Sophia Michaels
Way back in 2016, Margot Robbie made her debut as Harley Quinn in “Suicide Squad.” She’s reprised the role twice since — in 2020’s spinoff “Birds of Prey” and in 2021’s “The Suicide Squad,” directed by newly appointed DC head James Gunn. Gunn and Peter Safran took over DC Studios in the fall of 2022, and while their announced plan for the DC Universe’s first chapter doesn’t include Robbie as Quinn just yet, the “Barbie” star really wants to be back: and she has big plans for Harley. Specifically, she wants her character version to romance Poison Ivy, just like in the comics.
Speaking to Comicbook.com in December 2022, she said, “I have been pushing for that for years. I cannot tell you how hard I’ve been pushing for that. I want it too.” When it came to who she would cast as Ivy, she added, “Honestly, when I pictured, I always picture like Poison Ivy in the comics. I don’t really actually picture an actress doing it, but I agree, that would be so good.”
Harley’s bisexuality was established on screen in “Birds of Prey,” but Robbie isn’t the only A-lister to tackle the character in recent years. Kaley Cuoco has voiced the character in the adult animation “Harley Quinn” on Max since 2019, and her version of the supervillain is in a long-standing relationship with Poison Ivy (voiced by Lake Bell). Plus, Lady Gaga is taking on the role in the “Joker: Folie à Deux”, which is expected to be released in 2024 (and is unrelated to the main DC films).
As far as queer representation in superhero films, some iconic LGBTQ+ Marvel and DC heroes have made it to the screen so far. Ahead, we’re running down some of the biggest appearances, and which queer superheroes you can look forward to seeing on screen soon.
