Why The Penguin season 2 (probably) isn’t happening

Why The Penguin season 2 (probably) isn't happening

As a die-hard fan of the DC universe and a connoisseur of gritty crime dramas, I must say that The Penguin has been nothing short of a masterpiece. Matt Reeves has once again proven his prowess as a visionary storyteller, crafting a compelling narrative that delves deep into the life of one of Batman’s most intriguing villains.

Without a shadow of a doubt: “The Penguin” has undeniably been one of the standout shows of 2024. This DC series is the brainchild of Matt Reeves, and it functions as both a follow-up and spinoff to his highly praised 2022 film “The Batman“. Colin Farrell reprises his role as the main antagonist, the Penguin, as the story follows Oswald “Oz” Cobbs transformation from a gangster into a powerful kingpin.

In this new series, the storyline unfolds a week following the movie’s 2022 events, as Gotham City struggles to recover from The Riddler’s assault. Batman, while not directly involved in the narrative, transitions from a vengeful vigilante into an emblem of hope. However, he remains peripheral, with only a fleeting mention in the opening sequence. Instead, the show primarily centers around The Penguin, who aims to seize control of the criminal underworld since Carmine Falcone is no longer alive.

The series has been an amazing journey, and Farrell’s acting is truly exceptional. Despite the praise and rumors of award recognition, it’s unlikely that there will be a second season of this show. Let me explain.

The Penguin is a miniseries designed to bridge the gap between Batman movies

In today’s era of extended TV series and streaming crazes, it can sometimes slip one’s mind that miniseries are still around. Just because a show ends after only one season doesn’t necessarily mean it was cancelled; it might simply be the intended length. This definitely wouldn’t apply to The Penguin.

The series functions similarly to a popular TV show, with eight complete episodes (a common structure for high-budget cable and streaming productions today). However, this doesn’t dispute the fact that it was originally conceived as a miniseries. Despite being superb, the show was created with an objective in mind, and without a doubt, it has achieved its goal admirably.

Why The Penguin season 2 (probably) isn't happening

In a clever move, the movie titled “The Penguin” was crafted as a link between “The Batman” and its 2026 sequel, “The Batman – Part II,” seamlessly fulfilling this role. This connection has made it a highly valued addition within this narrative universe. Originally, the 2026 sequel was scheduled to release earlier, but numerous setbacks have pushed its premiere far into the future. Consequently, “The Penguin” provided an early revisit to Matt Reeves’ Crime Saga epic, keeping us engaged for a longer duration than we might have otherwise waited for the sequel.

Another goal it served was to deepen the personality of Oz Cobb, ensuring that when reintroduced in the upcoming The Batman sequel, he would embody the notorious Penguin that DC Comics enthusiasts are familiar with and dread – and this objective has been successfully achieved.

Colin Farrell struggled filming a whole series in the suit

Colin Farrell expressed immense pride in the collaborative work on “The Penguin,” acknowledging its success. However, he also emphasized that portraying Oz Cobb was challenging due to the use of prosthetics and the costume during filming.

In conversation with Total Film prior to the series launch, he confided that, despite enjoying producing the show, he’s uncertain if he could handle another season. Given that an eight-episode TV series requiring such extensive prosthetics is more challenging than portraying the same character in a minor role in a film like “The Batman,” it’s understandable why he might feel this way.

I don’t know, man… Don’t get me wrong – I loved it – but it got in on me a little bit. By the end of it, I was bitching and moaning to anyone who would listen to me that I f*cking wanted it to be finished

Why The Penguin season 2 (probably) isn't happening

Should the chance arise, Farrell expresses his willingness to reprise his role for another season. He also mentions that the entire experience was incredibly impactful, using the words “very impactful” instead of “really powerful”. In addition, he’s had discussions about this possibility with showrunner Lauren LeFranc.

“Lauren said, ‘Look, if I could find a way that makes sense, would you talk about it?’ And I said, ‘Absolutely.’ And maybe in a year I would. But when I finished I was like, ‘I never want to put that f*cking suit and that f*cking head on again.'”

It’s clear that “The Penguin” has become incredibly well-liked, and considering the type of story and series it’s associated with, this isn’t really shocking. If Matt Reeves and Warner Bros. were to change their minds and produce another season, it wouldn’t be too unexpected. However, since Colin Farrell is set to play “The Penguin” again in “The Batman – Part II,” where he’ll probably meet up with Robert Pattinson’s Batman once more, there might not be a necessity for another season.

The Penguin may have come to an end (for now), but The Penguin himself is just getting started.

2024-11-11 05:01