ARROW’s “Big Plans” for Harley Quinn Scrapped; Will Maseo Return for Season 4?

In Arrow‘s second season, Harley Quinn made a memorable cameo as an ARGUS prisoner. The brief appearance generated much hype since, leading to speculation on when Quinn would have a bigger role (if at all). However, with Harley set to play a key role in the Suicide Squad movie, seeing more of her on Arrow is unlikely. She had another cameo in a deleted scene from the season two finale, but otherwise, that’s it. And sure enough, there are no longer plans to bring her back to the series.

Speaking with MCM London (via CBM), Thea/Speedy actress Willa Holland revealed that the Arrow producers did have “big plans” for Harley, but they were scrapped. “We had big plans for Harley. But, I guess something came down from DC execs that told us to shut it down. I mean we had that tease with the pigtails and the ARGUS outfit but, we’ll never see it. We would love to Harley in Arrow but it will never happen.”

While this is surely a bit disappointing, this move may be for the better. At least we’ll have Margot Robbie playing Harley (perfect casting, by the way) on the big screen in an installment of the DC Cinematic Universe. Also, many fans complain about Arrow taking too much from the Batman mythos – an opinion I personally disagree with – and giving Harley a major role would have only fanned those flames.

In other Arrow news, Holland was joined by actors Karl Yune (Maseo Yamashiro) and Rila Fukushima (Katana) at London MCM. They commented on filming their scenes for the past season, as well as the possibility of returning for season four. Of course, Holland is interested in continuing Thea’s story, while Fukushima does not respond. With Katana appearing in the Suicide Squad film, perhaps that would keep her from returning to Arrow?

However, Yune reveals he was told not to “make any plans” when it came to Maseo’s future. Maseo was one of the more interesting characters introduced last season. After leaving his wife following the death of his son, he went on to join the League of Assassins. And – SPOILER – Maseo was killed in a duel with Tatsu, who donned her Katana costume.

So, how could Maseo return for season four? Perhaps they have more of her story to tell in the flashback sequences. Or, maybe he’ll be resurrected via the Lazarus Pit or another way. But with nearly all of the major “deaths” of season three being undone – Thea, Sara, even Oliver himself – it would be nice to see a character stay dead.

For much more from Holland, Fukushima and Yune, click here to watch the entire video interview with Flicks and the City. Stay tuned for more as we have it.