Article by Adam Poncharoensub
Like most other things in the world at the moment, the entertainment industry has been put on hold. Film releases have been delayed significantly, while production of some flicks we were looking forward to have been shut down as well. Thankfully, there’s at least one movie that continues to move ahead. James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad managed to wrap principal photography just a few weeks before the quarantine and is now currently in post-production. Properly isolating, Gunn has been incredibly active on social media, often chronicling his efforts during this time, while also interacting with fan via Q&As. Earlier last week, we learned that the writer/director is taking inspiration from Paul Dini for his version of Harley Quinn.
On Twitter, Gunn was fielding questions and one fan asked a very important question regarding Gunn’s take on Harley. Gunn replied with something that fans will be quite appreciative of:
Exploding Paul Dini-esque. Cc @Paul_Dini. Also that Easter Egg guess was probably more like 70% now that I think about it. Who’s next?
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 1, 2020
Bring on the Dini
To give us something to look forward to, Gunn dropped something that will have most Batfans reeling with excitement. The magic word here being “Dini.” It seems like Gunn is taking inspiration from Paul Dini. No, wait, not only that… but she’s “exploding” Dini. Good choice of words.
Paul Dini is the co-creator of Harley Quinn, the person who gave us the character that won our hearts back in the early ’90s, when she first debuted on Batman: The Animated Series. Back then, Harley was obviously much more kid friendly, but charmingly whimsical. She’s evolved over the years to become much more wacky, violent, and fourth-wall-breaking, similar to Deadpool. Both incarnations have their merits, of course, however, most old school Batfans reflect fondly on their first exposure to Harley Quinn in B:TAS, myself included.
Paul Dini remains one of my favorite Batman writers and to have Gunn channelling him for a live-action movie feels like something I always wanted, but never realized. On top of that, to be beautifully portrayed by the delightful Margot Robbie? I cannot wait.
Bless you, James Gunn!
Be sure to continue following James Gunn on Twitter and Instagram.
Stay tuned to DKN for more updates on The Suicide Squad.
The Suicide Squad hit theatres on August 6, 2021.