Margot Robbie’s new DC flick Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) might be getting a name change in theatres because, apparently, it’s too fun.
Refinery29 reports that Warner Bros. has confirmed American cinemas will title the film Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey following a disappointing first weekend at the box office in the US.
The film opened with $33 million, but was projected to earn $50-55 million on its opening weekend.
Entertainment Weekly reports a possible reason for this – perhaps the film’s R rating meant younger viewers couldn’t watch?
Warner Bros. seems to think the problem instead lies with people not knowing the movie focuses on Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn.
It hasn’t been confirmed that the movie’s disappointing box office numbers are to blame for the title change and it’s very rare for a movie’s title to change post-release.
While the box office numbers might suggest the movie isn’t doing all that well, reviews for the film say something else entirely.
Reviewer Christy Lemire wrote, “From its lively and vibrant animated opening, [Cathy] Yan’s film is a complete blast, filled with zippy energy and irresistible girl power. And Robbie, in her seemingly endless versatility, is up for every challenge in a role that’s as demanding physically as it is verbally. She is positively infectious in the candy-colored chaos she creates.”
Lemire added, “The title refers to Harley’s emancipation but all five women get to feel what it’s like to blaze new trails on their own terms. The timing couldn’t be more apt in this post-#MeToo era, and the tone of “Birds of Prey” feels like a welcome breath of hopeful air following last year’s well-acted but self-serious ‘Joker.'”
“#ReasonsToSupportBoP” has also received a number of mentions on Twitter with one fan writing, “It’s a film directed by an Asian woman. Written by an Asian woman. With an Asian cinematographer. Starring all women, one Black, one Latina, one Asian. With multiple Queer characters. THERE YOU GO.”
#ReasonsToSupportBoP
— Mikey (@Mikey_Talks) February 15, 2020
It’s a film directed by an Asian woman.
Written by an Asian woman.
With an Asian cinematographer.
Starring all women, one Black, one Latina, one Asian.
With multiple Queer characters.
THERE YOU GO. #BirdsOfPrey pic.twitter.com/nQaEFeSiiu
Another wrote, “First ever movie for [Black Canary] and Huntress, first ever female team film, beautiful cinematography, amazing action sequences, and just an overall good time! Trust me see [Birds Of Prey]!”
#ReasonsToSupportBoP First ever movie for black canary and Huntress , first ever female team film , beautiful cinematography , amazing action sequences , and just an overall good time! Trust me see birds of prey! pic.twitter.com/BddvpI2Dwy
— Clipsee (@LunarEclipseX) February 15, 2020
Someone else added, “It’s a movie that Margot has been fighting for for five years. It exposes the general public to great lesser known characters and is full of diversity in front of and behind the camera. It could greenlight movies such as Gotham City Sirens in the future.”
#ReasonsToSupportBoP It's a movie that Margot has been fighting for for five years. It exposes the general public to great lesser known characters and is full of diversity in front of and behind the camera. It could greenlight movies such as Gotham City Sirens in the future. pic.twitter.com/Q6m5YEB9fG
— best of batfam (@badpostbatfam) February 15, 2020
While the title is quite the mouthful, it does perfectly capture the essence of the film and describes Harley Quinn’s journey of being her own woman following her split with the Joker and then the formation of the Birds of Prey.
Shortening the title actually does the film a disservice by taking away the importance of Harley’s new path.
It will be interesting to see the eventual box office success of the film, but Birds of Prey has definitely added some much-needed colour to the DCEU.