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An umbrella falls and the logo changes to the Warner Bros
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Following the events of The Batman (2022), Oz Cobb aka. the Penguin makes a play to take over the criminal underworld in Gotham. From melting makeup to filming in freezing temperatures, Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti talk about how they got into character during the production of “The Penguin.” Colin Farrell fought hard to get his version of The Penguin to smoke tobacco in The Batman (2022) but was unsuccessful. However, for his own series, the character is depicted as a casual tobacco user, with a preference for cigars. The DC Studios logo is set in a rainy alley in Gotham.
Featured in Graham Norton in bursts: Lady Gaga/Demi Moore/Colin Farrell/Richard Ayoade/Jack Savoretti (2024)
logo. 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. Led by Colin Farrell as title character Oswald Cobblepot, aka The Penguin, this series expands on the gritty, noir tone established 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 criminals, moving away from the Caped Crusader to highlight the rise of one of Batman’s most notorious foes. Following the events of The Batman, the series explores Penguin’s journey to fill the power vacuum left behind in Gotham’s criminal empire.
Colin Farrell’s Performance Colin Farrell’s performance as the Penguin is nothing short of remarkable
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. His transformation from underboss to big-time 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 smartly avoids relying too heavily on Batman’s shadow, allowing Penguin to truly shine as the protagonist. Without the domineering presence of Gotham’s protector, an interesting new dynamic is created, 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 world without focusing too much on superhero spectacle.
Farrell brings layers to the character, going beyond the stereotypical portrayal of the villain
Physically unrecognizable in his prosthetics, Farrell fully inhabits the character with a nuanced performance that balances the brutality of a mob boss with the insecurities and ambition that drive him. No longer is the Penguin just a caricature of a deformed, umbrella-wielding villain; Instead, he is depicted as a ruthless and calculated player in Gotham’s criminal hierarchy, making him both terrifying and oddly sympathetic. His Oswald Cobblepot is cunning, manipulative, and willing to break bones, but he’s also a man driven by a deep-seated inferiority complex and a desire for respect. Watching 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, rainy aesthetic that fans loved in The Batman.
Gotham’s dark, crime-ridden streets are beautifully shot, with an emphasis on realism over comic book quirkiness
The tone of the show is grim, violent, and fraught with tension, reminiscent of neo-noir crime thrillers. Every scene is steeped in Gotham’s corruption and decay, and it feels like danger lurks in every shadow. The production design is top-notch, with scenes that feel like a natural extension of Reeves’ Gotham story. The dingy clubs, run-down alleys, and opulent mansions of crime lords all contribute to the show’s immersive feel.
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