How did DC’s The Penguin TV series come into existence? Matt Reeves reveals reason

For DC fans who were intrigued by the Caped Crusader's other notable foe Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot or Penguin in The Batman (2022), filmmaker Matt Reeves' all-new The Penguin TV series is set to start streaming on HBO soon.

As per The Hollywood Reporter, Matt Reeves addressed the reason behind The Penguin being turned into a TV series during the show's trailer launch at San Diego Comic-Con. He said that while crafting the script for The Batman starring Robert Pattinson, he initially thought of developing a TV series because the script was way too long. However, the idea didn't see the dawn of day that year.

Pattinson's The Batman featured DC's iconic villain Penguin (played by Colin Farrell) with limited screen time. Reeves wanted to delve deeper into Penguin's story and engage fans with his criminal acts in the film, but since it was based on Gotham City's vigilante, fans only saw Penguin three times. However, egged on by HBO executives to develop a TV series for a "marquee character," the idea for the new HBO show was born. Reeves said:

“As we were writing [The Batman], I was like, ‘Hey, you know what? I think there are some cool shows that we could do. It was actually why I wanted to make our deal at Warner Bros. They were like, 'We like what you're doing, and we want to lean harder into the marquee characters.”

But now fans will enjoy how Penguin's reign of terror took over Gotham City through The Penguin TV series which is soon arriving on HBO.

Why did Matt Reeves come up with The Penguin TV Series?

In the 2022 film The Batman, talented actor Colin Farrel intrigued fans through his portrayal of Penguin. Following the film's success and corporate changes, The Penguin TV series has been confirmed and will bring back Farrell in the notorious adversary's role.

The Penguin TV series comes from Matt Reeves's broader plan in the Batman franchise, as the villain will majorly contribute to the crimes in the next Batman film. The trailer for The Penguin is out on YouTube, where fans can see Farrell in the titular role along with the supporting characters in the upcoming show.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Colin Farrell expressed enthusiasm about his role and said:

"I instantly had a sense of character, place, history, violence, pain. There was so much that was etched on the face of the character. It did me such a solid."

The teaser reflects Penguin's urge to take full control of Gotham City and the desire to become the most powerful crimelord. Since the TV series is about Batman's villain, fans wonder if Robert Pattinson will reprise his role.

Will Robert Pattinson Play Batman in The Penguin TV Series?

Robert Pattinson in The Batman 2022 (Image: Warner Bros. Pictures)

Currently, there's no official confirmation that Robert Pattinson will reprise the role of the Caped Crusader.

Who Are The Cast Members of The Penguin TV Series?

A still from the teaser of The Penguin TV series (Image: HBO)

While Colin Farrell is confirmed to return as the main character in The Penguin, other cast members include Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone, the daughter of Carmine Falcone, Myles Humphus will play Dom Gigante, Kenzie Grey as Gia Viti, Hunter Emery as Leo, and Alexis Nichole Smith will be seen as Social Worker.

When Will The Penguin TV Series Come Out?

The Batman (Image: Warner Bros. Pictures)

With Matt Reeves and Dylan Clark as the executive producers, The Penguin TV series is set to premiere on Sept. 19, 2024, on HBO Max.

The spin-off series along with Reeves' The Batman are all considered under Elseworlds, which lies outside James Gunn's new revamped DCU, and no character from Gunn's Universe will appear in The Penguin and the upcoming Batman movie.