Curiously, however, Jared Leto’s likeness is never used the Joker in Birds of Prey appears to be a campy composite of sorts. His face is visible on a dart board on Harley’s bedroom wall and his name is mentioned by dozens of characters throughout the movie. It’s a missed opportunity, because despite never appearing in the flesh, the Joker haunts her like a particularly stubborn wart - unshakable and irritating.

But by removing the Clown Prince of Crime (the Harlequin of Hate, the Jester of Genocide) entirely from the narrative, Yan and her writer, Christina Hodson avoid confronting some of the more interesting aspects of their relationship. Much has been written about the emotional abuse Harley has had to suffer as the Joker’s partner in crime over the years - in comics, video games and cartoon shows. But she hasn’t told anyone yet - partly because she’s still in denial, but more importantly, being the Joker’s girlfriend afforded her a certain immunity in the seedier corners of Gotham City, immunity that Harley is convinced she’ll lose the second she announces that she is no longer under Mr J’s protection.īirds of Prey is essentially the story of Harley emerging from under the Joker’s shadow. Once again played by Margot Robbie, Harley is having a difficult time getting over the Joker, with whom she has broken up sometime between the events of this film and Suicide Squad. He’d be happy with what director Cathy Yan has done with her in Birds of Prey. Harley Quinn was created specifically for that show by writer Paul Dini. It reminded me of Batman: The Animated Series, a show that I watched obsessively growing up.

Birds of prey 2020 reshoots