I Rewatched The Batman For The First Time In A While. Why It Has Me Hyped For Colin Farrell’s The Penguin

As a lifelong fan of the Dark Knight, I must say that seeing Colin Farrell’s portrayal of the Penguin in The Batman was nothing short of electrifying! His ability to embody Oz’s complexities, from his arrogance to his weaselly tendencies, left me utterly captivated.

Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” delivers a modern cinematic interpretation of DC Comics’ iconic Dark Knight character. The director of “Cloverfield,” in this story, portrays Bruce Wayne’s second year as the costumed vigilante and introduces key characters such as Selina Kyle (Catwoman), Edward Nashton (The Riddler), and Oswald Cobblepot, who is also known as The Penguin. Played by Colin Farrell, The Penguin character is remarkable, leading to the development of a “Penguin” spinoff series – with Reeves serving as an Executive Producer. My anticipation for the show has grown over time, but after re-watching the movie that spawned it, I’m now even more thrilled!

I watched “The Batman” in cinemas approximately two years back, and I must say I truly enjoyed the flick. Following its release, it quickly became available to stream, allowing me a second watch. More recently, I rewatched it with my sibling for the first time in quite a while, which turned out to be a delightful experience. This viewing allowed me to dissect and appreciate more deeply the aspects that initially drew me to the film. Reflecting on these elements has only fueled my anticipation for the upcoming TV adaptation even further. Let’s delve into why this movie has made me look forward to the show.

I Rewatched The Batman For The First Time In A While. Why It Has Me Hyped For Colin Farrell’s The Penguin

The Batman Universe’s Aesthetic Is So Unique

Matt Reeves has crafted a unique atmosphere and ambiance for his Batman universe that sets it apart from previous on-screen portrayals. While Tim Burton’s version of Gotham is heavily stylized, and Joel Schumacher’s films lean into camp, Christopher Nolan presents a more realistic interpretation. Each approach has its strengths, but I believe Reeves strikes the perfect balance.

The uniqueness of The Batman’s version of Gotham City (which is really a combination of UK cities and towns as well as Chicago) is actually quite amazing. On the one hand, it’s grounded enough that I buy that it’s a real city located somewhere in the United States. But, on the other hand, it’s unlike any other metropolis that I’ve ever seen on the big screen. The somewhat grimy and lived-in nature of this world also feels natural and never gratuitous. All in all, there’s a freshness to the “Reeves-verse,” which is why I can’t wait to revisit it via the spinoff show.

I Rewatched The Batman For The First Time In A While. Why It Has Me Hyped For Colin Farrell’s The Penguin

Gotham City Is Submerged, And That’ll Change Up The Dynamics Of The Location

In Matt Reeves’ 2022 superhero film, “The Batman,” the climactic third act brings about a significant shift in Gotham City. As the movie concludes, Edward Nashton detonates the city’s seawall, leading to a catastrophic flood. The image of the once-iconic city submerged underwater is undeniably striking. As I watched the film, I found myself pondering the potential consequences of this flood, and it appears that viewers will get a glimpse of those repercussions in the upcoming miniseries led by Colin Farrell.

The trailer for “Penguin” offers more than just a sneak peek into the continuing escapades of the title character, a notorious Gotham mob enforcer. It also offers a glimpse into the daily lives of Gotham’s residents as they cope with living in a city submerged by water. From the footage shown, it appears that Oswald is displeased with the destruction, given his affection for his hometown. I’m eager to see how Oswald and those close to him navigate the current state of the city. As this is Cobblepot’s tale, I can hardly wait to witness how he manages in these challenging circumstances.

The Batman Offers A Nuanced Portrayal Of The Mob

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but draw parallels between my favorite action-packed games and the world of Batman. Just like how game developers immerse us in intricate storylines, the director of ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ has masterfully woven the criminal underbelly into Gotham City. The reigning kingpin in this city I protect is Carmine Falcone, portrayed brilliantly by John Turturro. What makes Falcone and his crew stand out is their authenticity; they don’t feel like stereotypes, and their choices seem rational.

I’m really looking forward to exploring the criminal underworld further through the Oz-focused series, as it seems we’ll delve deeply into Gotham’s mafia. Given what has been hinted at so far, it appears audiences will get a comprehensive look at the city’s organized crime scene. With Carmine Falcone’s death in The Batman, there’s now a power struggle, which means nearly every mob boss is vying for control. This power vacuum makes things more perilous for Oz – and more intriguing for us as viewers.

Matt Reeves And Co. Have Unique Takes On Classic Characters

As a devoted fan, I must say that one captivating aspect of “The Batman” that truly stands out is the unique portrayal of the main characters by Matt Reeves and his team. Their versions of Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Selina Kyle, and Carmine Falcone are nothing short of remarkable. What makes these interpretations of the World’s Greatest Detective and his associates so compelling is that they manage to be fresh while remaining faithful to their comic book origins.

Considering all that, it’s incredibly thrilling to anticipate the appearance of additional prominent characters from Batman lore in The Penguin. Among them, I’m particularly eager to witness Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone, also known as Hangman. From what I’ve seen in the trailers, she appears incredibly unstable. Her brother, Alberto (portrayed by Michael Zegen), is expected to add an intriguing layer to this narrative as well.

Fans won’t soon forget that they’ll finally get to encounter Salvatore Maroni, a character frequently discussed (and who is currently imprisoned). He will be played by the exceptional actor Clancy Brown. In essence, if past work from Mr. Reeves and his team is any guide, then fans can anticipate some intriguing reinterpretations of these well-known adversaries.

Colin Farrell’s Complex Performance Is So Mesmerizing

It wouldn’t be truthful to claim that Colin Farrell immediately sprang to mind when considering Oswald Cobblepot. But upon seeing him don the makeup and deliver the line “take it easy, sweetheart” directly to Batman, I was convinced. And once I watched his entire performance in the Batman movie, I was completely hooked. Despite his flamboyant acting style, Farrell masterfully depicted Oz’s arrogance, ill temper, insecurities, and comically sneaky traits.

In the upcoming spinoff series for Oz’s character, there will be ample opportunity for growth and development. This is achieved by placing the character in diverse environments with varied personalities. For example, he will interact with Sofia, Alberto Falcone, and Salvatore Maroni. It seems that Oswald may assume a guiding role towards his teenage chauffeur, Victor Aguilar (Rhenzy Feliz), providing viewers with a new perspective on him. Additionally, the dynamic between Oz and his mother, Francis Cobb (Deirdre O’Connell), could potentially reveal more about both characters.

Colin Farrell’s recent defense against criticism over playing the Penguin role is unnecessary in my opinion. His exceptional work in “The Batman” has already demonstrated that he deserves to carry on the legacy of previous Cobblepot actors like Burgess Meredith, Danny DeVito, and Robin Lord Taylor. It’s Farrell’s impressive performance that has me eagerly anticipating how he will further develop this character in his upcoming spinoff series.

The Batman – Part II Is Going To Be Set Up

It’s common knowledge now that “The Batman – Part II” is scheduled to release in October 2026, following its predecessor. Seeing the first movie sparked my eagerness to witness how the plot would unfold next. However, I must wait for some time before Robert Pattinson’s character, Bruce Wayne, dons the cape and cowl again. This delay is a bit disheartening considering the anticipation that was built up by the finale of the initial movie. Fortunately, there are rumors that “The Penguin” will set the stage for the sequel.