Even though Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice was not as big of success as Warner Bros. was hoping for, their DC Cinematic Universe is nevertheless moving ahead with full force. The coming years will have the studio releasing more and more comic book films, but their only other 2016 release is the upcoming Suicide Squad. The film has gained an overwhelming amount of positive buzz, especially with the anticipated introduction of Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie).
Robbie has been the highlight of all three trailers the studio has unveiled, showing off plenty of the strangely adorable girlfriend/devious partner of The Joker (Jared Leto). With the colorful qualities that the film seems to be sporting, director David Ayer is definitely attempting to re-envision the original DC characters, with one of the noticeable changes being the costume that Quinn wears. Her look is resonant of Tank Girl, consisting of hot pants and torn-up t-shirt. When first revealed, some felt like it was over-sexualizing the character, even if the overall look was favored. However, in a recent profile in the New York Times, Robbie defended the controversial choices.
[Harley is] wearing hot pants because they’re sparkly and fun. [Not because] she wanted guys to look at her ass.
So, even though the trailers have shown a lot of skin from Robbie, it doesn’t necessarily mean the costume is exploiting the character’s looks. Robbie went on to explain that she and Quinn are also not one and the same on the matter.
As Margot, no, I don’t like wearing that. I’m eating burgers at lunchtime, and then you go do a scene where you’re hosed down and soaking wet in a white T-shirt, it’s so clingy and you’re self-conscious about it.
The most well-known look Quinn has is the jester outfit from the original comic books, which Suicide Squad is clearly not going for. Ayer, who’s been refuting many statements that the film has received lately, defended the modern look for Quinn.
I didn’t think denim overalls would be appropriate for that character, that’s part of the iconography.
The rest of the ensemble cast are similarly designed, most of which have been universally praised. While there still may be some upset with the costume choices of Quinn, the film has really created a unique look in the world of Hollywood comic book movies. It’s also setting itself far apart from Dawn of Justice, and it will only be a few short months before audiences can see how those choices pan out.
Suicide Squad hits theaters on August 5, 2016.
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