James Gunn Have Any Plans For Harley Quinn In DCU?

Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad
James Gunn’s comment evoked diverse reactions among fans. However, Gunn addressed one specific concern from a fan. This particular fan was unhappy that the DC CEO didn’t plan anything for Harley Quinn in the new DC Universe. The fan, @phil_moouellet21, even highlighted that Jim Lee, President of DC Comics, considered the character as one of the four pillars of DC alongside Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.

Gunn was quick to clarify his stance, stating, “Mmm that’s not exactly what I said.” This remark strongly suggests that there are indeed plans for Harley Quinn within the DCU. Considering that Gunn reportedly retained some cast members from his 2021 movie, The Suicide Squad, fans can hold onto hope that Margot Robbie may return to her role.

James Gunn’s first film in the DCU, Superman: Legacy, is set for release on July 11, 2025. Meanwhile, DC Elseworlds’ Joker: Folie á Deux will hit theaters on October 8, 2024.