According to The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. and DC’s upcoming film Birds of Prey—scheduled for release on 7 February 2020—has added Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Jurnee Smollett-Bell to its cast. Margot Robbie will return as Harley Quinn, reprising the role she first played in Suicide Squad, and the new casting choices expand the film’s ensemble of female heroes and anti-heroes.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead in 10 Cloverfield Lane and Jurnee Smollett-Bell in ‘Underground’
Mary Elizabeth Winstead, known for films such as 10 Cloverfield Lane, will play the Huntress, a character with deep ties to the Batman mythos. Jurnee Smollett-Bell, who gained attention for her role on the television series ‘Underground,’ will portray Black Canary, a skilled combatant famous in the comics for her powerful, distinctive battle cry. These additions round out an increasingly high-profile female-led roster centered on Harley Quinn and the criminally chaotic world she inhabits.
The casting announcements follow reports that actresses Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Margaret Qualley and Cristin Milioti had been auditioning for roles in the project. With Winstead and Smollett-Bell now confirmed, the film’s ensemble continues to take shape, although the studio has not yet disclosed the full scope of characters or how many roles remain to be cast.
Cathy Yan, whose feature film Dead Pigs drew critical praise, is directing Birds of Prey. Yan’s hiring signaled Warner Bros.’ interest in fresh voices for its DC slate, and the director’s involvement is expected to bring an energetic, character-driven approach to this all-female team-up. The film’s emphasis on women-led storytelling and action marks a notable entry in the studio’s broader strategy for its comic book adaptations.
The decision to build a film around Harley Quinn and a team of female heroes reflects both the character’s popularity since her introduction in the comics and Margot Robbie’s central role in championing the project. Robbie is producing as well as starring, and the movie presents an opportunity to further develop Harley Quinn’s arc outside of ensemble films like Suicide Squad.
Industry observers have pointed to recent developments across Warner Bros. and DC as evidence the studio is reassessing its cinematic direction. Earlier this month, on-set images from the Joaquin Phoenix-led Joker production surfaced, and there have been unconfirmed reports about other casting changes within the DC universe. Studios often adjust strategies as multiple projects progress, and Birds of Prey represents one example of a more diverse set of creative voices being given room to shape future releases.
With Winstead and Smollett-Bell joining Robbie, attention now turns to how the film will balance its characters and which other figures from the DC universe might appear. The Huntress and Black Canary each bring distinct skills and motivations: the Huntress has roots in Gotham’s vigilantism and often follows a personal, sometimes darker path, while Black Canary combines martial prowess with a sonic attack known as the “Canary Cry.” Their inclusion suggests a mix of street-level action, interpersonal conflict and the potential for character-driven drama.
As production progresses toward the scheduled 7 February 2020 release date, fans and industry watchers will be following casting updates and first looks closely. For now, the confirmed additions of Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Jurnee Smollett-Bell strengthen a promising ensemble around Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn and underscore Warner Bros.’ continued investment in expanding the DC film universe with diverse stories and new creative teams.