This never-before-seen “Suicide Squad” pic changes everything about Harley Quinn and Joker

Suicide Squad was a runaway hit in a lot of ways, raking in cash at box offices worldwide. But despite its financial success, not everyone was in love with this rendition of DC comic’s beloved characters. In particular, people had some issues with the portrayal of Harley Quinn, the Joker’s homicidal girlfriend (played by Margot Robbie). But there’s more to their problematic relationship than meets the eye (or made the final cut). In this never-before seen Suicide Squad pic from the extended cut, we see a whole new side of Harley — one that’s way more badass than we ever imagined.

In the final cut of Suicide Squad, we see a Harley Quinn who is completely subservient to her boyfriend the Joker (played by Jared Leto). But it looks like we lost some important character points in translation; the extended version of the film features 11 extra minutes of footage that elaborates on their complex and complicated love affair. The photo of one scene in question shows Harley astride a motorcycle, riding next to the Joker as he races through Gotham.

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So what’s the big deal? This scene shows a whole new level of Harley’s independence and assertiveness. Apparently the Joker had decided to ditch Harley. Rather than take this lying down, the former Dr. Harleen Quinzel gives chase on the back of a motorcycle. She confronts the Joker and gives him what-for in no uncertain terms.

It’s a dramatic departure from her much more deferential attitude that we saw in the feature film, and hints at a far more complex character. Instead of being the abused and maligned girlfriend suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, we get a glimpse of an assertive character taking her destiny into her own hands.

Rumors of Robbie starring in a Harley Quinn spin-off where she ditches her abusive boyfriend and seeks out her own destiny give us hope that DC will stop glorifying a destructive relationship. It’s high time Harley Quinn stepped out in her stiletto boots, baseball bat swinging, to kick butt and take no prisoners. Now that’s a character that could turn the DC Universe on its head (and frankly, we can’t wait).