6 Things We Learned About Harley Quinn From The Birds Of Prey Teaser

6. This Costume Isn’t Based On Any Previous Ones

Comic book movies always take their own initiative with design, but usually include some homage to a comic book original. Aside from a few very minor flourishes we’ll get into a little later, there’s no evidence of that here.

Harley’s costume in Suicide Squad is one of the most recognisable and iconic movie costumes of the decade, with a cultural influence reaching far beyond superhero flicks and into the mainstream. However, it did draw some complaints that it was so heavily sexualised it took away her agency; a lingering shot of her getting changing in front of everyone only added to this criticism.

Wherever you stand on this debate, it’s clear that director Cathy Yan’s vision for the character softens that edge. Harley did seem to stray into ‘male gaze’ territory at times in Suicide Squad, and despite her being the breakout star, her abusive relationship with Joker was confusingly portrayed.

This new outfit, free of any narrative baggage from the comics or TV show, seems an attempt to show her in a new light. One that’s still kooky, fun, and has more than a few screws loose, but one that wasn’t designed with eye candy in mind.