DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has provided a significant update regarding the future of the DC Universe, specifically addressing the status of two iconic characters. During a recent interaction with fans on social media, Gunn clarified the casting trajectory for the Dark Knight and the ongoing association of Margot Robbie with the role of Harley Quinn.
Addressing the highly anticipated search for a new actor to portray the Caped Crusader, Gunn noted that the process is moving forward steadily. He stated that the casting for the DCU’s version of the character “isn’t very far away” as the studio continues to develop its slate of interconnected films and television projects.
The search for a new Batman is a central component of the “Gods and Monsters” chapter of the DCU, which officially begins with the upcoming film Superman. Fans have been speculating about who might don the cowl for the project titled The Brave and the Bold, which is expected to focus on the dynamic between Bruce Wayne and his son, Damian Wayne.
Regarding the character of Harley Quinn, Gunn was equally direct about the future of the franchise. While the DCU is undergoing a major creative reboot, Gunn emphasized that the decision to portray the character rests entirely with the actress. He explicitly mentioned that “Harley Quinn is Margot Robbie’s move”, indicating that the studio is not actively looking to recast the role despite the broader changes occurring within the cinematic universe.
Robbie has played the character since the 2016 film Suicide Squad and reprised the role in 2020’s Birds of Prey and 2021’s The Suicide Squad, which was written and directed by Gunn. Her performance has been widely praised by critics and audiences alike, cementing her status as the definitive live-action version of the character for many fans. Gunn’s comments serve to reassure the audience that while the DCU is evolving, the studio remains respectful of the established performances that have defined these characters over the last decade.