Robert Pattinson’s Batman is the titular character of the Batman Epic Crime Saga, but Colin Farrell’s Penguin has emerged as an equally important part of that franchise. After playing a supporting role in 2022’s The Batman, Farrell returned to headline the critically acclaimed series The Penguin, which chronicled Oz Cobb’s journey through Gotham’s criminal underworld. After earning 24 Emmy nominations and captivating audiences with an enthralling story, fans are excited to see more of Farrell’s Penguin in action. Not only is the Oscar-nominated actor coming back for The Batman Part II, there remains hope that a second season of The Penguin will get off the ground.
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Speaking with Deadline, Farrell shared that he’s read the script for The Batman Part II. Though he once again has a small role in the film, Farrell called the screenplay “extraordinary.” He also addressed the possibility of The Penguin Season 2. “I have no idea if it’s happening. I know that I heard rumblings that they were thinking they’d like to do a second season, but I don’t know if it’s a good idea,” he said. “I don’t know the way you go back to the trough … And part of me wants to go, ‘Just let it go people. We got away with it. Leave it as it is.’”
Will The Penguin Season 2 Ever Happen?
Ever since The Penguin wrapped up with its compelling and emotional finale, a potential second season has been a hot talking point. While fans would love to see more of the show, the creative team has long maintained that The Penguin was conceived as a limited series designed to serve as a bridge between Matt Reeves’ first two Batman films. The idea behind the show was to do a deep dive into Oz Cobb’s character and set up his role for The Batman Part II. After numerous delays, the highly anticipated movie sequel is now gearing up to start production, and The Batman Part II is the top priority for all parties involved.
Story will be the deciding factor in whether or not The Penguin Season 2 comes to fruition. Showrunner Lauren LeFranc previously noted that a second season won’t happen unless the creative team comes up with a worthwhile narrative that’s “richer than what we’ve already done.” She noted that she has been brainstorming possible ideas, but nothing will move forward until after The Batman Part II has been released. How Penguin’s arc unfolds in the film could also influence the show’s future.
Farrell told Deadline that he’d be game to return for The Penguin Season 2 if “they came up with a fantastic idea,” but he also makes a great point about just letting the series be. It fulfilled its purpose, telling a gripping crime drama that fleshed Oz out as one of the franchise’s most fascinating figures. And after The Penguin earned universal praise, a case can be made for going out on top. A second season would be faced with massive expectations, and it would be a shame if it failed to live up to what the first season accomplished. Reeves and LeFranc are obviously very gifted and could find an intriguing way in, but it’s clear they didn’t view The Penguin as a multi-season story. If they can’t crack the right narrative, it’s better to not force anything.
There’s also the Batman Epic Crime Saga’s dynamic with the DC Universe to consider. Though DC Studios co-head James Gunn is a firm believer in the Elseworlds concept and feels that both continuities can co-exist, the DCU is about to introduce its own version of Gotham (complete with an Iceberg Lounge already established) in Clayface. Reeves plans on making a third Batman movie to wrap up a trilogy. A second season of The Penguin could prolong the Batman Epic Crime Saga, making things more complicated for DC Studios as Gunn and Co. figure out what to do with Batman. Perhaps it would be best if The Penguin remained a limited series so The Batman 3 can (hopefully) come together quickly.
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image courtesy of 20th Century Studios
