Birds of Prey Almost Had a Very Different Villain – Margot Robbie Tells All
In a surprising reveal that has intrigued fans of the DC cinematic universe, Margot Robbie says Penguin was the original Birds of Prey villain. This fascinating behind-the-scenes information came to light during a recent interview promoting Robbie’s new film A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, where she shared the screen with fellow Gotham actor Colin Farrell. The two stars, known for their roles as Harley Quinn and The Penguin, respectively, had never actually discussed their Gotham connections—until now.
This revelation has sparked fresh interest in the development history of Birds of Prey, a film that already had a complex journey from concept to screen. Let’s take a closer look at what this means for the franchise, how The Batman altered the course of the film, and what it reveals about DC’s evolving cinematic plans.
Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell Talk Gotham Roles
While promoting their latest collaboration, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell shared an unexpected moment that delighted DC fans. As the conversation turned toward their previous roles, Robbie casually dropped the fact that the original villain in Birds of Prey was supposed to be the Penguin.
In her words:
“The first draft that Christina [Hodson] wrote of Birds of Prey, the villain was the Penguin.”
Farrell, who portrayed Oswald Cobblepot in The Batman (2022) and is set to reprise his role in the upcoming sequel, was visibly surprised. The idea that their Gotham villain stories could have overlapped intrigued him. Robbie then elaborated that it was director Matt Reeves who stepped in and asked the production team not to use the Penguin character, as Reeves had plans to incorporate him in The Batman. That decision ultimately led to Black Mask (played by Ewan McGregor) becoming the central antagonist in Birds of Prey.
The Batman’s Influence on Birds of Prey
When Matt Reeves joined the DC Universe to direct The Batman, he was given creative liberty to reshape Gotham and its characters. One of his top priorities was crafting a grounded, gritty take on the Penguin. In doing so, Reeves inadvertently influenced another major project already in development—Birds of Prey.
According to Robbie, once Reeves confirmed his interest in using The Penguin for his own film, the Birds of Prey team had to pivot. This led to the introduction of Black Mask as the main antagonist, a decision that shifted the tone and scope of the film. Black Mask brought a different energy—less calculated and political, more chaotic and violent—which ultimately suited Harley Quinn’s rebellious narrative.
The change speaks volumes about the interconnected nature of DC’s cinematic universe, where the choice to feature one character in a certain project can reshape the development of another. Penguin’s exclusion from Birds of Prey allowed him to become a more fleshed-out character in The Batman, eventually earning his own spinoff series and appearing in The Batman: Part II, set for release on October 1, 2027.
What Could the Penguin Have Looked Like in Birds of Prey?
While we will likely never see the original version of Birds of Prey with Penguin as the villain, the idea sparks fascinating speculation. Oswald Cobblepot, known for his criminal genius and underworld connections, could have been a very different kind of adversary for Harley Quinn and her crew. Unlike Black Mask, who was unhinged and theatrical, Penguin would have offered a more calculated and manipulative threat.
Had Christina Hodson’s first draft made it to screen, it might have leaned more into Gotham’s organized crime scene, perhaps bringing in more ties to Batman’s rogues gallery or offering a more nuanced exploration of Harley’s past with the Joker and the criminal elite. A story involving Penguin could have delved deeper into the political power struggles within Gotham, offering a darker, more noir-influenced tale.
Farrell Wants to Read the Original Script
During their conversation, Colin Farrell expressed immediate curiosity about the original draft of the film. After hearing Robbie’s comments, he asked if she still had a copy, to which she responded affirmatively. Farrell responded with enthusiasm:
“Oh, good, I’d love to [read it]. That’d be so fascinating.”
The exchange was light-hearted, but it revealed just how passionate both actors are about the characters they’ve played. Fans now hope that someday, the original Penguin-centered script for Birds of Prey might be shared or at least discussed in more detail.
Where Are the Characters Now?
As of now, Margot Robbie has not confirmed if or when she will return as Harley Quinn. Despite her standout performance and critical acclaim in both Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey, DC has not announced any upcoming appearances for her character. With James Gunn rebooting the DC Universe, it’s uncertain how or if Robbie’s Harley fits into future plans.
On the other hand, Colin Farrell’s Penguin is thriving. After a widely praised performance in The Batman, Farrell is set to appear in The Penguin, an HBO Max series that serves as a bridge between the two Batman films. He will also return in The Batman: Part II, further expanding his take on Oswald Cobblepot.
Penguin vs. Black Mask: Which Villain Was the Better Fit?
In retrospect, both characters brought unique potential to Birds of Prey, but Black Mask arguably fit the chaotic, high-octane style that the film ultimately embraced. His over-the-top personality and violent behavior complemented the frenetic energy of Harley’s journey to independence. However, it’s still interesting to imagine how the inclusion of Penguin would have altered the narrative’s tone.
It’s also possible that the original idea of using Penguin stemmed from a desire to build more meaningful connections within Gotham’s criminal world. With Penguin, the story might have tied more directly into Batman’s universe, adding layers of complexity to Harley’s moral compass and the dangers of her emancipation.
A Glimpse Into What Might Have Been
The revelation that Penguin was the original Birds of Prey villain offers a unique glimpse into the decision-making process behind major studio films. It also underscores how much these creative decisions are shaped by timing, franchise planning, and directorial vision.
For fans, it’s a reminder that the DC universe is full of twists—not just in its stories but also in its development. Every choice made behind the scenes, from villain swaps to character arcs, changes the trajectory of a franchise. And sometimes, those alternate paths are just as fascinating as the ones we get on screen.
Gotham’s Future Is Still Full of Surprises
Though Margot Robbie may not be returning as Harley Quinn any time soon, her comments about Penguin’s near inclusion in Birds of Prey have reignited fan interest in the deeper development of the DC Universe. Meanwhile, Colin Farrell’s Penguin continues to thrive, proving that sometimes a delay can lead to even greater character success.
As we look forward to The Batman: Part II in 2027 and possible announcements regarding Harley Quinn’s return, fans can only imagine what else lies behind the curtain of DC’s evolving film slate. But one thing is certain: Gotham’s villains still have many stories left to tell.
