Margot Robbie to produce an ensemble superhero movie starring Harley Quinn

Months before Suicide Squad even hits theaters, Warner Bros. is already working on a spinoff — but this effort will star a female ensemble cast. The Hollywood Reporter reports that Margot Robbie is set to produce a spinoff starring Harley Quinn, the fan favorite anti-heroine she portrays in the upcoming summer blockbuster. However, instead of focusing on just her, the movie will feature a number of other female heroes and villains on DC's roster, including Batgirl and the Birds of Prey.

According to THR, Robbie fell in love with DC Comics' female characters while reading for her role in Suicide Squad. After bringing on a writer to help with the concept, she brought the concept to Warner Bros. The company reportedly jumped on the idea, though details on the plot and cast are being kept secret.

Harley Quinn has had a devoted fanbase for nearly 25 years

The move makes sense for Warner Bros. Harley Quinn has had a devoted fanbase thanks to her debut in Batman: The Animated Series back in 1992. Fans reacted so positively to her that she was brought into official comics canon a year later, eventually earning her own series. In addition, DC, unlike Marvel, has the benefit of having a veritable murderer's row of recognizable female characters, including the likes of Supergirl and Poison Ivy. And with Wonder Woman already on the way, having two female superhero movies in the works when the competition only officially has one is a lovely feather in the cap.

Of course, Warner Bros. betting on Harley Quinn's popularity when Robbie's performance hasn't yet been seen is a big risk. The company's plans for the DC universe appear to be in disarray; on top of the critical disappointment that was Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, The Flash director Seth Grahame-Smith backed out of the project over creative differences. Rumors surrounding Aquaman director James Wan's desire to leave and Suicide Squad going into reshoots to add humor were all shot down, but don't build much confidence in what's ahead. If anything is clear here, it's that the DC Extended Universe needs a win. Maybe Harley Quinn is the key.

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• SourceThe Hollywood Reporter