For many of us, the end of summer means the flood of superhero films is over for the year. But we can’t even get out of August before we start talking about these caped crusaders once again. And no, “Joker” doesn’t count, as that appears to be the most anti-comic book, comic book movie of all time. With all that in mind, it’s time to turn our attention to Margot Robbie and her pals in the upcoming “Birds of Prey.”
With “It: Chapter Two” hours away, Warner Bros. has decided that now is the time to begin the marketing push for its upcoming female-led superhero team-up film, “Birds of Prey,” which is set to arrive next February. And in a bit of a shocking move, the first teaser is coming exclusively to theaters in front of the aforementioned horror sequel, via Digital Spy. Basically, if it worked for Christopher Nolan, then it’s good enough for the DCEU.
Now, if you’re a social-media-savvy person, you’re likely able to find a leaked version of the teaser (or at least screenshots) that has been floating around since last week. As we have a strict “no bootleg” policy at The Playlist, you’ll have to do the legwork on your own. Sorry, folks.
However, if you’ve seen the teaser, you’re probably pretty damn excited for “Birds of Prey.” The film seems to have a similar look as the 2016 box office hit (which was savaged by critics) “Suicide Squad,” but with a bit more style and flair. That film saw the debut of Robbie’s Harley Quinn character, who was the clear shining star, but “Suicide Squad” was ultimately seen as a creative failure. So, let’s just hope that the teaser helps to remind you about how much you enjoyed Harley Quinn and not a sense of dread, as a “Suicide Squad” spin-off might bring on.
It’s clear that director Cathy Yan is using the freedom of focusing on Harley to craft a film that appears to promise at least something different in a world overrun by Marvel Studios homogeneity (and this is coming from a person who loves the MCU but could use some variety). Unfortunately, with rumors that “John Wick” filmmaker Chad Stahelski has been brought on to help with reshoots, we just hope that we’re not left with another mess like ‘Squad.’
“Birds of Prey” stars Robbie opposite co-stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Ewan McGregor, Rosie Perez, and Ella Jay Basco. As mentioned, the film comes from filmmaker Yan, based on a script from Christina Hodson.
“Birds of Prey” arrives in theaters on February 7, 2020.
