Cristin Milioti transforms as Sofia Falcone in ‘The Penguin’

Her journey into the superhero realm

Cristin Milioti’s career trajectory has been nothing short of eclectic. From her Tony-nominated debut in the Broadway sensation “Once” to her unforgettable role as the Mother in the final season of “How I Met Your Mother,” Milioti has always been a dynamic presence on screen and stage. Yet, despite her evident talent, securing roles in the world of comic book adaptations proved to be a significant challenge.

“Oh my God, if there’s someone around my age in it … I’ve tested for, like, you name it,” Milioti reflects, emphasizing the frequency and intensity of her auditions. “I just couldn’t get in there — not for lack of trying.”

Landing the role of a lifetime

Fast forward to 2022, when the opportunity to portray the unhinged mobster Sofia Falcone in The Penguin arose. Given Milioti’s previous disappointments, she was cautiously optimistic. Starring Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb, the role he brought to life in Matt Reeves’ 2022 blockbuster The Batman, The Penguin offers a gritty, intense exploration of Gotham’s underworld.

“I was trying to keep my expectations in the basement,” Milioti admits. “I’d dreamed of playing a villain my whole life.”

A standout performance

Not only did Milioti land the part of Sofia Falcone, but she also received some of her best-ever reviews for her powerful portrayal. Introduced just days after her release from Arkham Asylum, where she spent a decade as the infamous serial killer known as the Hangman, Sofia’s story takes a central role in the fourth episode of the season, “Cent’Anni,” which premiered on October 13.

In a dramatic reveal, it becomes apparent that Sofia’s father, Carmine Falcone, portrayed by Mark Strong, is the true Hangman, responsible for murdering several women, including Sofia’s mother. This revelation drives Sofia’s quest for vengeance and justice, dramatically shifting the balance in Gotham’s criminal underworld.

The quest for authenticity

Transforming body and mind

Milioti’s commitment to bringing Sofia to life went beyond mere script reading. Collaborating with movement coach Julia Crockett, she delved into how Sofia’s prolonged imprisonment in Arkham Asylum would physically and mentally affect her.

“She goes from one horrific place back into another horrific place,” Milioti explains, describing Sofia’s return to her family. “What does that do to you when you have to constantly be on guard and can’t have a single moment’s breath?”

A visual metamorphosis

The transformation wasn’t just internal. Milioti dedicated herself to altering Sofia’s appearance to reflect her tumultuous journey. From the luxurious, groomed look pre-Arkham to a deliberately garish and wild appearance post-release, every detail was meticulously considered.

“The women in that family express themselves through clothes and hair and makeup,” Milioti notes. “Putting that through the filter of Arkham, how does that come out? I wanted her hair to be feral but concealable around her family. I wanted it to show her becoming wilder.”

A collaborative effort

Inspiration from peers

Acting isn’t done in isolation, and Milioti found inspiration not just from the script but from fellow actors and past performances. She talks about how co-star Deirdre O’Connell encouraged her to watch performances “for courage” rather than imitation. Gena Rowlands in the 1980 crime thriller Gloria was particularly impactful for Milioti.

“I had never seen that performance,” Milioti says. “That’s not Sofia, but just watching someone swing for the fences, just really go for it, helped me realize, ‘OK, look at what you can do.’”

Creating a believable world

Director Helen Shaver played a crucial role in fostering an immersive and collaborative environment on set. This approach was particularly effective during scenes in Arkham Asylum, where Milioti worked closely with background actors to create a vivid and terrifying setting.

“She wanted everyone to come up with a character. When Sofia walks through, she wanted to see individuals,” Milioti recalls. “It made the moment when Sofia snaps and murders another inmate, Magpie, feel even more vivid and visceral.”

Embracing the dark and the light

Though Milioti is reluctant to delve too deeply into the specifics of her acting process, she acknowledges the complexity and nuance of developing Sofia’s character. Balancing the dark themes with a sense of childlike play, she found a unique joy in the role.

“I definitely feel spoiled,” she confesses. “Playing Sofia felt like being a little kid in my backyard again. Yes, there’s darkness, but I had the time of my life.”

Cristin Milioti’s portrayal of Sofia Falcone in The Penguin has undoubtedly made a significant impact. Her ability to bring depth, authenticity, and raw emotion to the role has not only won her critical acclaim but has also solidified her place in the pantheon of unforgettable TV villains.

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