James Gunn Says Harley Quinn Will Return in the New DC Universe, Though Margot Robbie's Future in the Role is Unsure

Harley Quinn will almost certainly return in the new DC Universe, but actor Margot Robbie may not play the character again. James Gunn shared this update while appearing on the podcast titled The Suicide Squad: Is It Canon? The Official Podcast. Gunn hosted the podcast alongside Jennifer Holland and Steve Agee, who both starred in his movie The Suicide Squad. The group discussed which parts of that film will carry over into the new franchise, ultimately deciding that most of the movie is canon to the rebooted universe, with one small asterisk regarding Harley Quinn's future. Gunn stated that he wants a little leeway from fans because he is not sure exactly how her return will happen. Gunn also noted that Robbie has become one of the biggest female stars in the world and might be done playing the role. Robbie first played the live-action character in David Ayer's 2016 film Suicide Squad, returned in 2020 for Birds of Prey, and starred in Gunn's standalone sequel in 2021. Since that film, she achieved massive box office success with Barbie, starred in Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights, and is set to star in Tim Burton's Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman, leaving her schedule very busy.

Context

Film franchises often reboot or restructure their universes while keeping certain past characters and films as canon to maintain fan interest and continuity. Margot Robbie's busy career with major films like Barbie has established her as a leading global box office star. Franchise plans frequently evolve as leading actors take on new projects and full schedules.