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The DC Studios logo is set in a rainy Gotham alley
Following the events of The Batman (2022), Oz Cobb, aka the Penguin, makes a move to take over Gotham’s criminal underworld. From melting makeup to filming in freezing temperatures, Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti talk about getting into character during the making of ‘The Penguin.’ Colin Farrell fought hard to have his version of the Penguin smoke tobacco in The Batman (2022), but it was unsuccessful. For his own series, however, the character is portrayed as an occasional tobacco user, with a preference for cigars. An umbrella falls and the logo changes to the Warner Bros. logo.
Featured in Graham Norton i likes: Lady Gaga/Demi Moore/Colin Farrell/Richard Ayoade/Jack Savoretti (2024)
HBO’s new show The Penguin, a spin-off of Matt Reeves’ The Batman (2022) is a thrilling dive into Gotham City’s criminal underworld. Directed by Colin Farrell as the titular character Oswald Cobblepot, aka The Penguin, this series expands on the gritty, noirish tone set by the film and offers fans a new, yet familiar, experience in the Batman universe. Unlike most superhero-related content, The Penguin focuses on the darker, more human elements of Gotham’s criminal underworld, moving away from the caped crusader to spotlight the rise of one of Batman’s most notorious foes. Plot Set immediately after the events of The Batman, the series explores Penguin’s quest to fill the power vacuum left in Gotham’s criminal empire. With Carmine Falcone dead and Gotham’s infrastructure in chaos, Penguin seizes the opportunity to rise through the ranks, determined to assert control over the city’s crime syndicates.
Colin Farrell’s performance Colin Farrell’s portrayal of the Penguin is nothing short of remarkable
His transformation from underboss to major crime lord is the main focus, giving The Penguin a mob drama vibe more akin to The Sopranos than a traditional superhero show. The show cleverly avoids relying too heavily on Batman’s shadow, allowing the Penguin to truly shine as the protagonist. Without the overbearing presence of Gotham’s protector, it creates a new and interesting dynamic where Oswald is free to operate in a morally ambiguous space. This narrative shift feels fresh for the genre and adds depth to Gotham’s criminal underworld without focusing too much on superhero spectacle. Physically unrecognizable in his prosthetic makeup, Farrell fully inhabits the character with a nuanced performance that balances the brutality of a mob boss with the insecurities and ambitions that drive him.
Farrell brings layers to the character, going beyond the stereotypical portrayal of the villain
The Penguin is no longer just a caricature of a deformed, umbrella-wielding villain; Instead, he’s portrayed as a ruthless and calculating player in Gotham’s criminal hierarchy, making him both terrifying and strangely sympathetic. His Oswald Cobblepot is cunning, manipulative, and ready to break bones, but he’s also a man driven by a deep-rooted inferiority complex and a desire for respect. Watching him navigate the treacherous waters of Gotham’s criminal underworld is engaging and provides a grounded approach to the character, making The Penguin a fascinating character study. Gritty Atmosphere and Tone In terms of atmosphere, The Penguin maintains the same gritty, rainy aesthetic that fans loved about The Batman. The dark, crime-ridden streets of Gotham are beautifully shot, with an emphasis on realism over comic book flamboyance.
The tone of the show is dark, violent, and charged with tension, reminiscent of neo-noir crime thrillers
Every scene is drenched in Gotham’s corruption and decay, and it feels like danger lurks in every shadow. The production design is top-notch, with sets that feel like a natural extension of Reeves’ Gotham City. The dingy clubs, seedy alleys, and opulent crime lords’ mansions all contribute to the show’s immersive feel.
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