James Gunn said he’ll definitely work with Margot Robbie, which means we’ll see Harley Quinn in the DC Universe and there are a few ways to make it happen.
Since the dawn of Harley Quinn in Batman: The Animated Series, she has become one of the most beloved and recognizable characters in the DC Universe. Her cinematic debut in 2016’s Suicide Squad was a massive success, thanks in large part to the captivating performance of Margot Robbie. Since then, we’ve seen Harley Quinn in 2020’s Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), and the critically acclaimed The Suicide Squad (2022), directed by James Gunn.
The inclusion of Harley Quinn in these films has been a breath of fresh air for comic book fans. Robbie’s performance has been praised for its depth and complexity, making the character more than just a sidekick to the Joker. In Birds of Prey, we see Harley Quinn take center stage, showcasing her independence and strength as a character.
James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad makes up for the questionable depiction of Harley Quinn that we saw in 2016’s Suicide Squad. Cathy Yan’s Birds of Prey was the first and most crucial corrective measure, allowing the character to be fully fleshed out. Thankfully, in The Suicide Squad, Gunn continued this trend by showcasing a Harley who feels like an excellent continuation from Birds of Prey. She cares about her team, dresses more comfortably, and is on the lookout for “red flags” in the behavior of others. But why is there still more of Harley Quinn’s story to tell?
For one, Robbie herself is heavily invested in the character. She’s expressed her desire to continue playing Harley Quinn and has even pitched her own ideas for future films. Robbie’s passion for the character is evident, and it’s clear that she’s not done telling Harley Quinn’s story. Given that James Gunn said he’d for sure work with Robbie, we’re hopefully destined to see Harley in the DCU. Luckily for all of us, there are countless storylines and narratives that could be explored in future films.
5. A Revenge Flick
There are many great Harley Quinn storylines to choose from, but Vengeance Unlimited, takes the cake. It’s a dark and thrilling comic book series that sees Harley taking on The Joker in a battle of revenge. Who doesn’t want to see that? Even better, this movie could be a lower budget film, easily under $80 million.
In Vengeance Unlimited, Harley is seeking revenge on all the people who have wronged her in the past, including The Joker. She enlists the help of a group of mercenaries called the Quinntettes and embarks on a mission to take down her enemies one by one. Along the way, she discovers that The Joker has put a price on her head, and she must fight to stay alive while seeking vengeance.
Adapting Vengeance Unlimited into a film would be a smart move for DC, as it would capitalize on the popularity of Harley Quinn and give fans the gritty, action-packed revenge story they’ve been waiting for. Here’s how DC can make it work as a cohesive and engaging story:
Let’s keep it simple, the film should focus on Harley’s character development. Vengeance Unlimited is a story about Harley’s journey to reclaim her power and seek revenge on those who have wronged her. To make the film work, DC should showcase Harley’s growth as a strong, independent antihero and delve into her complicated relationship with The Joker.
Speaking of The Joker, Jared Leto deserves better, so does the Joker. Here is a chance to right the wrongs of Suicide Squad. In this case, he should be the ultimate villain of the film. Harley’s history with The Joker is one of the most iconic aspects of her character, and in Vengeance Unlimited, she finally gets the chance to take him down.
Vengeance Unlimited is full of action, from Harley taking on a gang of bikers to fighting off The Joker’s henchmen. The DCU can get creative with the action sequences, using Harley’s acrobatic skills. With Gunn and Safran we can expect the DCU to embrace the dark tone of the story and not shy away from the more mature aspects of the material, especially in this case.
4. Harley Quinn the hero
Harley Quinn: The clown princess of crime, the lover of chaos and mayhem. But what if we told you there was a different side of Harley Quinn we haven’t seen yet? One storyline that could make for an excellent film adaptation is Harley Quinn: Futures End.
This one-shot comic book shows us a possible future where Harley is no longer the sidekick or love interest of the Joker. Instead, she’s the protector of Coney Island. In a city that’s in ruins and overrun by gangs, Harley is the only thing standing between the people and total anarchy. It’s a different side of Harley than we’re used to seeing, and it’s a refreshing take on the character.
A film adaptation of Harley Quinn: Futures End would be a great opportunity to explore this different side of the character. The film could be a lower-budget action movie that’s hyper-focused on the city and Harley’s journey as a hero. We could see her struggling to keep the peace in a city that’s constantly under attack, while also dealing with her own personal demons.
The best part about a film adaptation of Harley Quinn: Futures End is that it wouldn’t require a huge budget. Instead of relying on big special effects and explosions, the focus could be on the characters and their relationships. We could see Harley forming alliances with new villains or taking them down with her signature baseball bat.
The film could also dive into Harley’s personal growth as a hero. We could see her struggling with the responsibilities that come with being a hero and the toll it takes on her emotionally. We could see her overcoming her demons and becoming a true hero in her own right.
3. New leader of Task Force X
The Suicide Squad didn’t bank a ton of money despite the all-star cast that featured Idris Elba, Margot Robbie, and Harley Quinn – something that was likely down to its release during the pandemic and its simultaneous release on HBO Max. Still, it shouldn’t stop Gunn from taking another stab at Task Force X. More importantly, he could feature Harley Quinn as the leader by adapting Suicide Squad: Rebirth into live-action, specifically issues No. 14-26.
Since The Flash is resetting the DCU, Gunn, and Safran can have some actors reprise their roles. Jai Courtney’s Captain Boomerang had potential, but the character died way too soon. There was also the Killer Croc problem. Warner Bros studio interference destroyed the excellent performance by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Killer Croc; he deserved better — this will give him that. There is also the return of Will Smith as Deadshot. Since Gunn didn’t kill off his character, strategically we can see the Oscar winner return.
The storyline kicks off with Amanda Waller being removed from power. In her place, Harley is given the task of leading the team. As the new leader of the Squad, Harley faces navigating political intrigue within the government and fighting off a dangerous new enemy who threatens the Squad’s very existence. Harley’s character development is on full display. She learns to take on a new level of responsibility and grow into a leadership role, all while maintaining her trademark sense of humor and wit.
One of the standout moments in the storyline is Harley’s interactions with the other members of the Squad, including Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, and Killer Croc. Given Harley’s unconventional approach to leadership, she often clashes with their more traditional views, leading to a series of tense and humorous moments that showcase the depth of Harley’s character.
2. Gotham City Sirens
For nearly a decade, fans have wanted to see a live-action Gotham City Sirens. If you don’t know, GCS is one of the most iconic and beloved comic book series in the DC Universe, featuring three of Batman’s most dangerous and seductive foes, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, and Catwoman. The series has garnered a massive following among comic book fans.
The dynamic between the three characters is electric. Harley is the wildcard, always ready for action and unpredictable. Poison Ivy is the brains of the operation, with her vast knowledge of plants and her calm, calculating demeanor. And Catwoman, like Harley, is a bit of a wildcard with her sharp wit and agility.
Another reason why fans want to see a Gotham City Sirens film is the potential for incredible action and fight scenes. Each of the three characters brings a unique set of skills to the table, from Harley’s acrobatics and gymnastics to Poison Ivy’s control over plants and Catwoman’s mastery of martial arts.
The Gotham City Sirens comic book series also provides an opportunity for incredible character development. Each of the three characters has a complex backstory, with motivations and struggles that make them more than just villains. A film that delves into their pasts and explores their relationships with each other would be incredibly compelling.
A Gotham City Sirens film is something that fans have been clamoring for, and with the talented cast of characters, potential for incredible action and fight scenes, and opportunity for character development, it’s not hard to see why.
1. Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy
Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy are two of the most iconic and beloved characters in the DC Universe. Their friendship and relationship have been explored in various comic book series, and fans have been clamoring for a Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy film for years. Harley Quinn’s animated series capitalized off the fanfare and greatness that is an amazing duo.
Let’s be honest, the chemistry between Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy is undeniable. Their dynamic is a perfect mix of fun, chaos, and romance. Their unique personalities complement each other perfectly, with Harley’s wild and unpredictable nature balancing out Poison Ivy’s calm and calculated approach. A film that explores their relationship would be a perfect blend of action, humor, and romance.
One of the best things about Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy is their incredibly interesting and complex backstories. Everyone knows Harley Quinn was originally introduced as the Joker’s sidekick, but she has since developed into a complex and multifaceted character with a troubled past. We’ve seen her story play out a little bit in the films. However, we have no idea who Poison Ivy is in the DCU. In the comics, Ivy is known as a brilliant scientist who became a villain after a series of tragic events. A film that explores Ivy’s past, making her the featured character and establishing her motivations would be a great opportunity.
Where would you like to see Harley Quinn featured in the DC Universe next? Let us know in the comments below!