The Ultimate Guide To Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn: Costume Evolution, DCU Future, And The 'Hot' Controversy

As of December 2025, Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn remains one of the most electric and celebrated performances in modern superhero cinema, setting a gold standard for the iconic DC character. Her three-film run—spanning the chaotic energy of *Suicide Squad* (2016), the punk rock anarchy of *Birds of Prey* (2020), and the heartfelt violence of *The Suicide Squad* (2021)—cemented her status as the definitive live-action Dr. Harleen Quinzel.

The conversation around Robbie’s Harley Quinn is always intense, especially concerning her provocative style and the burning question of her future in the new DC Universe (DCU) under James Gunn. With Lady Gaga stepping into the role for *Joker: Folie à Deux*, fans are desperate for the latest updates on whether the original Queen of Chaos will ever return to wield her famous baseball bat.

Margot Robbie: Full Biography and Profile

Margot Elise Robbie is an Australian actress and producer whose career has spanned from Australian soap operas to major Hollywood blockbusters, earning her multiple Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations. Her work through her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, has been instrumental in creating female-led stories, including the *Harley Quinn* films and the cultural phenomenon *Barbie*.

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• Full Name: Margot Elise Robbie
• Date of Birth: July 2, 1990
• Place of Birth: Dalby, Queensland, Australia
• Height: 5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
• Spouse: Tom Ackerley (m. 2016)
• Notable Roles (Non-DC): Naomi Lapaglia (*The Wolf of Wall Street*), Tonya Harding (*I, Tonya*), Sharon Tate (*Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*), Barbie (*Barbie*)
• DC Filmography: *Suicide Squad* (2016), *Birds of Prey* (2020), *The Suicide Squad* (2021)

The 'Hot' Controversy: Harley Quinn's Costume Evolution

One of the most talked-about aspects of Margot Robbie’s time as the character has been the evolution of her costumes, particularly the initial look from the 2016 film. This aesthetic choice was a major point of curiosity and debate among fans and critics, directly contributing to the "hot" buzz surrounding her performance.

The 'Daddy's Lil Monster' Era (Suicide Squad, 2016)

The first live-action look for Dr. Harleen Quinzel was a radical departure from the classic Jester suit. The ensemble, featuring ripped fishnets, tiny shorts, a tattered 'Daddy's Lil Monster' t-shirt, and a jacket, was highly revealing and immediately sparked controversy.

Many argued the costume over-sexualized the character, reducing the complex psychiatrist-turned-villain to a male gaze fantasy. However, the look became instantly iconic, driving massive cosplay trends and cementing the visual identity of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) version of Harley Quinn.

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Margot Robbie herself later admitted she wasn't a fan of the restrictive and revealing nature of the outfit, a sentiment that fueled the subsequent costume changes.

The Fantabulous Emancipation and Comic Accuracy

Following the criticism, the subsequent films made a conscious effort to move away from the hyper-sexualized look, focusing instead on her independence and personality.

• *Birds of Prey* (2020): This film introduced multiple outfits that were still colorful and chaotic but significantly less revealing. The gold overalls and caution tape jacket were seen as a step toward reflecting Harley's inner emancipation and giving her a more punk-rock, self-designed aesthetic.
• *The Suicide Squad* (2021): Director James Gunn embraced the classic source material, giving Robbie a tactical, red-and-black leather suit that was a direct homage to the traditional comic book and animated series look. This outfit was widely praised for balancing the character's fun energy with a more practical, battle-ready appearance.

This evolution from the controversial 2016 short-shorts to the beloved, comic-accurate Jester colors in 2021 demonstrates a rare instance of a studio actively responding to fan and actor feedback to improve a character's representation.

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The DCU Future: Will Margot Robbie Return to the Role?

The most pressing question for fans is whether Robbie will reprise her role as the Queen of Arkham Asylum in the new DC Universe, which is being overseen by DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn. As of the latest updates in late 2024 and early 2025, the answer remains a tantalizing "maybe," but with significant caveats.

The Lady Gaga Factor

The casting of Lady Gaga as a different version of Harley Quinn in Todd Phillips’ *Joker: Folie à Deux* (2024) has led many to speculate that Robbie’s time is over. However, Robbie has been overwhelmingly supportive of this development.

In a 2024 interview, Robbie stated that she was "so happy" that the character is being passed on and that it’s a dream for her to see Harley Quinn become one of those great roles, like Batman or Macbeth, that different actors get to interpret. This suggests she is ready to let go of the mantle, at least for now.

James Gunn’s Vague Promise

James Gunn, who directed Robbie in *The Suicide Squad* and now helms the entire DCU, has been intentionally vague about her future. He has confirmed that he loves working with Margot Robbie and that the decision for her to return will be made later.

Currently, no projects in the DCU's "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters" slate have officially included Robbie's Harley Quinn. While the door is not explicitly closed, the focus is on building a cohesive new universe, which may mean a fresh start for all characters, including Dr. Harleen Quinzel.

For now, fans must cherish the three brilliant, chaotic, and unforgettable performances Margot Robbie gave us. Her iteration of the character redefined the anti-heroine, brought the former psychiatrist out of the Joker's shadow, and sparked a global conversation about representation, style, and empowerment.