While Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn has reached mainstream popularity thanks to the DC Extended Universe, she isn’t the only active version at present. The animated Harley Quinn, played by Kaley Cuoco, has also been seen in the past few years and will return on HBO Max for a third season.
The original Harley Quinn was the version that debuted in Batman: The Animated Series and transitioned into the comics. Both Robbie and Cuoco’s versions have done a great job in bringing the main characteristics of Harley forward but there are some things that Robbie nails best while certain others are better in the animated series.
Nailed Mannerisms
The Wild-Eyed Grin
One of the ways Harley became an iconic DC character was because of the general aesthetic surrounding her. Just one look at Harley confirms the originality behind her characterization and the wild-eyed smile is a way she stands out as The Joker’s sidekick and an anti-villain bursting with confidence.
Margot Robbie won fans over instantly when the first pictures of her in character were released, with Harley’s signature smile emulated just as well as it could have been. Her smile works when she’s either a baddie or a designated protagonist, as Harley’s innate personality shines through with this expression.
The Hopeless And Despondent Expression
Many consider Harley to be the best DCEU character because of her layered personality. She’s been seen in her over-the-top happy mode and times where her true inner pain is reflected. The comic book and original animated Harley also had these moments and the real Harleen Quinzel was shown.
Likewise, Margot Robbie has had several scenes to showcase this mannerism, such as when she mourned The Joker’s supposed demise in Suicide Squad and when regretfully killed Silvio Luna. It’s these moments where Robbie’s Harley drops the constant scrunchy smile in her expression and lets her face lose to reveal her vulnerability.
The Confused Look
Harley’s mind works in such mysterious ways that she tends to get sidetracked by little things. Her confusion manifests with Harley completely zoning out and seeking clarification. Margot Robbie might just nail this aspect better than any other depiction of Harley.
Her version looks like she’s struggling to recall the exact moment she lost her train of thought and is perplexed when the others talk about something she’s unaware of. It was seen when the team discussed how to beat the Enchantress in the first movie, while her confused expression returned in The Suicide Squad when she couldn’t believe Bloodsport’s name wasn’t Milton.
The Playfully Mischievous Smile
Margot Robbie’s charisma in the role ensures that fans are always on the lookout for how Harley can return to the DCEU, with the ending of Birds of Prey even showing the character pointing this out. She used her trademark mischievous smile in the scene, which fans love to see.
Harley’s mischievous smile is different from her dazed or manic one, as this expression is friendlier in nature but confirms that she’s still a naughty person at heart. Robbie switches it up very well from Harley being sad in one scene to suddenly smiling when she has a bright new idea.
Better In The Animated Series
The Bat-Carrying Stance
Harley’s signature weapons have either been the mallet or the bat, with both considered a part of what makes her iconic. The animated series Harley has the benefit of a close likeness to the original from Batman: The Animated Series and the comics and it’s much more entertaining to see her wield it.
This version gives off a really powerful vibe whenever she carries the bat, as her stance has a commanding aura around it. Margot Robbie’s Harley’s bat-carrying stance was more about poise than an attacking style, but the animated version manages to capture that and then some.
The Look Of Absolute Fury
When Harley means business, it’s time for anyone who’s in her path to flee or suffer her wrath. It’s clear when she’s not in the mood for fun and games, with the best indication coming from her eyes that tend to pop out whenever she gets mad.
Margot Robbie’s Harley hasn’t been angry as much in her time in the DCEU and she seems less like Harley Quinn she does lose her temper. The animated version retains Harley’s general demeanor during moments of rage, mainly because she offers a larger set of emotional reactions that make her angry scenes seem more authentic.
Romantic And Smitten Face
Poison Ivy hasn’t been presented as one of Harley Quinn’s villains in the animated series, as the show has opted to feature as Harley’s love interest. Here, Harley’s smitten expression has been on display, which is reminiscent of the original animated version’s reaction when she was around The Joker.
The latest animated Harley has been great in conveying her romantic side, with the character becoming more vulnerable in attitude and presentation. Margot Robbie only had certain scenes in Suicide Squad to show off this aspect of Harley, which prevented her from fully exploring the romantic potential.
The Puppy-Eyes Expression
This is a classic expression that makes even the most villainous characters seem lovable if done correctly. The animated Harley nails this mannerism the best, coming across as an innocent person who can win over anyone’s heart with just her eyes.
Margot Robbie did get to showcase this in The Suicide Squad when she was touched by Rick Flag’s attempt to rescue her, but it was more of a childlike variety than of pure innocence. The animated Harley looks like a completely different woman when she uses the puppy eyes on someone else and it works every time.