James Gunn and Peter Safran, Manila, June 2025. Photo: U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, public domain.
The Lowdown
Gotham has a Batman, but its most famous villain is still waiting to be established in the DCU. We like the breathing room that creates. A new Gotham should have more to offer than a rush to introduce the same rivalry, especially when Harley has a story of her own.
Key Takeaways
- Gunn says Batman is established in the DCU, while the Joker is not yet.
- He has not ruled out introducing the villain.
- Harley Quinn’s past is part of the unresolved continuity question.
HBO Max · October 29, 2026
The Full Story
James Gunn’s DCU has shown us that Batman exists. The Joker remains an unanswered question. Gunn discussed that distinction on the October 29 official Suicide Squad podcast, in a conversation about Harley Quinn’s history. ComingSoon’s report recounts his explanation: the new continuity has not established the Joker yet.
That leaves the door open to a later introduction. It also creates a more immediate question about Harley: how much of the history audiences associate with her carries into this version of DC?
As DC’s character guide explains, Harleen Quinzel’s work at Arkham and relationship with the Joker are central to her beginnings. The same history takes her beyond him, into the Suicide Squad and Gotham City Sirens. Keeping that range matters. Her origin can inform a story without swallowing it.
Other screen Jokers do not automatically resolve the question. DC’s 2023 slate announcement placed Todd Phillips’ Joker films and Matt Reeves’ Batman films outside the main shared continuity, under Elseworlds.
Should the DCU bring in its Joker early, or let other Gotham villains lead?
