The infamous DC supervillain Brainiac is finally returning to screens in the franchise’s most surprising -Harley Quinn. The hit animated series has made a name for itself by subverting expectations and putting a comedic, chaotic spin onDC’s iconic characters. From its sharp humor to its irreverent takes on classic villains and heroes, the show has carved out a unique niche inDC’s entertainment lineup. Now,Harley QuinnSeason 5 is upping the ante by introducing a surprising new character: Brainiac.
Brainiac is one of the most iconic villains in DC Comics lore, often regarded as one of Superman’s greatest adversaries. First appearing inAction Comics#242 in 1958, Brainiac is a hyper-intelligent alien android with a penchant for collecting worlds. His modus operandi involves shrinking and preserving entire cities - most famously Kandor from Superman’s home planet of Krypton - and then destroying the planets they originated from. Brainiac’s intelligence is his most dangerous weapon, as he’s often depicted as a cold, calculating foe whose strategies outmatch even the Man of Steel.
Harley Quinn’s Season 5 Trailer Confirms Brainiac Will Appear In The Show
The Season 5 trailer forHarley Quinndropped an unexpected bombshell: Brainiac will be making his debut in the series. The trailer shows Brainiac’s ominous spaceship arriving on Earth, accompanied by his signature green hue and foreboding presence. In trueHarley Quinnfashion, however, the scene quickly takes a comedic turn. As Brainiac scans Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, he remarks,“This will be quite the challenge,”hinting at the unpredictable chaos the duo is about to unleash.
While the trailer doesn’t reveal the extent of Brainiac’s role, his brief appearance already hints at a hilarious clash of personalities. The stoic and methodical Brainiac facing off against Harley’s anarchic energy and Ivy’s dry witpromises a dynamic that’s equal parts entertaining and absurd. Moreover, Brainiac is voiced by the beloved British actor and comedian Stephen Fry, who bestowed the villain with a sophisticated yet sinister inflection.
Why Brainiac’s Harley Quinn Debut Is So Interesting
This unexpected pairing could highlight the absurdity of his goals while still respecting the essence of the character.
Brainiac’s inclusion inHarley Quinnis intriguing precisely because he’s such a stark contrast to the show’s tone. As a character deeply rooted in science fiction and existential terror, Brainiac is often portrayed as one of the most humorless villains in the DC Universe. Introducing him into a world where over-the-top antics and irreverence reign supremecreates a unique opportunity to subvert expectations.
TheHarley Quinnseries has a proven track record of reimagining DC’s most stoic characters, from Commissioner Gordon’s meltdown as a desperate and lonely man to Batman grappling with his emotional baggage in hilarious ways. Brainiac, a character who takes himself extremely seriously, is ripe for a comedic makeover. Watching Harley’s chaotic unpredictability throw off Brainiac’s carefully calculated plans will undoubtedly lead to laugh-out-loud moments.
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Additionally, Brainiac’s role in the show could provide a fresh perspective on his character. While he’s often defined by his intellect and ruthlessness,Harley Quinnmight explore new facets of his personality, such as his reactions to dealing with Earth’s quirkiest antiheroes. This unexpected pairing could highlight the absurdity of his goals while still respecting the essence of the character.
DC’s Past With Adapting Brainiac Makes 2025’s Villain Debut Part of a Fascinating History
Brainiac’s history in live-action and animated adaptations has been uneven, making his upcoming role inHarley Quinnall the more significant. While Brainiac has long been a staple of Superman lore in the comics, his on-screenappearances have been relatively sparse compared to other villains like Lex Luthor or General Zod. One of the most recent live-action portrayals ofBrainiac was inSuperman & Lois, where Brainiac was reimagined as a humanized, less alien presence.
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Though compelling in its own right, this version lacked the classic traits that make Brainiac such a formidable foe. Similarly, the DCEU missed opportunities to include Brainiac in its cinematic universe, despite viewer speculation and hopes. In contrast,Brainiac has found more success in animation.Superman: The Animated SeriesandJustice League Unlimited both featured memorable takes on the character, emphasizing his cold, mechanical intellect and his ability to challenge Superman on both physical and psychological levels.
The animated filmJustice League: Gods and Monstersalso offered a unique version of Brainiac, giving him a child-like android with psychic powers. Brainiac’s appearance inHarley Quinncontinues this tradition of animated reinvention while pushing boundaries in unexpected ways. By placing him in a comedic context, the showacknowledges his iconic status while using humor to deconstruct and reimagine himfor a new audience. It’s very exciting to see how the Superman villain will fare in the chaotic, unpredictable world of Harley and Ivy.
Harley Quinn
Cast
Harley Quinn is a 2019 animated series focusing on the titular character’s evolution after severing ties with the Joker. As she seeks to establish herself as an independent force in Gotham City’s criminal underworld, the film explores her journey toward becoming Gotham’s criminal Queenpin.
