17 Stars Who Almost Played Harley Quinn

Harleen Quinzel, the fun-loving and endearing sidekick of the Joker, has stolen the hearts of DC fans worldwide. In becoming iconic for her role as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad (2016) and other films, Margot Robbie left a lasting impression, but long before Robbie donned the pigtails, there were a number of talented actresses in consideration for the part. Let's run through the interesting list of contenders and try to imagine how each would have played Harley.

1. Amanda Seyfried

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Amanda Seyfried was approached to play Harley Quinn but passed. She was worried about the heavy makeup and people's reaction to the film. In later interviews, Seyfried has said it was a very difficult decision to turn down such a fascinating character.

2. Cara Delevingne

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It seems Cara Delevingne auditioned for the part of Harley Quinn but got cast as Enchantress in Suicide Squad. While she didn't play the clown princess, Delevingne brought a dark and mystical quality to her character.

3. Imogen Poots

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Imogen Poots was also one of the actresses in consideration for the role of Harley Quinn. Although she lost the part, it proves how they had cast a wide net looking for just the right actress.

4. Olivia Wilde

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Also mentioned in casting talks was Olivia Wilde. With her versatile acting resume, Wilde would've added a different flavor to Harley Quinn, but she never made it into the movie.

5. Sara Paxton

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Sara Paxton has played funny and serious roles, making her a potential candidate for Harley Quinn, but ultimately, it went to Margot Robbie.

6. Emma Roberts

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It is said that Emma Roberts was offered the role of Harley Quinn but opted to act in the television series Scream Queens instead. She thanked them later for considering her, but she didn't feel that it was the right time in her life.

7. Anne Hathaway

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Anne Hathaway, who had already played Selina Kyle/Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises (2012), was also reportedly considered for Harley Quinn. But her association with another iconic DC character may have made the filmmakers reconsider.

8. Emily Browning

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And last among the contenders was Emily Browning, known famously in several action movies. Not receiving the role, the previous roles she had played rendered her a very strong candidate, though.

9. Mary Elizabeth Winstead 

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Mary Elizabeth Winstead auditioned to play Harley Quinn but would later join the DC Universe altogether as Huntress in Birds of Prey (2020). Her performance as Huntress was well-received and showed her versatility in acting.

10. Katee Sackhoff

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Katee Sackhoff expressed an interest in playing Harley Quinn. She is known for her strong acting in science fiction, and her name made her fans excited, even though she wasn't picked for the role.

11. Cassidy Alexa

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Cassidy Alexa took part in the casting process, showing how many people were considered for the role of Harley Quinn. Even though she didn’t get the part, her name is still part of the conversation.

12. Tara Strong

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Tara Strong, who voiced Harley Quinn in animated series and video games, was considered for the live-action role. Even though she is very closely associated with the character, she was not considered for the film.

13. Evan Rachel Wood

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Evan Rachel Wood was strong and skilled in acting, so she was one of the possible contenders for Harley Quinn. But she didn't make it to the final cut.

14. Lily Collins

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Lily Collins is known for her versatility and charm, which made people consider her for Harley Quinn. Even though she didn't get the role, her skill in playing complex characters made her a strong candidate.

15. Sarah Jayne Dunn

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Sarah Jayne Dunn was considered for the part, but she is far better known for her work in British television. That they considered her proves that they tested many possibilities for the character.

16. Olivia Thirlby 

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Olivia Thirlby's work in independent films gave her a unique perspective on the casting process. Though she was not chosen, her acting talent made her a strong contender.

17. Courtney Love 

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Courtney Love was said to be thought of for Harley Quinn, which would have given a rock-and-roll vibe to the character. Her crazy personality would have fit Harley's insane nature. 

Imagining the Possibilities Margot Robbie's portrayal of Harley Quinn has undoubtedly become an integral part of the DC Universe, but it's hard not to wonder how these actresses would have approached the role. From Amanda Seyfried's soft-spoken charm to Cara Delevingne's edgy appeal, each actress could have brought something unique to the character. 

Harley Quinn's popularity is ever on the rise, so the question on everyone's mind is: What's next for this iconic antihero? Will another actress take up the mantle in a reboot or spinoff? Only time will tell.

 What do you think? Who do you think would have been the best Harley Quinn? Could anyone have rivaled Margot Robbie's energy and charm? Let us know in the comments below!