Although he wasn’t The Batman’s main villain, Colin Farrell gave a tour de force performance as Oswald Cobblepot that left fans hungry for more. Now, they are about to get their wish. Deadline brings word that HBO Max has given a straight-to-series order to a spinoff focusing on Cobblepot’s rise to power, which is being developed under the working title of The Penguin.
News of a Penguin spinoff originally made the rounds last fall. And by December, Farrell was confirmed to starring in and executive producing the series. Heading up the writers room is showrunner and executive producer Lauren LeFranc, a veteran of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the YouTube Premium series Impulse. Matt Reeves and Dylan Clark will also executive produce.
No other cast members are currently in place. But after seeing The Batman, one actor who seems likely to return is John Turturro as Carmine Falcone, given how closely his character worked with Oswald in the film. The Penguin series is one of at least two Batman spinoffs in development. Reeves was previously working with HBO Max on another series centering on the Gotham City Police Department. However, that project has since been re-tooled into a vehicle for Arkham Asylum.
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“I have long been a fan of the world of The Batman,” said LeFranc in a new statement. “And Matt’s film is such a powerful and bold entry into the canon. 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? I am thrilled to work with Colin, Matt, Dylan, 6th & Idaho, Warners, and HBO Max as we work to bring this story to the screen.”
“The world that Matt Reeves created for The Batman is one that warrants a deeper gaze through the eyes of Oswald Cobblepot,” added Farrell. “I couldn’t be more excited about continuing this exploration of Oz as he rises through the darkened ranks to become The Penguin. Will be good to get him back on the streets of Gotham for a little madness and a little mayhem.”
Are you happy to hear that the Penguin series is officially moving forward? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!
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