When the extended title of DC’s Birds of Prey movie was revealed to be Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn, fans didn’t think they could be serious. However, Margot Robbie cleared the air on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon Monday, declaring the tone of the movie and reminding everybody of the wackiness of the character she’s playing.
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Robbie, who initially revealed the title on her Instagram, said: “It’s not a very serious movie, so we thought the title should reflect that.” She added, “Birds of Prey makes it sound very serious and then that’s kind of like Harley adding her ‘Hey, don’t worry. I’m in this, too.’”
In that respect, the title makes complete sense; Harley is as big a jokester as Mr. J and would co-opt or rework something in her fashion to lighten it up, or put a smile on it, so to speak. That is true to the character’s persona and reflects her roots. Harley was based on the woman behind the voice that first brought her to life, actress and comedienne Arleen Sorkin.
Harley Quinn has officially arrived as a pop culture icon, independent of either Batman or The Joker, so the title can be taken seriously as an affirmation of her agency.
It also makes sense that they would find a way to put Harley even more front and center since Robbie is so invested in the project. The Aussie actress not only stars and produces but she is working very closely with director Cathy Yan and writer Christina Hodson. The title can be seen as a perk for her passion and belief in the film.
Reactions to the title on social media are mixed but there is a consensus that it is a tad pretentious. While it might testify to a not-so-serious tone, Batman News is quick to point out there will be dark moments so long as the psychopathic Black Mask is around. The crime lord is always out for blood.
Robbie closed by informing Fallon Birds of Prey begins production next year to meet its slated February 2020 release date.