I Didn’t Love The Batman, Why The Penguin Has Me Actually Invested In Matt Reeves’ Sequel

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As a seasoned gamer with years of immersion in countless virtual worlds and cinematic universes, I can confidently say that my recent foray into Matt Reeves‘ Gotham City has been an exhilarating journey. While The Batman left me somewhat underwhelmed upon its initial release, the captivating narrative unfolding in The Penguin series on HBO Max has me hooked and eager for more.

For quite some time, comic book-based entertainment has ruled the roost, witnessing several interconnected universes vying for box office supremacy. However, certain franchises have managed to carve out their own space, such as Matt Reeves’ The Batman, which exists independently from the old DCEU or new DCU. Despite not being a fan of The Batman myself, I find myself intrigued about Matt Reeves’ sequel, and here’s why the character of The Penguin piques my interest.

Information regarding “The Batman: Part II” is scarce, but fans can revisit Gotham City through the new spinoff series titled “The Penguin“. Streamable for Max subscribers, this series continues the storyline immediately following the conclusion of “The Batman“, delving into organized crime associated with Colin Farrell’s character. From day one, I’ve been captivated, but “The Penguin” has only grown more engaging as the season progresses. It deserves recognition for generating anticipation for what’s to come on the big screen, particularly if any characters from this show make an appearance.

I initially struggled to engage with Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” when it was released in 2022 due to its prolonged runtime and pace. However, transforming the storyline of this specific Gotham City into a full-fledged series has turned it into an immersive and exhilarating journey, much like “The Penguin.” This world requires time to develop its characters, which is why a television format seems perfectly suited.

Colin Farrell delivers a remarkable portrayal of Oswald Cobblepot, yet the exceptional quality of “The Penguin” can also be attributed to its impressive ensemble cast. Notably, Cristin Milioti shines, particularly in Episode 4 where her portrayal of Sofia Falcone is, in my opinion, worthy of an Emmy nomination.

From my perspective as a fan, it seems The Penguin in DC’s universe bears some resemblance to The Sopranos’ Tony Soprano, which I consider a positive comparison. Unlike Livia Soprano, who serves as a persistent antagonist, Francis, Oz’s mother, shares a more nuanced and emotional bond with the main character. This complex relationship, coupled with his tutelage under Victor, infuses Farrell’s Penguin with a deeper sense of empathy, even amidst the appalling acts we witness on screen. Moreover, the serial nature of television allows for Oswald’s past and mental state to unfold gradually and authentically.

The TV series “The Penguin” hasn’t concluded its run as of now, and it seems likely that significant character deaths might occur. However, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Sofia to appear on the big screen in a future project such as “The Batman: Part II.” Perhaps we could even see Francis or Victor sharing a scene with Oz? The future remains uncertain, but I’m definitely looking forward to the next DC film.

On Sunday, you can catch new episodes of “The Penguin” on HBO, or stream it on Max. Meanwhile, “The Batman: Part II” is slated for release on October 2nd, 2026. Until then, let’s take a look at the movie release dates for 2025.

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2024-10-31 16:08