The Penguin doesn’t respect Batman in the traditional sense but acknowledges his power and uses it to his advantage. Colin Farrell, who portrays The Penguin, has confirmed his return in The Batman Part II. So, we can expect to see more of this dynamic relationship.
The Penguin is no stranger to Batman’s world. Their relationship is as layered as Gotham City’s underground network. Oz Cobb, aka The Penguin, isn’t just another criminal mastermind. He’s a villain with a brain, a businessman with a dark past.
He’s a survivor who knows how to make it through Gotham’s chaotic waters. But what’s interesting is how much his journey mirrors Batman’s.
Both Oz and Bruce Wayne’s lives changed forever in childhood. Bruce lost his parents in a tragic alleyway shooting. This shaped him into a vigilante. Meanwhile, Oz took a darker turn. He decided to kill his brothers after his mother’s obsessive love pushed him toward power and control.
It’s almost poetic. Bruce vowed to save Gotham, Oz chose to conquer it. Two paths, born from loss, lead to different destinations.
But why does Batman tolerate Oz’s criminal activities more than others? Let’s dig into this complicated dynamic, ahead of The Batman Part II update.
Disclaimer: The article reflects the author's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.
Why does Batman let The Penguin slide?
The Penguin’s backstory shows eerie parallels to Bruce Wayne’s. Both experienced deep personal loss at an early age.
For Bruce, it was a call to protect Gotham from ever feeling his pain. For Oz, it was a lesson in survival and control. Bruce channels his trauma into justice. Oz leans into his darkest impulses. He embraced crime as a way of life.
Years later, they’ve both become symbols of Gotham’s extremes. Batman is the beacon of hope and The Penguin is a shadowy broker of power.
Batman doesn’t just ignore Oz because he’s a softie. No, it’s way more strategic than that. The Penguin has mastered the art of staying just out of reach.
Instead of getting headfirst into flashy crimes, Oz operates as a middleman. Need weapons? Oz knows a guy. Want to bribe a corrupt official? Oz has connections. By keeping his hands clean, or at least less bloody, Oz avoids leaving a trail Batman can easily follow.
But Batman uses Oz. Yes, he has figured out that Oz’s vast network of informants and contractors is a goldmine. He did not have to chase down every low-level thug when The Penguin could give a roadmap to Gotham’s underworld.
Also read: How does The Penguin set up The Batman sequel? Explored in depth
A relationship built on mutual benefit
Batman and Oz have a weirdly symbiotic relationship. Batman can take him down, but that would create a power vacuum. Ruthless criminals like Black Mask or Intergang, people who don’t play by anyone’s rules would fill it. Compared to them, The Penguin is a manageable threat.
Oz knows this too. He’s smart enough to give Batman just enough information to keep the peace while maintaining his empire. This dynamic keeps other gangs from tearing him apart and lets Batman focus on bigger fish.
But when Batman isn’t around, Oz’s power crumbles. Oz’s empire falls without Batman’s indirect “protection.” Rival factions jump at the chance to take him out. So, in a twisted way, Oz needs Batman as much as Gotham needs order.
Batman doesn’t trust Oz, but he knows how to use him. Meanwhile, Oz is smart enough to avoid crossing any major lines, for now. We're yet to see what events unfold in The Batman Part II.
What sets The Penguin apart from other villains is his practicality. He doesn’t want chaos. He wants control. He’s not a Joker-style anarchist. He’s a businessman who knows how to survive. This keeps him under Batman’s radar, just enough to operate without drawing too much heat.
But that balance is fragile. If Oz ever steps over the line, Batman won’t hesitate to take him down. Until then, their uneasy truce keeps Gotham’s criminals in check.
So, The Penguin respects Batman’s power and knows how to coexist with it. Their relationship is less about admiration and more about necessity.
More about the relationship between these Gotham City characters will be revealed in the upcoming The Batman Part II.
Also read, The Penguin finale recap: All Easter eggs and everything you need to know
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