The Penguin (TV series)

The Penguin: A Crime Drama That Will Keep You Engaged

Are you ready to dive into the gritty and thrilling world of The Penguin? This crime drama miniseries, developed by Lauren LeFranc for HBO, is set to captivate audiences with its compelling storyline and stellar cast. Imagine a story where one man’s rise to power in Gotham City’s criminal underworld is nothing short of a modern-day gangster epic. Colin Farrell stars as the enigmatic Oz Cobb, better known as The Penguin, leading us through this dark and twisted journey.

Development and Production

By September 2021, HBO Max was already developing The Penguin, a spin-off series from the blockbuster film The Batman (2022). The idea was to explore Oz Cobb’s character in greater depth. Lauren LeFranc was hired to write the series, with Matt Reeves and Dylan Clark as executive producers. Craig Zobel directed the series, bringing his unique vision to the table.

Principal photography began on March 1, 2023, but filming was halted twice during the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike. Despite these setbacks, production concluded in February 2024. The makeup designer Mike Marino and costume designer Helen Huang worked tirelessly to bring the characters to life, ensuring that every detail was meticulously crafted.

The Cast

Colin Farrell stars as Oz Cobb, the Penguin, a character he describes as ‘incredibly violent’ and compared to Scarface. The cast is rounded out with talented actors like Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Michael Kelly, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Deirdre O’Connell, and many more. Each actor brings their unique flair to the series, making it a rich tapestry of characters.

Reeves cited The Long Good Friday (1980) as an additional influence on the series, emphasizing its grounded crime saga with gravitas. The goal was to explore Oz’s life rooted in the streets of Gotham, giving viewers a deep dive into his rise to power and seething resentment at the world.

Reception

The series has received critical acclaim for its performances, writing, direction, tone, and production values. Critics praised Colin Farrell’s performance as ‘nothing short of extraordinary,’ comparing it to Scarface (1932). The show is described as a ‘psychologically disturbing gangster epic’ that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

NME’s Jordan Bassett highlighted Cristin Milioti’s character as ‘quietly menacing,’ while Slate’s Isaac Butler commended Farrell for his unexpected grace notes. IGN’s Erik Adams, however, noted some issues with the show’s budget and set design, but overall, it was a masterful examination of criminality.

Future

Reeves confirmed that Colin Farrell would reprise his role as the Penguin in The Batman – Part II (2026). After the season finale, Farrell revealed he had signed on for three The Batman films. This news adds an exciting layer to the future of Gotham City’s criminal underworld.

So, are you ready to witness the rise of Oz Cobb and his transformation into the enigmatic figure known as The Penguin? The Penguin is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and those who appreciate well-crafted storytelling. Don’t miss out on this thrilling journey through Gotham City’s underworld.

The Penguin: A Crime Drama That Will Keep You Engaged