The Penguin Director on How Shocking Premiere Moment Sets Tone for the Season

The Penguin Director on How Shocking Premiere Moment Sets Tone for the Season

As a seasoned movie reviewer who’s spent years navigating the labyrinthine world of superhero films, I must say that “The Penguin” is a fresh and intriguing addition to the genre. It’s not often we get to delve into the murky waters of post-catastrophe Gotham, and this series does just that, masterfully.


Warning! Major Spoilers Ahead for The Penguin Episode 1!

In Episode 1 of HBO’s “The Penguin,” the narrative commences with an explosive start. With Carmine Falcone deceased, his son, Alberto Falcone (played by Michael Zegen), ascends as head of Gotham’s largest crime syndicate. However, a tragic encounter with Oz Cobb (portrayed by Colin Farrell) significantly curtails Alberto’s reign as the city’s most dominant criminal. This intense opening sequence sets the stage for the series, underscoring that no one is invincible. Director Craig Zobel suggests that it’s during such precarious situations that “The Penguin” thrives the most.

In a conversation with ComicBook.com, director Craig Zobel discussed the previously untouched aspects of Oz Cobb that will be revealed in The Penguin. Although Cobb was only seen in a few scenes in The Batman (which included one of the greatest cinematic chases ever filmed), The Penguin is set to delve deep into Cobb’s mental state. Even with an entire crime family putting immense pressure on him, as any ordinary person might find unbearable anxiety for a lifetime, Zobel stated that this is where Oz finds his comfort zone.

Craig Zobel stated that Oz, a character who often excels at navigating difficult predicaments, now finds himself in a tricky situation. With the blood of Falcone on his hands, not only must Oz find a way to escape the consequences of his actions, but he has also unintentionally created a new position for himself if he can make the right moves. Zobel went on to say:

In essence, there’s a certain aspect of his character that compels him to involve himself in tricky situations. He seems to deliberately maneuver himself into difficult positions from which he must extricate himself. This impulse appears spontaneously and doesn’t seem to originate from a conscious decision-making process. Some facet of his personality drives him to act rashly, and these hasty actions often land him in predicaments that require quick thinking to resolve. This trait is evident in the first episode, and it becomes more recognizable as the series progresses.

The Penguin Shows an Unexplored Side of Superhero Movies

The Penguin Director on How Shocking Premiere Moment Sets Tone for the SeasonThe Penguin Director on How Shocking Premiere Moment Sets Tone for the SeasonThe Penguin Director on How Shocking Premiere Moment Sets Tone for the Season

Apart from offering Colin Farrell a chance to excel as Oz Cobb, the purpose of The Penguin was to delve into aspects of superhero films seldom shown – what transpires after the hero triumphs. In The Batman, The Riddler (Paul Dano) triggers an explosion at Gotham’s sea wall, leading to widespread flooding. While Batman rescued the newly elected mayor and affluent citizens, countless others in Gotham’s impoverished districts were left to suffer from drowning and starvation.

Craig Zobel mentioned that the show, titled “The Penguin“, is designed to delve into the aftermath of the flood in Gotham City. This series unfolds only a week after “The Batman“, focusing on Oz’s journey from Crown Point, one of Gotham’s impoverished areas, as he strives to rise through the criminal ranks and establish himself as a formidable crime lord. Zobel elaborated:

It was equally enjoyable as it allowed one to wonder about the events that took place following the grand destruction in superhero films. It’s intriguing to speculate on the storyline continuation, making it an ideal setting for a captivating narrative.

New episodes of
The Penguin
will be released weekly on Max and HBO.

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2024-09-21 22:03