Margot Robbie will NOT be replaced as Harley Quinn in James Gunn's new DC Universe

Martin Macdonald - 18 January 2024, 09:43 Modified: 18 January 2024, 10:04 Share

James Gunn says there are no plans for Margot Robbie to be replaced as Harley Quinn in the new DC Universe.

The actress has received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Quinn in Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey and The Suicide Squad.

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The first Suicide Squad movie received savage reviews from critics, but her performance was considered a standout.

Now, the honour of playing Harley is being passed to Lady Gaga, who will feature as the character in Joker: Folie a Deux. Robbie says the plan for Quinn was always for her to be portrayed by a number of different performers, each of whom would bring something different to the role.

"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," she previously told Variety.

"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."

The new DC Universe

Gunn was appointed as DC Studios' new creative executive last year and he is working on a new universe that will replace the old DC Extended Universe that ended with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.

Several actors will be replaced, but that won't be the case for Robbie if Gunn has his way, as Gaga's depiction of Harley Quinn in Todd Phillips' Joker sequel is not within the new universe.

"I haven't talked to Margot about Harley for a long time," Gunn wrote on Threads.

"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.)"