Margot Robbie, known for her portrayal of Harley Quinn in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), has hinted that she may not return to the role. The actor, who has played the supervillain in three films, suggested that the time may have come to pass the character to a new actor as DC embarks on a reboot of the Batman franchise. With Lady Gaga taking on a different version of Harley Quinn in the upcoming Joker: Folie à Deux, it seems Robbie is ready to step aside.

Harley Quinn’s Future in the DC Universe

Robbie first portrayed Harley Quinn in 2016’s Suicide Squad, followed by her roles in Birds of Prey (2020) and The Suicide Squad (2021). Her interpretation of the character has been highly popular with audiences, making her a key figure in the DCEU. However, as the DCEU faces significant changes, including a reboot of the Batman franchise, Robbie’s future as Harley Quinn appears uncertain.

In a recent interview with Variety, when asked about her future in the role, Robbie hinted that her time as Harley may be coming to an end. “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,” Robbie explained.

The introduction of a new version of Harley Quinn, played by Lady Gaga in Joker: Folie à Deux, seems to further signal a shift in direction for the character. Gaga’s portrayal of Harley, set to debut in the film alongside Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker, will be more grounded in reality, departing from Robbie’s version of the character.

Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn and the DC Reboot

With Gaga’s role in Joker: Folie à Deux, the DCEU appears to be exploring a new vision for the Harley Quinn character. In this version, Harley is no longer Dr. Harleen Quinzel, the Joker’s psychiatrist, but an inmate at Arkham Asylum. This change alters the dynamic between Harley and the Joker, shifting from a relationship rooted in psychological manipulation to one where both characters seek love and validation.

The introduction of Gaga’s Harley Quinn coincides with a larger restructuring of the DCEU. Following the mixed reception of recent films like Wonder Woman 1984, Black Adam, and Shazam! Fury of the Gods, the franchise has been undergoing changes, including casting shifts for major characters like Batman and Superman. As part of this reboot, it remains unclear whether Robbie will return to the DCEU as Harley.

Robbie herself has acknowledged that Harley Quinn could become a role passed on to different actors, much like other iconic DC characters. “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,” Robbie shared.

The Changing Landscape of DC’s Characters

Robbie’s uncertain future as Harley Quinn reflects the broader changes happening within the DCEU. As the studio seeks to rebuild its cinematic universe, it is likely that several beloved characters will see new interpretations. Harley Quinn, who Robbie brought to life in a way that has defined the character for many fans, may be one of the first to undergo this transformation.

Although Robbie’s departure from the role has not been confirmed, her recent statements suggest that she may be ready to step aside and allow another actor to take on the character. In the meantime, fans can look forward to seeing Gaga’s interpretation of Harley in Joker: Folie à Deux, which promises to offer a fresh take on the complex and chaotic character.

At the same time, the DCEU’s ongoing projects, such as The Penguin series, continue to develop the universe of Batman-related characters. This series will feature Sofia Falcone and her relationship with Julian Rush, an Arkham doctor, hinting at new iterations of familiar themes seen in the Joker-Harley dynamic.

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