Gunn frames this as a respectful acknowledgment of Robbie's growth as an artist, insisting he would 'bend over backwards' to accommodate her return if she chooses it.
The internet is buzzing with speculation that Gunn is already scouting replacements, using the 'canon' excuse to quietly prepare the studio for a recast without burning bridges.
On October 29, 2026, Gunn stated, 'I don't know if she wants to play Harley again. She may be over that,' while confirming Batman is the only DCU character established via 'Creature Commandos.'
Gunn is leaving the door open, but the 'canon' hurdle suggests Harley Quinn might be getting a new face in the DCU.
The DC Universe reboot has hit its first major casting snafu, and it involves one of its most iconic villains. James Gunn, the co-head of DC Studios, took to his new podcast, The Suicide Squad: Is It Canon?, to address the elephant in the room: Will Margot Robbie return as Harley Quinn? His answer wasn't the definitive 'yes' fans were hoping for. Instead, Gunn delivered a nuanced, slightly ominous assessment of the situation, stating, 'I think Harley is actually one of the more difficult things in this to justify as being canon in the DCU.' This isn't just creative flexibility; it’s a strategic hedge that suggests the studio is preparing for life without Robbie’s specific iteration of the character. The core of the conflict lies in narrative continuity. Gunn pointed out that the dynamic between Harley and the Joker is foundational to her previous appearances, yet the Joker has not been established in the new DCU. In fact, Gunn clarified that only Batman has been introduced so far, via a cameo in the animated series Creature Commandos. Without the Joker’s presence, Gunn argues, justifying Robbie’s Harley as 'canon' becomes a logistical nightmare. This technicality serves as a convenient off-ramp, allowing Gunn to potentially recast the role without directly criticizing Robbie’s performance or her contract status. Despite the canon complications, Gunn’s tone toward Robbie remains affectionate. He reminisced about directing her in the 2021 film The Suicide Squad, calling her 'one of my favorite actors to work with' and praising her performance with, 'I love her as Harley.' However, he quickly pivoted to the reality of her career trajectory. 'I don't know if she wants to play Harley again. She may be over that,' Gunn admitted. This sentiment was echoed by his podcast co-host, Jennifer Holland, who noted that Robbie has become an even bigger star since filming the movie. The implication is clear: Robbie’s skyrocketing fame and potential desire for new challenges may have outpaced her interest in returning to a role she’s played three times already. Gunn’s final statement was a double-edged sword. He confirmed, 'Harley is a character I'm almost certainly going to use in the DCU,' signaling the villain’s inevitable return. But he added the crucial caveat: '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.' This is the ultimate power move. Gunn is placing the burden of choice on Robbie, but he’s also signaling that the studio will not wait indefinitely. If she’s 'over it,' as he suspects she might be, the baton will be passed. The DCU is moving forward, with or without its most chaotic anti-hero.
