The Penguin: A deep dive into the premiere episode
SPOILER ALERT: This article discusses plot points from the series premiere of “The Penguin,” now streaming on Max.
A chilling introduction to Oz Cobb
The premiere episode of HBO’s “The Penguin” delivers a gripping and intense introduction to Colin Farrell’s Oz Cobb. The climax of the episode is particularly harrowing, as we witness Oz being stripped and tortured by Cristin Milioti’s Sofia Falcone. This scene is not just a display of physical torment but also a psychological battle, revealing the depths of Sofia’s suspicion that Oz is behind her brother Alberto Falcone’s murder.
The grotesque nature of the scene is amplified by the meticulous work of Farrell’s makeup and prosthetics team, who went to great lengths to ensure Oz’s physicality was portrayed with unsettling accuracy. Farrell himself expressed his gratitude to the prosthetics designer for making Oz “anatomically correct,” adding an extra layer of discomfort to his performance.
The psychological impact of transformation
Farrell’s transformation into The Penguin is not just skin-deep. The actor describes the surreal discomfort he felt while wearing the prosthetics, which included a velcro piece and additional makeup layers. This physical transformation had a profound psychological effect on Farrell, making him feel exposed despite being covered in layers of makeup.
“I felt incredibly exposed, even though I was anything but,” Farrell shared. “I was totally covered, but I was covered by a naked man. And it’s not like I thought I was him, but it had a very strange effect on my ego.”
The rise of Oz Cobb
“The Penguin” is a crime-thriller spinoff series set in the world of Matt Reeves’ 2022 Batman blockbuster. The story picks up roughly a week after the events of the film, detailing Oz Cobb’s meteoric rise to power as one of Gotham’s most infamous criminals. The series is helmed by showrunner Lauren LeFranc, with Reeves and director Craig Zobel serving as executive producers.
The episode ends with a twist, as Oz manipulates the Falcones into believing that rival crime boss Salvatore Maroni killed Alberto. This move showcases Oz’s cunning and ambition, traits that will undoubtedly play a significant role in his ascent to power.
A complex character study
LeFranc emphasizes that Oz is not just a brute force but a calculated and ambitious individual. “Oz is a gamer; he’s a schemer. He is very smart and calculated, and we obviously show in the first episode how impulsive he can be, especially when he’s laughed at and discounted,” she explains.
The episode’s closing moments, where Oz shares a slushie with his young protégé Victor Aguilar, contrast sharply with the episode’s opening. This scene mirrors the introduction of Jason Todd in the Batman comics, a deliberate homage by LeFranc.
The dynamic between Oz and Victor
Victor Aguilar, played by Rhenzy Feliz, is a street tough from Gotham’s East Side. His relationship with Oz starts on hostile terms but quickly evolves into a unique bond. Feliz explains that Victor sees Oz as a path to a better future, despite the inherent dangers.
“There’s an allure to the life that Oz lives,” Feliz says. “There’s this money, there’s this power, there’s just confidence that Oz has with him, and I think that Victor finds that very appealing.”
The making of a villain
The premiere episode of “The Penguin” sets the stage for Oz’s transformation into one of Gotham’s most feared criminals. Farrell’s portrayal of Oz is both chilling and captivating, and the meticulous work of the makeup and prosthetics team adds an extra layer of authenticity to the character.
Farrell’s reflections on the psychological impact of his transformation and the complex dynamics between Oz and the other characters provide a deeper understanding of what makes “The Penguin” a compelling watch. As the series progresses, viewers can expect more twists and turns as Oz navigates the treacherous world of Gotham’s criminal underworld.
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of “The Penguin”, you can watch the trailer here.
Behind the scenes: The making of Oz Cobb
Creating the character of Oz Cobb was no small feat. Farrell recounts the extensive process of getting into character, which involved hours in the makeup chair and being wheeled onto the set in a wheelchair. The prosthetics team left nothing to chance, ensuring that every detail was perfect.
“It took seven hours to do your makeup?” Farrell recalls. “I was in the makeup chair first for the first three hours, and then they got me into the wheelchair for the next three or four hours. And then they wheeled me about 300 yards to the set, put me in, and then that was it for a few hours while we shot. It was cool, though.”
The climactic torture scene
The torture scene between Oz and Sofia is one of the most intense moments in the episode. Farrell praises Milioti’s performance, describing her as “extraordinary to work with.” The scene required a deep level of trust and collaboration between the actors, resulting in a powerful and unforgettable moment.
The future of The Penguin
As the series progresses, viewers can expect to see more of Oz’s cunning and ambition. Farrell hints at the character’s complexity, describing him as someone who will do whatever it takes to get ahead. “He’s uncompromising in his singularity with regard to his vision of what he needs to do,” Farrell explains.
The premiere episode of “The Penguin” brilliantly sets the stage for what’s to come, laying the groundwork for Oz’s rise to power and the challenges he will face along the way. For fans of the Batman universe, this series offers a fresh and compelling perspective on one of Gotham’s most notorious villains.
For more insights and to watch the trailer, visit The Penguin.