Harley Quinn Spinoff Starring Margot Robbie Already in Development

Apparently banking on the success of the upcoming DC Comics supervillain film Suicide Squad, Warner Bros. is reportedly already contemplating a spinoff for one of the movie’s most outrageous and beloved characters: Harley Quinn, portrayed by Australian actress Margot Robbie. Quinn, first introduced more than 20 years ago in Batman: The Animated Series as the Joker’s obsessive sidekick and lover, has proven to be one of DC’s most lovable villains, even outranking fan favorites like Wonder Woman in terms of popularity and sales. Robbie’s portrayal of the crazed ex-psychiatrist has contributed immensely to the hype surrounding the release of Suicide Squad later this summer.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Robbie is set to not only reprise her role as Quinn in the spinoff, but also to produce the project. The actress reportedly became enamored with DC’s heroines and villainesses when researching her role in Suicide Squad, wanting the film to feature not only Quinn herself but other female DC characters such as Batgirl and the Birds of Prey. Robbie reportedly hired a female screenwriter, still unknown at press time, to make her idea a reality, and the project has been already been claimed by Warner Bros.

The production company has yet to release any official statements about the potential spinoff, but it seems only natural that the charismatic and zany Quinn should get her own story. Initially intended to be a one-time character, fans of Batman quickly propelled the engaging villain to fame and permanency. The project can’t come at a better time, particularly as DC’s female fanbase and readership has been steadily increasing, prompting the recent release of their SuperHero Girls line of comics and merchandise, which targets girls and young women and stars Quinn, Batgirl, Poison Ivy and Bumblebee.

For a first look at Robbie in action as Harley Quinn, check out the Suicide Squad trailer below and catch the film when it is released on Aug. 5.