The Suicide Squad writer/director James Gunn explained why the “Rotten” facial tattoo Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn had in Suicide Squad (2016) was dropped for his film.
Responding to a fan’s question about the tattoo’s removal on Instagram, Gunn said, “Margot didn’t like it and found out I also didn’t like [it,] so we decided just to remove it.” He added its removal is “not addressed” in The Suicide Squad.
Robbie made her debut as the DC Extended Universe’s Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad, prior to reprising the role for 2020’s Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). That movie began shortly after Harley’s breakup with the Joker and followed the character as she gained a newfound sense of independence and self-worth. As a reflection of her evolution, The Suicide Squad‘s Harley replaced the “Property of The Joker” tattoo on her back with one reading “Property of No One.”
In comparison, Gunn’s comment implies removing Harley’s “Rotten” tattoo was more of an aesthetic choice than one motivated by character development, similar to her new black-and-red costumes in the film. All the same, Robbie hinted at the ways The Suicide Squad‘s Harley Quinn differs from her previous DCEU appearances. “She’s not necessarily your narrative center, and sometimes it’s great when plot points can rest on other characters’ shoulders, and she can be the thing that erupts a whole sequence of events. That’s something I felt [Gunn] agreed with, based on what I was reading in the script,” she explained, when interviewed in April.
The Suicide Squad‘s Harley Quinn will also take part in what Gunn described as a massive action sequence centered around the character, stating, “It was so fun to create just on every level from working with the stunt guys all the way through to working with [Robbie]. It’s probably my favorite four minutes of film I’ve ever shot before.”
Written and directed by James Gunn, The Suicide Squad stars Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag, Michael Rooker as Savant, Flula Borg as Javelin, David Dastmalchian as Polka-Dot Man, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Daniela Melchior as Ratcatcher 2, Idris Elba as Bloodsport, Mayling NG as Mongal, Peter Capaldi as The Thinker, Alice Braga as Solsoria, Sylvester Stallone as King Shark, Pete Davidson as Blackguard, Nathan Fillion as TDK, Sean Gunn as Weasel, Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang, John Cena as Peacemaker and Steve Agee, Taika Waititi and Storm Reid. The film arrives in theaters and on HBO Max Aug. 6.
Source: Instagram
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