The DC Studios logo is set in a rainy Gotham alley
Synopsis
Following the events of The Batman (2022), Oz Cobb, a.k.a. Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti talk about how their makeup melted in the freezing temperatures to film “The Penguin” during production. Colin Farrell fought hard to get his version of The Penguin Smoke Tobacco in The Batman (2022), but failed. In his own series, however, the character is depicted as a casual cigarette user who favors cigars. Appeared on Graham Norton in Genres: Lady Gaga/Demi Moore/Colin Farrell/Richard Ayoade/Jack Savoretti (2024).
The new HBO show The Penguin, a spin-off of Matt Reeves’ The Batman (2022), is a thrilling dive into the criminal underworld of Gotham City
Directed by Colin Farrell as the titular character Oswald Cobblepot, aka The Penguin, this series expands on the gritty, boisterous tone of the film and offers fans a fresh yet familiar experience of the Batman universe. Unlike most superhero content, The Penguin focuses on the darker, more human elements of Gotham’s criminals, moving away from the caped crusader and highlighting the rise of one of Batman’s most notorious foes. Set immediately after the events of The Batman, the series explores the Penguin’s journey to fill the remaining power vacuum in Gotham’s criminal empire. With Carmine Falcone dead and Gotham’s infrastructure in chaos, Penguin seizes the opportunity to rise through the ranks with a determination to take control of the city’s criminal gangs. His transformation from underboss to major crime lord is the main focus, giving The Penguin a mafia drama feel that’s more akin to The Sopranos than a traditional superhero show, allowing Penguin to shine in the lead role.
Colin Farrell’s performance as the Penguin is nothing short of remarkable
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 overly focusing on the superhero drama. Physically unrecognizable in his prosthetics, Farrell completely inhabits the character with a nuanced performance that balances the brutality of the mob boss with the insecurities and ambition that drive him. The Penguin is no longer just a caricature of a deformed, umbrella-wielding villain; instead, he’s portrayed as a ruthless, calculating player in Gotham’s criminal hierarchy, making him both terrifying and oddly sympathetic. Farrell brings layers to the character and moves beyond the stereotypical villain portrayal.
The dark, crime-ridden streets of Gotham are beautifully depicted, emphasizing realism over comic book grandeur
His Oswald Cobblepot is intelligent, manipulative, and ready to break bones, but he’s also a man driven by a deep-seated inferiority complex and desire for respect. Seeing him navigate the treacherous waters of Gotham’s criminal underworld is compelling 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 and rainy aesthetic that fans have come to love in Batman. The tone of the show is dark, violent, and suspenseful, reminiscent of neo-noir crime thrillers. Every scene is filled with the corruption and decadence of Gotham, and it feels like danger lurks in every shadow.
The meaty clubs, seedy alleys, and lavish crime lord mansions add to the show’s immersive atmosphere
The production design is top-notch, and the sets feel like a natural extension of Reeves’ Gotham City.