After ‘The Batman’s’ success, ‘The Penguin’ sequel is in works

Collin Farrell will reprise the role for the spin-off series based on the villain

The Robert Pattinson starrer superhero film, The Batman, dominated the box office with its continued success following its release last week. However, it seems like Pattinson wasn’t the only one that won hearts. The Penguin, a standout character from Matt Reeves's superhero flick, is all set for more screen time. After months of speculation, HBO Max officially ordered a spin-off series focused on the Penguin on March 9, as reported by Deadline. However, it was revealed earlier this week that the streaming platform shelved Reeves’ planned prequel series focusing on the Gotham City Police Department.

Collin Farrel, who essays the Penguin in the latest adaptation of Batman, will reprise his role for the spinoff series. A fan favourite for its car chase sequences and comedic relief, The Penguin — real name Oswald Cobblepot — is an associate of Carmine Falcone who runs the Iceberg Lounge. Farrell faded into the role with intricate prosthetics and nailed the villain narrative for the audience despite The Riddler being the central villain.

Farrel shared that he “couldn’t be more excited” about a series that is primarily focused on a character he essayed and its developments. "I couldn't be more excited about continuing this exploration of Oz as he rises through the darkened ranks to become The Penguin," he said in a statement. "[It] will be good to get him back on the streets of Gotham for a little madness and a little mayhem,” he further added.

In conversation with Entertainment Tonight, Farrel confirmed that the series will pick pace as soon as the events for The Batman concludes.

The series is penned and produced by Lauren LeFranc, whose credits include Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D and Hemlock Grove. "I have long been a fan of the world of The Batman, and Matt's film is such a powerful and bold entry into the canon," LeFranc said. "I am excited and humbled to continue telling stories in the grimy world of Gotham City — and what better excuse to channel my inner villain than to tell the story of Oswald Cobblepot?"

The Penguin was first introduced by Burgess Meredith in the 1960s series on the caped hero and later by Danny DeVito in Tim Burton's Batman Returns and, more recently, Robin Lord Taylor in Gotham.

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