DC Has Just Confirmed Brainiac’s Next On-Screen Appearance In The Last Place You’d Expect

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 on DC’s iconic characters. From its sharp humor to its irreverent takes on classic villains and heroes, the show has carved out a unique niche in DC’s entertainment lineup. Now, Harley Quinn Season 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 in Action 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 for Harley Quinn dropped 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 true Harley Quinn fashion, 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 wit promises 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 in Harley Quinn is 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 supreme creates a unique opportunity to subvert expectations.

The Harley Quinn series 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 Quinn might 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

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Brainiac’s history in live-action and animated adaptations has been uneven, making his upcoming role in Harley Quinn all the more significant. While Brainiac has long been a staple of Superman lore in the comics, his on-screen appearances have been relatively sparse compared to other villains like Lex Luthor or General Zod. One of the most recent live-action portrayals of Brainiac was in Superman & 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 Series and Justice 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 film Justice League: Gods and Monsters also offered a unique version of Brainiac, giving him a child-like android with psychic powers. Brainiac’s appearance in Harley Quinn continues this tradition of animated reinvention while pushing boundaries in unexpected ways. By placing him in a comedic context, the show acknowledges his iconic status while using humor to deconstruct and reimagine him for a new audience. It's very exciting to see how the Superman villain will fare in the chaotic, unpredictable world of Harley and Ivy.

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 star 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review Your changes have been saved My List My Favorite TV Shows My Watchlist Success! Harley Quinn Developed by Justin Halpern, Patrick Schumacker, and Dean Lorey, Harley Quinn is a Max original series focusing on Harley Quinn, the former therapist led astray by the Joker. The show sees Harley learn that the Joker truly doesn't love her and decides to find her place in the world without him - and cause a little mayhem along the way. Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Release Date November 29, 2019 Main Genre Animation Franchise(s) DC Universe Cast Ron Funches , Kaley Cuoco , Lake Bell , Alan Tudyk Tony Hale , Jason Alexander Seasons 5 Streaming Service(s) M Showrunner Dean Lorey , Chrissy Pietrosh , Jessica Goldstein Expand

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