“I’m Not Wearing Hot Pants Next Time”: Margot Robbie Talks 'Suicide Squad' Costume

This summer’s “Suicide Squad” is largely perceived as Warner Bros.‘ Hail Mary superhero hope, a movie that might prove, following the dire reception to “Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice,” that they have a firm command of the DC Comics material they are bringing to life in a Marvel-esque cinematic universe. Certainly, the trailers have been very well received, with fanboys applauding the irreverent tone, but there’s been another more seamy aspect to the marketing. Margot Robbie, playing Harley Quinn, has become a particular focus for a certain segment of fandom, and director David Ayer‘s camera. In one trailer, the camera zeroes in on her behind as the character bends over, and in another, it ogles her torso as she shimmies into a T-shirt. And not surprisingly, the actress has mixed feelings about her wardrobe in the movie.

Chatting with The New York Times, Robbie explains that Harley Quinn is “wearing hot pants because they’re sparkly and fun,” but not because “she wanted guys to look at her ass,” though the trailers certainly suggest otherwise. And the actress, who has shown skin on the screen before, notably in Martin Scorsese‘s “The Wolf Of Street,” shares her discomfort about the requirements of her role in “Suicide Squad.”

“As Margot, no, I don’t like wearing that. I’m eating burgers at lunchtime, and then you go do a scene where you’re hosed down and soaking wet in a white T-shirt, it’s so clingy and you’re self-conscious about it,” she said.

Moreover, should there be a sequel — which is reportedly already in the works — the Times says she also half-jokingly suggests ditching her current costume, saying, “I’m not wearing hot pants next time.”

Certainly, there is a conversation to be had about the increasing calls for more girl power in comic book movies and tentpoles in general, and how women are still objectified, if not in the movies, then by the culture that surrounds them. Thoughts? Hit up the comments section.

“Suicide Squad” opens on August 5th.