As James Gunn reshapes the DC Universe from the ground up, one burning question continues to haunt fans: will Margot Robbie’s beloved Harley Quinn make the cut? The DC Studios co-CEO’s latest comments suggest he’s keeping those cards very close to his chest.
Playing Coy on Quinn’s Future
During recent Peacemaker Season 2 promotion, Gunn faced the inevitable question about Robbie’s future as the chaotic antihero. When Entertainment Weekly pressed him on whether he’s planning for a new Harley Quinn or if Robbie will reprise her role, his response was frustratingly vague: “That will be revealed down the line.”
It’s a diplomatic non-answer that reveals absolutely nothing while keeping all options open – classic Gunn strategy when dealing with sensitive franchise decisions. Given Robbie’s popularity in the role across three films (Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey, and The Suicide Squad), her potential exclusion would represent one of the DCU reboot’s most controversial casualties.
Bloodsport Gets More Love
Interestingly, Gunn showed considerably more enthusiasm when discussing Idris Elba’s potential return as Bloodsport. “I definitely am always looking for a place to put Bloodsport and figuring that out,” he revealed, suggesting the sharpshooter has a much clearer path back to the DCU than Quinn.
This disparity in responses raises intriguing questions about Gunn’s priorities. While both characters originated in his well-received The Suicide Squad, Bloodsport appears to have made a stronger impression on the filmmaker – or perhaps faces fewer logistical hurdles for a comeback.
The Peacemaker Exception
Currently, John Cena’s Peacemaker stands as the lone DCEU survivor definitively continuing into Gunn’s new universe. The character’s successful HBO Max series and Cena’s enthusiastic collaboration with Gunn likely secured his place in the rebooted continuity.
This precedent proves Gunn isn’t completely abandoning his previous DC work, but it also highlights how selective he’s being about which elements survive the transition. Peacemaker’s inclusion feels more like a special case than a broader trend.
DCU’s Packed Schedule
Gunn certainly has plenty on his plate as he develops Chapter One: Gods & Monsters. The ambitious slate includes The Brave and the Bold (featuring a new Batman that won’t be Robert Pattinson), plus 2026 releases Supergirl and Clayface. Wonder Woman and the next Superman film are also in various stages of development.
With so many new projects demanding attention, finding space for legacy characters like Harley Quinn becomes increasingly challenging. Every returning performer represents both an opportunity and a constraint on the fresh start Gunn is trying to establish.
Reading Between the Lines
While Gunn’s non-committal response might frustrate fans, it’s worth noting he didn’t rule out Robbie’s return entirely. In an era where definitive “no” answers are rare, “that will be revealed down the line” suggests ongoing internal discussions rather than a closed door.
The real question isn’t whether Harley Quinn will return to the DCU – it’s whether Margot Robbie will be the one wielding the baseball bat. Gunn’s silence might indicate negotiations, creative considerations, or simply the natural uncertainty that comes with rebuilding an entire cinematic universe from scratch.
For now, fans will have to wait for those promised revelations, while Peacemaker continues flying the DCEU flag solo in the new DCU landscape.
