Why Harley Quinn’s Perfect DCEU Return Is Batgirl

HBO Max’s Batgirl movie is the perfect place for Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn to return to the DC Extended Universe. The upcoming movie starring Leslie Grace as Barbara Gordon is confirmed to be connected to the wider universe with J.K. Simmons returning as Jim Gordon. While there are also rumors about Batman appearing in Batgirl, the movie’s villain will be a new addition to the DCEU, as Brendan Fraser plays Firefly. However, Batgirl is also the perfect place for Harley Quinn’s DCEU return.

Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn made her DCEU debut in 2016 with Suicide Squad. Despite the mixed response to David Ayer’s movie, general audiences and critics alike agreed that Harley Quinn was the film’s shining star. It led the studios to develop multiple movies that could bring Robbie back in a bigger role, which led to Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). The movie brought Harley back as part of a team-up with other DC female characters like Black Canary and Huntress before she returned for The Suicide Squad. James Gunn’s movie left Harley Quinn’s DCEU future up in the air, and it isn’t confirmed what will come next for her.

With multiple upcoming DCEU projects in development, it will only be a matter of time before Margot Robbie plays Harley Quinn again, but Batgirl is the perfect place for her next appearance. The DCEU has quickly transformed Harley into more of an anti-hero than a villain, but it is important to remember the character was created as a new Batman villain in Batman: The Animated Series. Harley briefly had the chance to be a Batman villain in Suicide Squad, but the Dark Knight isn’t expected to be a major part of the DCEU’s future. It would then make sense for Harley to be slightly repositioned and become one of Batgirl’s earliest villains

Beyond Harley Quinn’s connection to Batman, it would also be understandable for her to be in Batgirl specifically of all other DCEU projects. Prior to her incarceration for The Suicide Squad, Harley was last seen causing trouble in Gotham City. Since The Suicide Squad’s ending left Harley free to go wherever she wanted, a return to Gotham wouldn’t be too surprising. Whether as a result of her own actions or her association with the Joker, Harley Quinn is certainly someone Barbara Gordon would be aware of. Her return to Gotham could then make her someone Batgirl goes after and attempts to take down once and for all.

Harley Quinn’s DCEU return in Batgirl could then set her up for appearances in multiple other projects. There are rumors that Jurnee Smollet-Bell will appear in the movie to set up the HBO Max Black Canary film, which Harley would be a natural fit for as well. This could even pave the way for Warner Bros. and DC Films to lay the foundation for a solo show or movie for Harley Quinn on the streaming service.