Harley Quinn has become one of DC’s most valuable characters over the years, and her popularity skyrocketed when Margot Robbie took on the role. Robbie gave the villain more of an anti-hero persona, with many fans falling in love with her depiction of the chaotic Batman rogue, but it remains unclear if the A-list actress will continue playing her in the DCU.
Despite Robbie taking on the mantle of Harley Quinn for the third time in James Gunn’s first DC project, The Suicide Squad, only certain parts of the movie are officially canon in this soft reboot. Therefore, some people feel like the DCU needs to recast Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn for the studio to truly transition into a new era.
Although Peacemaker season 2 made certain DCEU aspects canon in Gunn’s universe, we have seen very different versions of Superman, Lois Lane, and Lex Luthor. As a result, Harley Quinn could be the next to undergo a big transformation, and if Margot Robbie doesn’t return as the fan favorite, I know one actress who would be perfect for the role.
Maddie Phillips Would Make A Great Harley Quinn In James Gunn’s DCU
If Gen V taught me anything, it’s that Maddie Phillips could make for an interesting Harley Quinn. The 31-year-old has the perfect look and skill set to take on this high-profile character, and her most recognizable roles feel like strong auditions. In Supernatural, Phillips plays a necromancer posing as a librarian who is guilty of killing several men.
Her sweet and unimposing demeanor is extremely convincing, making these sinister revelations all the more menacing. This proves she could adopt Harley Quinn’s more cunning traits, alongside her chaotic and violent side. Additionally, Phillips’ redemption arc as Cate in Gen V season 2 suggests she could make fans root for Harley, even after some seemingly unforgivable crimes.
In The Boys spinoff, Cate betrayed her friends on multiple occasions and went down a dark path that she almost never recovered from, largely because she was being manipulated. Harley’s story in most media is largely the same, as The Joker’s influence frequently causes her to leave behind a promising career and become a notorious criminal.
Regardless of whether the DCU wants Harley to be a disturbed outlaw acting on blind loyalty or a reformed vigilante trying to make amends for her past, Maddie Phillips has proven she can convey either version through her previous roles, and given the opportunity, I’m convinced she would nail this iconic character.
Should The DCU Recast Margot Robbie As Harley Quinn?
When it comes to recasting Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn in the DCU, there are some major pros and cons. On the one hand, it would be great to see someone new getting the opportunity to tackle the character, a sentiment Robbie herself has even echoed. Likewise, it would allow for a fresh interpretation of Harley that doesn’t feel tied to previous projects.
However, Margot Robbie’s impressive performance as Harley Quinn has become one of the anti-hero’s most popular iterations, and having such a well-known actress attached to the DCU is a great selling point. Additionally, her role in The Suicide Squad makes her feel connected to this universe already, and a new Harley may not work after her interactions with John Cena’s Peacemaker.
Personally, I think Gunn’s live-action DC reboot should stick with Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn so long as she’s happy to continue playing her. Fortunately, there is still the chance to have an alternative version in Matt Reeves’ Batman universe or other Elseworlds projects, meaning someone like Maddie Phillips could give their own unique take on the franchise’s fastest rising star.
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Gen V
8/10
- Release Date
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September 28, 2023
- Network
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Prime Video
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Lizze Broadway
Emma Meyer / Little Cricket
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- Birthdate
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July 2, 1990
- Birthplace
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Dalby, Queensland, Australia
- Notable Projects
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Birds of Prey, Barbie, The Suicide Squad
