DC Universe streaming network debuted their new animated series, Harley Quinn, allowing the villainess to finally make her first grand appearance on the small screen. The series is not bleeped or censored and comes with a TV-MA rating— a contrast to DC Universe’s more family friendly content. Big Bang Theory alumna Kaley Cuoco also voices the titular character and was interviewed about the new show before its premiere.
“Look, I love going in the booth and screaming and cussing for two straight hours,” Cuoco commented on the show’s graphic depiction of graphic violence and vulgar dialogue alongside her voice acting techniques. “I usually do that alone in my bedroom, so I’ve been able to experience that in a whole other way.”
I think with any character, especially when on a new show, it takes some getting used to. I’ve perfected certain looks and facial expressions over the years, so this in a way was harder — also because I’m voicing someone as iconic as Harley. And also, my voice is very recognizable, so I didn’t want to force an accent or try to be someone I’m not. I’m ‘Kaley as Harley,’ and accepting that early on enabled me to me free and very authentic.
Patrick Schumacker and Justin Halpern serve as showrunners on Harley Quinn and have described the series as “Joker’s girlfriend finally becoming fed up with being described and dismissed as just that and breaks up with him. Soon she ventures out to make her own name as a crime kingpin after assembling a crew of female baddies.”
Other staple DC characters populate the screen alongside Cuoco such as: Lake Bell as Poison Ivy, Diedrich Bader as Batman, Alan Tudyk as Joker and Clayface, J.B. Smoove as Ivy’s “roommate,” Frank the Plant, Christopher Meloni as Commissioner Gordon, Ron Funches as King Shark, Jim Rash as Riddler, and Giancarlo Esposito as Lex Luthor. Actors Rahul Kohli, Sanaa Lathan, Jacob Tremblay, and James Adomian also make up the core supporting voice cast as well.
Season 1 will comprise of 13 episodes released weekly every Friday allowing the actress more room for creativity. “After a few weeks, it became more manic and hysterical, so I wanted to go back and re-record [the earlier episodes] to make sure it was just as badass from the beginning,” Cuoco added.
Below the official trailer can be viewed: