- Primary Subject: Margot Robbie’s future as Harley Quinn in the DCU.
- Key Update: James Gunn addressed whether Margot Robbie will return as Harley Quinn in the DCU.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: October 30, 2026
- Quick Answer: James Gunn wants Margot Robbie back as Harley Quinn, but if she declines, he will recast the character to fit his new DCU.
James Gunn recently addressed the possibility of Margot Robbie returning as Harley Quinn in the DCU franchise.
The Oscar-nominated actress last played the fan-favorite villain/anti-hero character in 2021's The Suicide Squad. Since then, she hasn't reprised the role in the new DCU franchise, and fans have been wondering whether she will still return now that Gunn is shepherding the franchise.
Is Margot Robbie Returning as Harley Quinn in DCU?
During a discussion in The Suicide Squad: Is It Canon? The Official Podcast, James Gunn addressed the status of Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn in the DCU and revealed whether she will return to the role.
He expressed doubt that the actress might be willing to reprise the role at this point, due to her busy schedule, as she is one of the biggest stars today.
"I think Harley is actually one of the more difficult things in this to justify as being canon in the DCU. [Robbie] is one of my favorite actors to work with," Gunn said. "She is so good in the movie. I love her as Harley. I don’t know if she wants to play Harley again. She may be over that."
However, the DC Studios co-chairman also pointed out that they are opening the doors for Robbie to return as Harley Quinn if she decides to do so.
"I don’t know where Margot’s head is with all of this. Harley is a character I’m almost certainly going to use in the DCU, and if Margot wants to play her, then I’ll bend over backwards to explain that in the world. But if she doesn’t, then I might go with somebody else, where I don’t have to be attached to what happens to Harley in this movie," he added.
For now, it looks like fans should not expect Robbie's Harley Quinn to be part of the DCU anytime soon, but at the very least, there is still a way for her to return. However, a recast is now also a possibility, given that Gunn suggests that he might use the character again soon.
What's Next in the DCU?
The next DCU movie is Man of Tomorrow, which will serve as the fourth feature film in the franchise. It is slated for release in theaters on July 9, 2027.
David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult are confirmed to reprise their respective roles of Superman/Clark Kent and Lex Luthor. Just like the first movie, James Gunn is also serving as the director and writer of the project.
Other cast members who are expected to return in the film are Frank Grillo (Rick Flag, Sr.), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen), Sara Sampaio (Eve Teschmacher), Isabela Merced (Hawkgirl), Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Edi Gathegi (Mister Terrific), and Milly Alcock (Supergirl).
Aaron Pierre is confirmed to reprise the role of John Stewart from Lanterns, while German actor Lars Eidinger has been cast to play Brainiac. Adria Arjona, Matthew Lillard, and Andre Royo are also part of the cast. Xolo Maridueña is set to appear as Blue Beetle, making him officially part of the DCU.
While most of the plot details are under wraps, Gunn teased that the film "is a story about Lex Luthor and Superman having to work together to a certain degree against a much, much bigger threat."
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