In the shadowy alleys of Gotham City, a new power rises. The Penguin, a spin-off from Matt Reeves’ critically acclaimed The Batman, is captivating audiences with its first trailer, promising a gritty dive into the underworld that shapes one of the city’s most notorious villains, Oswald Cobblepot.
Colin Farrell reprises his role from the 2022 film, shedding light on Cobblepot’s ascent in the criminal hierarchy in a series that feels more like a nod to the classic crime dramas of the past rather than a traditional superhero tale.
The Penguin emerges as a crime saga reminiscent of The Sopranos, with Farrell’s portrayal of Cobblepot giving shades of the complex antiheroes of television’s golden age of drama. This is no cartoon villain; this is a man with ambition, depth, and a plan to take over Gotham’s underworld, left vulnerable after the demise of Carmine Falcone. The series promises to explore the nuanced dynamics of power, loyalty, and ambition in the city’s shadowy corners.
Farrell’s character seeks more than just power; he wants to establish a legacy, as reflected in the monologue about Rex Calabrese, a gangster who once commanded respect and admiration in the streets of Gotham. This narrative choice hints at a deeper exploration of Cobblepot’s motivations and his vision for his place in Gotham’s history. The inclusion of characters like Sofia Falcone, portrayed by Cristin Milioti, and other key figures suggests a brewing war for supremacy, with Cobblepot at the heart of the conflict.
The Penguin is a production that stands on the edge of the broodier broader DC universe, carving out its niche under the Elseworlds banner, separate from James Gunn’s ongoing reimaginations within DC Studios, starting with Superman, now recently retitled. This creative freedom allows for a focused narrative that delves deep into the lore of The Batman, providing a rich backdrop for this character-driven story.
With Matt Reeves executive producing and Lauren LeFranc at the helm as showrunner, the series is promising to be a compelling addition to the Batman saga.
The Penguin arrives on HBO and Max sometime this fall.
