Along with Bruce Timm, Paul Dini co-created the groundbreaking ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ in the 90s, which proved to be one of the best super hero animated series of all time.  One of the show’s greatest creations was The Joker’s ditsy moll Harley Quinn.  The lovestruck henchwoman was inspired by her voice actress Arleen Sorkin and was intended to only appear in one episode, but Harley touched a nerve and became a breakout star, who not only appeared in numerous episodes, but went on to later shows like ‘Superman: The Animated Series’ and ‘Justice League.’  She was even incorporated into the comics, where she has headlined her own series on several occasions and has proven a merchandising bonanza.

Now Harley Quinn will be one of the main characters in the live action ‘Suicide Squad’ movie, directed by David Ayer and co-starring such huge names as Will Smith, Ben Affleck and Viola Davis.  But most eyes are on Margot Robbie who will be playing Harley and Jared Leto as The Joker.

The Harley and Joker presented in ‘Suicide Squad’ differ quite a bit from the streamlined characters on ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ and even the versions from the comics.  Earlier, Bruce Timm gave a thumbs up to the changes and acknowledged that alterations are par for the course of transferring a fictional character from one medium to another.

What does Dini think of this alternate take on characters he is so associated with, including one he co-created?

Here’s what he had to say:

“Jared Leto’s version of [The Joker] is almost like a decadent rockstar… There’s a little bit of Sid and Nancy to the Joker and Harley, which I always felt would not be a bad look if they were in a live-action movie. If you made the movie all fantasy, yes the animated look works well. But, if you put it in that realistic world, I feel like they would look like down-and out-rockers. They would look dangerous.

“I know it’s jarring to a lot of the people who love the classic Bruce Timm suit. I love it myself. But in that world, I just don’t see it happening. It’s a rougher, more street look. I think it works fine.”

When questioned about Robbie personifying a character he created, Dini was likewise positive:

“I think Margot is very nice. She’s a wonderful actress, certainly very attractive and very talented. I’m very excited to see that interpretation of Harley. That’s the thing about the character. Yeah I created her, but on the other hand I know that she’s other people’s toys and I can’t get too possessive over that.”

So it looks like Margot Robbie has the stamp of approval from both of Harley Quinn’s original creators, which has to be a relief.

The looks of both Harley Quinn and The Joker have been controversial among fans.  Some certainly prefer the more classic designs and see the new interpretations as being too out there, while others embrace a more punky dangerous look to the cartoony style.

Then again, folks weren’t enamored of Heath Ledger‘s appearance until they saw ‘The Dark Knight’ and witnessed his chilling performance first hand.  Ledger won a posthumous Academy Award for his turn as The Joker, the highest acting accolade ever bestowed upon an actor in a comic book movie.

It’s not out of the question for such an honor to be granted to Leto or Robbie… but it’s kind of unlikely as ‘Suicide Squad’ looks like a more action-packed, less weighty film.

What do you think?  Do Dini’s (and Timm’s) blessings sway you to be more open to whatever this new film holds for these characters?  Do you like the more rock star-like looks from the film or would you prefer a more comic book-based take?

‘Suicide Squad’ will be released on August 5th, 2016 and stars: Will Smith, Ben Affleck, Viola Davis, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Scott Eastwood, Cara Delevingne, Jai Courtney, Joel Kinnaman, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Common, Ike Barinholtz, Jay Hernandez, Adam Beach, Jim Parrack and Karen Fukuhara.

Source: Screen Rant