The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has undergone some significant changes over the past year. They most recently brought on Walter Hamada to become the new President of DC Films. With all of the recent changes, it’s left quite a few things up in the air.
One of the most important pieces is the return of I, Tonya star Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn to the big screen. Robbie has been rumored to be attached to a number of Harley Quinn-centric projects including Gotham City Sirens, a Harley Quinn solo film, a Harley Quinn and Joker film, as well as the possibility of voicing Harley in the upcoming R-rated animated series. She’s also expected to reprise her role in the Suicide Squad sequel. However, an older project has reportedly entered the running that could also star Robbie’s Harley Quinn. That project is Birds of Prey.
The Wrap is now reporting there are actually three movies in contention to bring Harley Quinn back to the big screen. Those films include the Suicide Squad sequel, Birds of Prey, and a Harley Quinn vs. Joker movie.
Suicide Squad Sequel
The Suicide Squad film looks to be the most likely candidate given it was on DC’s most recent slate of films. The film could also introduce Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Black Adam to the DCEU. The rumor is the film would see the Suicide Squad attempt to track down a weapon of mass destruction. Unbeknownst to the Squad, the weapon of mass destruction is Black Adam. The film currently has a writer and Gavin O’Conner. It’s possible he could also direct the film. The most recent rumors indicate the film could start shooting sometime this fall.
Birds of Prey
Birds of Prey was announced a few years back. Screenwriter Christina Hodson, who also wrote the upcoming Transformers spin-off Bumblee is attached to pen the film. There aren’t many details about the story, but it’s expected to feature a number of female heroes and supervillains including Robbie’s Harley Quinn. The current comic book line-up for the Birds of Prey includes Black Canary, Batgirl, and Huntress. Other members of the team include Big Barda, Hawkgirl, Vixen, Katana, Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Dove, Hawk, and others.
Joker vs Harley
Joker vs Harley would see both Jared Leto and Margot Robbie reprise their roles as Joker and Harley Quinn. This Is Us director and executive producer Glenn Ficarra and John Requa are attached to write and direct the film. The latest details see this film turning into a Mr. and Mrs. Smith love story.
With Birds of Prey in the mix it would appear David Ayer’s Gotham City Sirens might be permanently on the back burner.
Which one of these is the most interesting to you?
I’d like to see a Suicide Squad sequel, but if Black Adam is the primary antagonist it feels a waste of his debut into the DCEU. Plus Black Adam is pretty niche character even for comic books. He deserves his own solo movie. However, I could see them introducing Black Adam at the end of the film. Maybe, he just awakens from centuries of sleep just before Adam Waller gets her hands on him.
As for Birds of Prey, I’m a huge fan of Huntress, but it just doesn’t seem to be the right time story wise for this film. Harley rode off into the sunset with Joker at the end of Suicide Squad. But it could actually be a way to show that Harley is a real villain opposite a number of heroes who are trying to take her down.
The Joker vs Harley Quinn is actually very intriguing to me. It limits the amount of characters from the get go, or at least it should. This allows Robbie and Leto to really shine. We can truly see what these phenomenal actors can do with these characters. Add in the twisted love angle and it could be a huge hit. In addition, if the film goes well it could then lead into Birds of Prey or Gotham City Sirens. Harley leaves Joker and ties her ship to the Sirens who maybe go head to head with the Birds of Prey? I’d watch it.
Which one do you want to see DC Films pursue?