When the DCEU’sSuicide Squadhit theatre , one of the few elements that was praised by critic wasMargot Robbie ’s performance as Harley Quinn . The same can not be say for Jared Leto , whose depicting of the Joker as a meticulous millennial covered in tattoos and angst grated on many viewers .

Robbie has since take center stage inBirds of Preyand is determine to return in James Gunn ’s easygoing rebootThe Suicide Squad , while Leto has beentapped to diddle the Joker againin Zack Snyder ’s director ’s cut ofJustice League . But Robbie and Leto were n’t the producer ’ first option to wreak Harley and the Joker .

Harley Quinn: Emma Roberts

Before Margot Robbie was vagabond inSuicide Squad , the office of Harley Quinn was offered to Emma Roberts , but she turned it down so as to asterisk in Fox ’s satirical revulsion seriesScream Queens .

Roberts has yet to come along in a risible book blockbuster . She ’s primarily known for star in comedies likeWild Child , Valentine ’s Day , andWe’re the Millers .

Joker: Ryan Gosling

The producers ’ first choice to play the Joker was Ryan Gosling , but he turned down the offering because he was unwilling to pull to the many picture show Warner Bros. want to contract him for .

Funnily enough , Jared Leto would only end up having to seem in one movie , as that one movie was enough to put fans off of his take on the Clown Prince of Crime , although he will be reprising the role inZack Snyder ’s Justice Leagueon HBO Max .

Harley Quinn: Amanda Seyfried

Amanda Seyfried was considered for the role of Harley Quinn before Margot Robbie was cast . Despite being a huge moving picture star , Seyfried still has yet to wear a cape and play a funny book character in this superhero - infested moviegoing mood .

Seyfried recently revealed that she was offered a role by Marvel Studios – Gamora inGuardians of the Galaxy – but she turn it down because she did n’t want to spend hour in a make-up chair getting painted green every morning .

Joker: Matt Smith

Best known as the eleventh translation of the Doctor fromDoctor Whoand Prince Philip from Netflix ’s majestic dramaThe Crown , Matt Smith was on theSuicide Squadproducers ’ shortlist to play the Joker .

Smith has struggled to break into blockbuster – his highest - profile franchise role is the unearthly physical incarnation of Skynet inTerminator : Genisys – but he isset to star in Edgar Wright ’s coming horror movieLast Night in Soho .

Harley Quinn: Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Mary Elizabeth Winstead was on the shortlist to play Harley Quinn before Margot Robbie was cast . Winstead would cease up asterisk as Helena Bertinelli , a.k.a . the Huntress , alongside Robbie ’s Harley inBirds of Prey .

In the twelvemonth thatSuicide Squadhit theaters , Winstead appeared in the awesome sci - fi mystery10 Cloverfield Lane . A class afterward , she star in the third time of year of FX’sFargo .

Joker: Sharlto Copley

Sharlto Copley was one of the thespian considered to recreate the Joker . His bit as Howling unrestrained Murdock in the big - screen door reboot ofThe A - Teamproved his ability to play a loopy lunatic , so he might ’ve been capable to pull this one off .

Copley ’s well - known employment has been with director Neill Blomkamp , play Wikus van der Merwe inDistrict 9 , Agent C.M. Kruger inElysium , and the title character inChappie . He also come along alongside Angelina Jolie in Disney’sMaleficentand star in the P.O.V. actionerHardcore Henry .

Harley Quinn: Olivia Wilde

Prior to Margot Robbie ’s casting , Olivia Wilde was consider to represent Harley Quinn . Wilde has never played a superhero or supervillain , but she did look inCowboys & Aliens , which was based on a comical Christian Bible . If Wilde had been chuck as Harley , her commitments to the DCEU might have prevented her from make her directorial debut withthe star high school comedyBooksmart .

Wilde ’s burgeoning directing career is set to continue with ‘ 50s - set psychological thrillerDon’t Worry , Darling , Kerri Strug biopicPerfect , a distaff - centric Marvel superhero movie for Sony , and an untitled Christmas comedy .

Joker: Mark Strong

Before Jared Leto was tapped to diddle the Joker , the producers considered casting Mark Strong , who would ’ve play the part very other than than Leto did . Strong finish up playing a dissimilar villain in the DCEU when David F. Sandberg cast him inShazam!as the villainous , vindictive Doctor Sivana .

Strong has also wreak two other mirthful book scoundrel , Sinestro inGreen Lanternand Frank D’Amico inKick - Ass , as well as one laughable book buddy , Merlin in theKingsmanmovies .

Harley Quinn: Emma Watson

The producers ofSuicide Squadconsidered Emma Watson for the character of Harley Quinn . Watson , of form , is no alien to franchise dedication , having spent her puerility run Hermione Granger in theHarry Pottermovies .

Before landing on Margot Robbie , the producers also considered a prospicient leaning of player including Alison Brie , Emily Browning , Lily Collins , Rooney Mara , Imogen Poots , Emma Stone , Olivia Thirlby , and Evan Rachel Wood for the part .

NEXT : Suicide Squad : 5 Things James Gunn Should alter From The Original ( And 5 He Should Keep The Same )

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Actors considered for Harley Quinn and the Joker - featured image

Emma Roberts in Scream Queens

Ryan Gosling in Blade Runner 2049

Amanda Seyfried in Mamma Mia

Matt Smith in Doctor Who

Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Huntress stands in a bare room in Birds of Prey

Sharlto Copley holding a gun in District 9

Olivia Wilde in neon light in Tron Legacy.

Mark Strong looking into the camera in Shazam

Meg looking to the distance in Little Women

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