Margot Robbie reveals The Penguin Was Originally Slated for ‘Birds of Prey’
los Angeles, CA – Actress Margot Robbie recently disclosed a behind-the-scenes detail about the 2020 film birds of Prey, revealing that The Penguin was initially envisioned as the primary antagonist before a change in plans. The revelation came during a conversation with Colin Farrell, who would later embody the iconic villain in Matt Reeves’ The Batman (2022) and its forthcoming spin-off series, The Penguin.
Initial Plans for a Penguin-Led Conflict
According to Robbie, the first draft of the Birds of Prey script, penned by Christina Hodson, featured The Penguin as the central villain.Though, director Matt Reeves intervened, requesting the character be reserved for his developing Batman universe. This led to the substitution of black Mask, portrayed by Ewan McGregor, as the film’s antagonist. “The first draft that Christina [Hodson] wrote of Birds of Prey, the villain was The Penguin,” Robbie explained to Farrell in an interview with Entertainment weekly.”And then[[[[The Batman director/writer]Matt Reeves said, ‘Don’t use the Penguin. I’m going to use him in my thing.’ And so we swapped it to black Mask [played by Ewan McGregor].”
Did you know that creative decisions like this are common in filmmaking, frequently enough influenced by broader franchise strategies?
Robbie’s Harley Quinn and the DC Universe
Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn has become a defining role for the actress, spanning multiple DC films including Suicide squad (2016) and Birds of Prey (2020). Her future within the DC Universe remains a topic of speculation, especially following James Gunn’s restructuring of the franchise. Gunn recently indicated that Robbie’s continued involvement as Harley Quinn will be “revealed down the line.”
The current DC Universe is divided into distinct continuities: the ‘Gods and monsters’ era spearheaded by Gunn, and Reeves’ ‘Batman Epic Crime Saga.’ The latter includes The Batman and the HBO Max series the Penguin, which premiered last year.
Production Updates on ‘The Batman Part II’
Production on The Batman Part II is slated to commence in the spring. This follows a delay announced in December 2024, pushing the film’s release date to October 1, 2027. Reeves and co-writer Mattson Tomlin completed the script in June 2025, signaling progress despite the scheduling adjustments. Gunn previously addressed concerns regarding the delays, emphasizing the importance of delivering a high-quality film.
| Film | Release Date | director |
|---|---|---|
| Birds of Prey | Febuary 7, 2020 | Cathy Yan |
| The Batman | March 4, 2022 | Matt Reeves |
| The Penguin (Series) | September 8, 2024 | Matt Reeves |
| The batman Part II | October 1, 2027 | Matt Reeves |
Pro Tip: Understanding the interconnectedness of cinematic universes can enhance your thankfulness for thes films and the creative choices behind them.
With multiple projects in development, how do you think these interconnected DC storylines will ultimately unfold?
The Evolving Landscape of DC Films
The DC Universe has undergone notable transformations in recent years, marked by shifts in leadership and creative direction. The appointment of James Gunn as co-CEO of DC Studios signaled a commitment to a cohesive and interconnected universe, while Matt Reeves’ ‘Batman Epic Crime Saga’ represents a more grounded and noir-inspired approach. These parallel paths demonstrate the studio’s willingness to explore diverse storytelling styles within the same franchise. The success of The Penguin series on HBO Max highlights the potential for expanding the DC universe beyond the theatrical realm, offering deeper dives into individual characters and storylines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Margot Robbie and the DC Universe
- What role did Margot Robbie play in the DC Universe? Margot Robbie is best known for her portrayal of Harley Quinn in several DC films.
- Was The Penguin originally intended for ‘Birds of Prey’? Yes,initial drafts of the script featured The Penguin as the main villain.
- Who directed ‘The Batman’? Matt Reeves directed The Batman (2022) and is also overseeing the ‘Batman Epic Crime Saga.’
- What is James Gunn’s role in the DC Universe? James Gunn is co-CEO of DC Studios and is leading the development of the ‘Gods and Monsters’ era of DC films.
- When is ‘The Batman Part II’ scheduled for release? The Batman Part II is currently scheduled for release on October 1, 2027.
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