In a recent revelation, the accomplished actress Margot Robbie, celebrated for her portrayal of the iconic DC Comics character Harley Quinn, expressed her desire to pass on the role to other talented actresses.
During an exclusive interview with Variety, Robbie openly shared her thoughts on Lady Gaga potentially taking on the character in Todd Phillips’ forthcoming film, Joker: Folie à Deux. Robbie disclosed, “I always wanted Harley to be a character that would get passed on to other actresses to play, the way there are so many iconic male characters.”
Robbie’s perspective on the matter underscores her belief in the versatility of Harley Quinn and the myriad possibilities different actresses can bring to the character. “Harley’s so fun and can go in so many different directions. You put her in someone else’s hands, and it’s like, ‘What are they going to do with her?’ The options are endless,” she added.
Having portrayed Harley Quinn in three live-action movies—Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey, and The Suicide Squad—Robbie’s openness to diverse interpretations resonates with the tradition of iconic male characters undergoing various portrayals on screen.
A pertinent example is Bruce Wayne/Batman, whose recent depiction by Robert Pattinson in Matt Reeves’ 2022 film, The Batman, stands alongside the multifaceted portrayals in last year’s DC film, The Flash. Ben Affleck, Michael Keaton, and George Clooney all brought their unique takes on the caped crusader in a testament to the character’s enduring appeal. Interestingly, Warner Bros. has yet to unveil the actor set to don the cape in the upcoming film, Batman: The Brave and the Bold.
Margot Robbie’s advocacy for the passing of the Harley Quinn torch reflects a broader trend in the industry, where iconic characters evolve with different actors, contributing to the richness and diversity of storytelling on the big screen.
