Why Deadshot & Harley Quinn Originally Had A Romance In Suicide Squad

Suicide Squad originally featured a romance between Deadshot (Will Smith) and Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) – here’s why the assassin and former psychiatrist were paired together. Directed by David Ayer, the 2016 blockbuster failed to live up to the promise of its initial teaser, which boasted a dark and grounded interpretation of the supervillain ensemble. The film was subject to extensive reshoots and drastic editing, meaning much of the original footage was cut before release, with this romance being one of the film’s many casualties.

Harley Quinn finally made her live-action cinematic debut in Suicide Squad, after originally being created as a romantic sidekick for the Joker in the 1990s Batman: The Animated Series. Although their relationship was incredibly abusive, the film painted the couple as a Bonnie and Clyde-style romance, with Jared Leto’s Joker desperate to free Harley from Task Force X. Meanwhile, Deadshot’s story revolved around being reunited with his daughter. He and Harley grew close during their mission, but the theatrical cut never went beyond friendship.

Ayer had already teased a romance, but recent script leaks and a photo of Harley and Deadshot kissing have increased calls for his director’s cut of Suicide Squad. For a romance to occur between Deadshot and Harley would be entirely rational, as they begin to respect one another throughout the narrative, and Ayer planned for Harley to break free of the Joker’s hold over her. She and Deadshot also share a romantic history in the comics as well as a popular animated film.

Margot Robbie’s Harley and Will Smith’s Deadshot are both cunning and do their best to stay one step ahead of the rest of the group. Early in their mission in Midway City, Deadshot likely sticks close to Harley because he knows Joker is planning an escape, but he also fears she is a loose cannon. They keep an eye on one another’s actions, flirting and teasing for amusement and gradually understanding their respective goals. One of Suicide Squad’s problems is the lack of substantial interaction between the team, but Deadshot and Harley do catch each other during their more vulnerable moments. He’s the first to comfort her after Joker’s helicopter crash, empathizing with her apparent loss. It’s also evident where the romance originally occurred in Suicide Squad. The pair share a quiet moment on a stairwell before Joker’s botched attempt to rescue Harley, and she subsequently asks Deadshot if she has a “hickey”, checking her neck. Meanwhile, recent leaks confirm they kiss again after defeating Enchantress.

Suicide Squad’s theatrical cut omitted Joker’s abuse of Harley, but it’s still clear why Deadshot would be a better romantic partner. For starters, he’s perfectly sane, and they both exhibit some semblance of a moral code. There’s also a basis for romance in the comics, veering from affectionate to bizarre, like when she placed the Joker’s severed face on a handcuffed Deadshot and sat on his lap. During 2014’s animated film Batman: Assault on Arkham, they also had a brief liaison, resulting in a love triangle involving a jealous Joker. Ayer has cited that film as inspiration for Suicide Squad, with recent leaks reinforcing the idea of their romance causing conflict with the Joker. Script pages reveal the clown threatening Deadshot, while Harley leaves Joker during the film’s climax. The romance would have given Harley a taste of genuine affection, furthering her original arc of separating herself from the Joker.

Jumping into a new relationship isn’t necessarily the best way for Harley to gain independence from her abusive lover. However, it would have shown her priorities begin to shift as she realizes how much the Joker tortured her. Robbie and Smith also shared great chemistry onscreen, edits unable to fully eliminate their flirtatious arc from Suicide Squad.

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