HBO Max dropped the first episode of The Penguin, which has already earned a positive response from viewers. The second installment of The Batman saga continues in this twisted dark series about one of Gotham’s most notorious criminals - The Penguin.
While his alias may be that of a cuddly animal, Oz Cobb is far from cuddly - he’s calculative, devious, and cathartic. The story sees the many layers of Penguin’s character, including his megalomaniac side with Alberto Falcone’s (Carmine’s son) cold murder.
The one thing that drew viewers' attention was his now-iconic limp, earning the alias we all know as ‘Penguin.’ Cobb isn’t an expressive individual nor does he wear his heart on his sleeve, there’s no way he’d talk about the pain he’s physically going through.
Especially not when he’s committed a murder and trying to worry about becoming Gotham’s next big bad after The Riddler nearly destroyed the city.
Why does The Penguin limp?
During episode 1 of The Penguin, Cobb is found to be occasionally wincing in pain as he limps. Speaking to IGN on September 18, 2024, the showrunner Lauren LeFranc revealed why The Penguin limps: A foot deformity known as ‘Clubfoot.’
To assist him in walking, people with the deformity often wear a brace to alleviate pain and ensure smooth locomotion. However, it’s not without a subtle limp.
The showrunner explained the dark choices Cobb makes or rather the way he chooses to live had nothing to do with his disability, but everything to do with who he is at the crux of his character. LeFranc discussed the reason behind introducing Cobb’s disability at the genesis of The Penguin. She says,
“In the movie, you’re not quite sure why he limps, and I wanted to firmly establish why and to show the level of pain that he puts himself through.”
LeFranc’s comments cement observations that were made, both in the movie and the series in which Cobb is seen limping throughout.
What is The Penguin's Clubfoot condition?
The Penguin's clubfoot condition is reportedly a hereditary abnormality causing a person to limp or waddle. Veteran actor Colin Farrell wore a prosthetic foot designed by LeFranc for the entire duration of the series.
In episode 1 of the HBO show, viewers get a glimpse of Cobb’s right foot covered by a brace to keep his “clubbed foot” from moving further apart. Moreover, it appeared to have developed a painful swelling.
LeFranc confirmed The Penguin dislikes bringing up the matter about his foot, especially since he’s got a mean reputation to uphold in the underbelly of Gotham. Neither does he bring it up nor do his foes or allies bring it up in conversation.
Why did The Penguin never treat his Clubfoot condition?
Clubfoot is a genetic deformity and in the real world, surgery to treat the condition does exist. The Penguin came from very humble beginnings in Gotham - with nearly not enough money for food, thus, it was almost unfathomable to consider surgery.
However, LeFranc disclosed a big reason for him learning to live with the condition instead of eliminating it from his life: the Penguin’s mother. The Penguin and his mother Gertrude Kapleput (played by Karol Kane) have a very strong bond.
As mentioned, since they came from very little, his mother couldn’t exactly afford his surgery. Moreover, she never saw him as different or abnormal. LeFranc summarizes her sentiments by saying,
“She sees it (her son’s clubfoot) as a way for him to strengthen himself.”
With her relentless support for him, he grew to be one of Gotham's nightmarish villains. In The Penguin series, Cobb is seen treating his mother with utmost love and respect as depicted in the comics.
Does The Penguin have clubfoot in the comics?
No, The Penguin does not have clubfoot in the comics. In the DC comicverse, The Penguin does not limp. However, he does have a walking stick and an umbrella which he often flaunts during his battles with Batman.
Unlike the HBO series, The Penguin’s most prominent physical trait is his pointed nose in the comic. Apart from this, his overall fashion aesthetic: A debonair coat, monocle, and tophat is his overall ensemble.
The showrunners have ensured to humanize The Penguin’s character, rather than stick entirely to the comic’s description of him. Hence, every aspect from the prosthetic scars, to the foot and his wardrobe was altered to be as raw and authentic as possible.
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