HBO Max’s New DC Promo Unites Harley Quinn and Superman — But Does It Mean Anything?

Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn hasn’t appeared in James Gunn’s DCU. She hasn’t even been mentioned much. But a new HBO Max promo just put her side by side with David Corenswet’s Superman — and fans are reading way more into it than a simple highlight reel.

Released September 13, 2026, the promo is a whirlwind tour through DC’s TV and film catalog, and Harley’s inclusion has reignited a question that’s lingered for years: is she actually coming back?

HBO Max Harley Quinn-Superman Promo: Key Details

What’s Actually in the Promo

The 16-second clip rapidly cuts between DC properties old and new — Harley Quinn from The Suicide Squad, a sullen Superman from the 2025 film, Creature Commandos’ the Bride, and John Cena’s Peacemaker, among others. It even reaches back to Watchmen, blending Doctor Manhattan’s eyes into a shot of Milly Alcock’s Supergirl, and spotlights Cristin Milioti’s Sofia Falcone from The Penguin, according to The Direct’s breakdown of the footage.

It’s a broad, catalog-spanning promo rather than a hint at any specific crossover — but Harley’s presence alongside Superman is notable given how quiet DC Studios has been about her character since Gunn took over.

Is Harley Quinn Actually Returning?

The honest answer right now is: unclear. Margot Robbie has said she’s heard nothing from James Gunn or DC Studios about a future for the character, despite Gunn previously confirming she’d return after The Suicide Squad. Complicating things further, Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav named four core superheroes anchoring DC Studios moving forward, and Harley wasn’t among them.

There’s also a business angle at play — reports suggest Zaslav has been reluctant to offer salary increases and back-end deals to Robbie for other projects, which could make negotiations for a DCU return more complicated. It’s also worth considering whether Andy Muschietti’s The Brave and the Bold might introduce a different version of the character before Robbie’s iteration gets another shot.

If you’re tracking every DC character’s DCU status, check out our complete DC Studios character guide, and browse our HBO Max DC shows and movies schedule for what’s confirmed so far.

Conclusion

DC clearly still values Harley Quinn as a brand — the character’s logo has even been refreshed across social media — but that doesn’t guarantee she has a future in Gunn’s specific universe. For now, this promo looks more like a nostalgic catalog showcase than an actual crossover tease.

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