50 Facts About The Penguin (TV Series)

The Penguin: A New Chapter in Gotham's Underworld

The Penguin is a highly anticipated TV series set to premiere on HBO and Max on September 19, 2024. This crime drama is a spin-off from the 2022 film The Batman, focusing on the rise to power of Oswald "Oz" Cobblepot, also known as the Penguin. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this upcoming series.

1. The title of the series is simply The Penguin.
2. The series explores the rise to power of Oswald "Oz" Cobblepot in Gotham City's criminal underworld.
3. The story is set one week after the events of The Batman (2022).

Behind the Scenes: Creators and Producers

The creative minds and producers behind the series play a crucial role in shaping its narrative and tone.

4. Lauren LeFranc is the creator and showrunner of The Penguin.
5. Executive producers include Matt Reeves, Dylan Clark, Colin Farrell, and Lauren LeFranc.
6. Matt Reeves, the director of The Batman, supervised the writing and was involved in hiring the creative team.

The Cast: Bringing Gotham to Life

A stellar cast brings depth and authenticity to the characters of Gotham City.

7. Colin Farrell reprises his role as Oswald "Oz" Cobblepot.
8. Cristin Milioti plays Sofia Falcone, Carmine Falcone’s daughter.
9. Rhenzy Feliz is part of the main cast.
10. Other notable cast members include Michael Kelly, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Deirdre O’Connell, and Clancy Brown.

Setting and Plot: The Dark Streets of Gotham

The setting and plot are essential to understanding the series' atmosphere and narrative.

11. The series takes place in Gotham City, a hyper-gritty and crime-ridden environment.
12. The plot focuses on Oz’s journey as he rises through the ranks of Gotham's underworld.
13. The series explores themes of power, violence, and deception.
14. The timeline is set one week after the events of The Batman.

Production Details: From Filming to Release

Production details provide insight into the making of the series and its journey to the screen.

15. The Penguin will have eight episodes.
16. Production began in March 2023 in New York.
17. Filming was halted in June 2023 due to Hollywood labor disputes.
18. Filming resumed in late November 2023 and concluded in February 2024.
19. Craig Zobel is directing the first three episodes.
20. Helen Shaver is also directing some episodes.
21. Darran Tiernan is handling the cinematography.
22. Andy Keir is the editor for the series.

Network and Streaming: Where to Watch

Knowing where and when to watch is crucial for fans eagerly awaiting the series.

23. The series is produced by DC Studios in association with Warner Bros. Television.
24. The Penguin will premiere on HBO and stream on Max.
25. The series will also be available on Sky Atlantic and Sky's streaming service Now in selected European countries.
26. The premiere date is September 19, 2024, at 9 p.m. Eastern Time.
27. Subsequent episodes will air every Sunday night from September 29 until November 10, 2024.

Characters and Their Arcs

Character development is a key aspect of the series, adding depth to the narrative.

28. Colin Farrell’s character, Oz, will have his backstory explored, including his relationship with his mother and Sofia Falcone.
29. Sofia Falcone, played by Cristin Milioti, adds a new dynamic to the series.
30. Michael Kelly’s role adds depth to the narrative.
31. Shohreh Aghdashloo’s character highlights personal connections and backstories.
32. Deirdre O’Connell’s role helps develop character arcs and plot twists.
33. Rhenzy Feliz’s character adds youthful energy to the story.
34. Clancy Brown’s character will likely play a significant role in the narrative.

Themes and Tone: Dark and Gritty

The themes and tone set the stage for a compelling narrative.

35. The series explores themes of power, violence, and deception.
36. The tone is dark and incredibly violent, consistent with the larger Batman universe.
37. The series draws inspiration from Gotham Central, a comic book series by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka.
38. Sarah Aubrey, Max head of originals, has commented on the series, stating that it will showcase Oz’s life in the streets of Gotham.
39. Colin Farrell has described the series as dark and heavy, finding it incredibly violent but also fun to act in.

Critical Reception and Impact

The series has already garnered attention and positive reviews from critics.

40. The series has received positive reviews from critics.
41. On Rotten Tomatoes, 93% of 41 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 8.1/10.
42. The website’s consensus reads: "Depicting Gotham through bone-breaking punches rather than popping onomatopoeia, The Penguin is a grounded crime saga given gravitas by Colin Farrell and a scene-stealing Cristin Milioti".
43. Metacritic has assigned a score of 68 out of 100, based on 14 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.

International Broadcast and Strategic Moves

The series' international broadcast strategy aims to reach a broader audience.

44. The series will air day-and-date on Sky Atlantic and Sky's streaming service Now in selected European countries.
45. The series has been licensed internationally, with Sky Group acquiring the broadcast rights in selected European countries where Max does not yet operate.
46. The series was initially planned for Max but was moved to HBO after the branding was renegotiated.
47. HBO and Max content CEO Casey Bloys stated that The Penguin was an "obvious fit as an HBO Original".

Final Thoughts on The Penguin

The Penguin is set to make a significant impact on the Batman universe, providing a detailed look into the character’s rise to power and his place within Gotham’s underworld. The series’ dark and gritty tone, combined with its complex narrative and character development, makes it an exciting addition to the DC Comics universe.

48. Colin Farrell’s involvement as both actor and executive producer ensures the character's journey remains authentic and compelling.
49. The series takes place in a Gotham City still reeling from the flooding caused by the Riddler’s grand plan.
50. The death of Carmine Falcone at the end of The Batman leaves a significant void in Gotham’s hierarchy of crime, creating opportunities for characters like Oz to rise to the top.

Final Thoughts on The Penguin

The Penguin is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of the Batman universe. With Colin Farrell reprising his role as Oswald "Oz" Cobblepot, the series dives deep into the gritty underworld of Gotham City. Set just a week after the events of The Batman (2022), it promises a seamless continuation of the story. The show boasts a talented cast, including Cristin Milioti and Rhenzy Feliz, and a creative team led by Lauren LeFranc. Expect a dark, violent, and complex narrative that explores themes of power, deception, and survival. With eight episodes packed with character development and intense plot twists, The Penguin is set to captivate audiences. Mark your calendars for September 19, 2024, and get ready for a thrilling ride through Gotham's criminal underworld.