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Gotham’s new kingpin: A deep dive into ‘The Penguin’ series
A virtual gathering at Comic-Con
Comic-Con transformed into the gritty streets of Gotham City for the highly anticipated panel on DC’s “The Penguin” series. Although star Colin Farrell couldn’t attend in person, he joined the discussion via Zoom, accompanied by director Matt Reeves, co-stars Cristin Milioti and Rhenzy Feliz, and makeup designer Mike Marino.
A glimpse into the chaos
The newly released trailer for “The Penguin” showcases Farrell’s character, Oswald Cobblepot, ruthlessly climbing the criminal ladder in Gotham. The scenes are intense, featuring Penguin firing uzis at cars and managing the drug trade from his Iceberg Lounge club. The trailer also introduces Sofia Falcone (Milioti), the daughter of the late crime boss Carmine Falcone, who is out of Arkham Asylum and ready to challenge Penguin for control of the city.
“The world ain’t set up for the honest man to succeed,” Penguin declares in the trailer. “America is a hustle.”
Watch the trailer for The Penguin
The art of transformation
Farrell praised Marino’s prosthetic designs, which were crucial in his transformation into the Penguin. Marino revealed that the character’s overweight, scarred appearance was inspired by Harvey Weinstein and injured birds.
“Oz really is someone who never got to be seen. His personality is wanting. It’s wanting to be something more than he is,” Marino explained. “I always thought Colin had the best face for makeup. He’s got a small nose. When you do makeup, you add to a person’s face. You can’t take away. He’s got the best canvas.”
The series’ timeline and plot
“The Penguin” is set to premiere on HBO on September 19 and will run for eight episodes. The series picks up a week after the events of “The Batman”, following Oswald Cobblepot, aka the Penguin, as he navigates the treacherous waters of Gotham’s criminal underworld. Farrell’s portrayal of the Penguin in “The Batman” was met with critical acclaim, and fans are eager to see his return in this spinoff series.
A star-studded cast
The series boasts an impressive cast, including:
- Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone
- Rhenzy Feliz as Victor Aguilar, Penguin’s young driver
- Michael Kelly as Johnny Vitti, a Falcone crime family boss
- Shohreh Aghdashloo as Nadia Maroni
- Deirdre O’Connell as Francis Cobb
- Clancy Brown as mob boss Salvatore Maroni
- James Madio as Milos Grapa
- Scott Cohen as Luca Falcone
- Michael Zegen as Carmine’s son Alberto Falcone
- Theo Rossi as Julian Rush
- Carmen Ejogo as Eve Karlo
The aftermath of ‘The Batman’
In the climactic ending of 2022’s “The Batman”, the Riddler (Paul Dano) successfully executes his plan to destroy Gotham’s seawall, flooding the city. Despite the chaos, Robert Pattinson’s Batman captures the Riddler and saves mayor-elect Bella Reál from his assassins. With Carmine Falcone (John Turturro) killed by the Riddler, a power vacuum emerges in Gotham’s crime syndicate, setting the stage for Penguin’s rise.
Personal reflections
As a long-time fan of both cinema and TV series, the evolution of the Penguin character is particularly fascinating. Farrell’s transformation, both physically and emotionally, into this iconic villain is a testament to his versatility as an actor. The series promises to delve deeper into the complexities of Oswald Cobblepot, offering a nuanced portrayal that goes beyond the typical comic book villain.
The inclusion of characters like Sofia Falcone and the intricate dynamics within Gotham’s crime families add layers of intrigue and drama. It’s not just about the action and the crime; it’s about the power struggles, the personal vendettas, and the dark, twisted motivations that drive these characters.
For those who appreciate in-depth character studies and the darker side of superhero lore, “The Penguin” is shaping up to be a must-watch. The series not only expands the universe established in “The Batman” but also promises to offer a fresh perspective on one of Gotham’s most notorious figures.
Stay tuned for more updates and make sure to mark your calendars for the premiere on September 19. This is one series you won’t want to miss.
