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The DC Studios logo stands in a rainy Gotham alley
Chronology
After the events of Batman (2022), Oz Cobb aka The Penguin plays a show to take control of Gotham’s criminal underworld. Colin Farrell and Kristin Miliotti talk about how they got into character while making The Penguin. Colin Farrell fought hard to make his version of the Penguin smoke tobacco in Batman (2022), but failed. However, his own series portrays the character as an occasional smoker with a penchant for cigars. The umbrella drops and the logo changes to Warner Bros.
Featuring Graham Norton and guests: Lady Gaga/Demi Moore/Colin Farrell/Richard Ayoade/Jack Savoretti (2024)
The new HBO series Penguin, which is Matt Reeves & # 39; Batman (2022) is an exciting jump into Gotham City’s criminal underworld. Starring Colin Farrell as the titular character Oswald Cobblepot, aka The Penguin, this series expands on the gritty, noisy tone established by the film and offers fans a new yet familiar experience in the Batman universe. Unlike most superhero content, The Penguin focuses on the darker and more human elements of Gotham’s criminals, moving away from the caped crusader to highlight one of Batman’s most notorious foes. Set immediately after the events of Batman, the series explores the Penguin’s journey to fill the power vacuum left in Gotham’s criminal empire. With Carmine Falcon dead and Gotham’s infrastructure in chaos, Penguin jumps at the chance to climb the ladder, determined to establish control over the city’s crime syndicates.
Colin Farrell’s Performance Colin Farrell’s portrayal of The Penguin is nothing short of brilliant
The focus is on his transformation from boss to ultimate crime lord, creating a Penguins mob drama that feels more like The Sopranos than a traditional superhero series. The series wisely avoids relying too much on Batman’s shadow, allowing the Penguin to truly shine as the lead. Without the commanding presence of Gotham’s protector, this creates a new and interesting dynamic where Oswald is free to operate in a morally ambiguous space. This shift in narrative feels new to the genre and adds depth to Gotham’s underworld of crime without being too much of a superhero show. Physically unrecognizable in his prosthetic makeup, Farrell fully immerses himself in the character with a nuanced performance that balances the brutality of the mob boss with the insecurities and ambitions that drive him.
Farrell brings layers to the character beyond the stereotypical portrayal of a villain
The Penguin is no longer just a deformed villain caricature with an umbrella; instead, he’s portrayed as a ruthless, calculating player in Gotham’s criminal hierarchy, making him both terrifying and strangely endearing. His Oswald Cobblepot is clever, manipulative and ready to break bones, yet he is also a man driven by a deep-seated inferiority complex and a desire for respect. Watching him navigate the treacherous waters of Gotham’s underworld is compelling and provides a grounded approach to the character, making The Penguin a fascinating character study. Gritty Atmosphere and Tone Atmospherically, The Penguin maintains the same gritty and rainy aesthetic that fans loved in Batman. The dark, crime-ridden streets of Gotham are beautifully shot, emphasizing realistic and comic-book extravagance.
The tone of the series is dark, violent and suspenseful, reminiscent of neo-noir crime thrillers
Every scene is infused with the corruption and decay of Gotham, and danger seems to lurk in every shadow. The production design is excellent, with a set that feels like a natural extension of Reeves' Gotham City. Dirty clubs, run-down streets and luxurious mansions of crime lords make for an impressive show.