The Penguin Director Reveals Which Batman Villain Should Get Next Spinoff

The Penguin Director Reveals Which Batman Villain Should Get Next Spinoff

As a fan of both cinematic storytelling and the intricate world of Gotham City, I find myself captivated by Craig Zobel’s vision and the insight he offers into the future of Matt Reeves’ Batman universe. His choice to express interest in Poison Ivy as the next villain is not only intriguing but also indicative of a thoughtful approach to character development and narrative progression.


Craig Zobel, director of the TV show “The Penguin,” shares his thoughts on which Batman villain Matt Reeves might be interested in directing next within the franchise. This character could potentially headline their own spin-off. Zobel is a renowned filmmaker with a rich background; he directed the first three episodes of HBO’s popular series “The Penguin,” and has previously worked on films like “Z for Zachariah” (2015) and “The Hunt” (2020). His television credits also include shows such as “American Gods,” “The Leftovers,” and all seven episodes of “Mare of Easttown.

In an interview with Inverse regarding ‘The Penguin’, Zobel was inquired about which Batman villain he’d prefer to see have a standalone story. Instead of suggesting an existing character from ‘The Batman’ or ‘The Penguin’, Zobel opted for Poison Ivy. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I think I’d really enjoy seeing the Matt Reeves universe interpretation of Poison Ivy. I think that would be exciting.” If realized, Poison Ivy would introduce a fresh dynamic to this universe, as it has predominantly featured gangsters such as the Penguin or the Falcones, and serial killers like the Riddler and Joker.

Poison Ivy first appeared in “Batman” comic book issue 181 back in June 1966. The characters were brought to life by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Carmine Infantino. Known as Pamela Isley, Poison Ivy gained the ability to control plants and emit potent mind-altering pheromones after a lab accident, which led her down the path of eco-activism, albeit a destructive one. One of Batman’s most well-known adversaries, she has evolved from a villain into an anti-hero in more recent times. This transformation mirrors a shift in perspective on the significance of ecological preservation.

The Penguin Might Have Teased Poison Ivy’s Long-Awaited Return

The Penguin Director Reveals Which Batman Villain Should Get Next SpinoffThe Penguin Director Reveals Which Batman Villain Should Get Next SpinoffThe Penguin Director Reveals Which Batman Villain Should Get Next SpinoffThe Penguin Director Reveals Which Batman Villain Should Get Next SpinoffThe Penguin Director Reveals Which Batman Villain Should Get Next Spinoff

In contrast to her significant role as one of Batman’s arch-nemeses, Poison Ivy has had relatively few opportunities to shine in live-action adaptations. Uma Thurman portrayed the character in 1997’s “Batman & Robin,” but this film’s poor reception may have dissuaded others from introducing her into live-action storylines. However, she continued to be a prominent figure in animated productions such as “Harley Quinn” with Lake Bell providing her voice. Poison Ivy made her next live-action appearance on the Fox series “Gotham,” where Clare Foley, Maggie Geha, and Peyton List all took turns playing the character at different times. Bridget Regan portrayed the classic Pamela Isley in “Batwoman,” while the series created a new villain named Poison Mary, played by Nicole Kang. There were discussions about a “Gotham City Sirens” movie featuring Poison Ivy and Catwoman alongside Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn within the DCEU, but unfortunately, this project did not come to fruition.

Including the character of Poison Ivy in Matt Reeves’ grounded Batman universe could add an exciting element. However, as Reeves has expressed interest in avoiding fantastical villains, it might seem that Ivy doesn’t fit. Nevertheless, considering the Court of Owls, a character previously hinted at by Reeves, her inclusion isn’t unreasonable. Instead, Ivy could be reimagined as a woman who utilizes naturally occurring poisons and toxins found in plants to create weapons. This idea might have been subtly suggested in the latest episode of The Penguin, where Sofia Falcone’s new drug is derived from a special mushroom that produces a euphoric high. Zobel’s casual mention of Poison Ivy could be more than just speculation, potentially hinting at what we might see in Gotham City and The Batman – Part II.

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2024-10-08 17:32