What’s new in the DCEU? Given the often turbulent state of Warner Bros’ shared superhero universe, that is the question on the lips of fans the world over, particularly as the reception of ‘Wonder Woman’ earlier this summer suggests that it may finally be finding its footing.
Regarding the studio’s future plans for the franchise, it’s clear that last summer’s ‘Suicide Squad‘ is going to be a big part of it. While the film proved divisive among fans and critics alike, it nonetheless fared well at the box office. This success virtually guaranteed some sort of follow up, particularly given the response to actress Margot Robbie’s interpretation of Harley Quinn, which was embraced by the film’s fans and detractors in equal measure.
Reports from the convention indicate that Warner is developing a spinoff known as ‘Harley Quinn vs The Joker’. We’ll have more information after Warner’s Hall H panel tomorrow morning, but if this information is correct, it will establish Harley Quinn as a much larger part of the unfolding DCEU that might have otherwise been expected. In addition to a ‘Suicide Squad’ sequel in which Robbie is expected to reprise her role, it was announced some time ago that the character would appear in a film adaptation of ‘Gotham City Sirens‘, which is set to be helmed by ‘Suicide Squad director David Ayer and produced by Robbie.
‘Harley Quinn vs The Joker’ would also provide our first solid insight into the future of the film’s other title character. Like much of the film, the reaction to Jared Leto’s version of the Clown Prince of Crime was decidedly mixed. Indeed, even Leto himself seemed ambivalent about the role, going as far as to publicly complain about the extent to which his scenes were excised from the final film. Ever since, he has been cagey about whether or not he would return for the sequel, which has only fueled speculation that he might walk away from the part. This spinoff, though, might help account for some of that, allowing Leto to stay out of ‘Suicide Squad 2’ while also giving him the opportunity to return to the role in a much larger capacity.
Be sure to check back with ScienceFiction.com for more news on upcoming DCEU films – including ‘Harley Quinn vs The Joker’ – as it becomes available.
