“If we don't protect what's ours, we just look weak!” This iconic line sets the stage for The Penguin, the highly anticipated Gotham City spin-off series, recently unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con. Set to stream on Max in September, this crime thriller chronicles the rise of Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot, famously known as The Penguin, from a disfigured nobody to a feared Gotham gangster.
Following the events of The Batman (2022), The Penguin explores the power struggles within Gotham's criminal underworld. Colin Farrell, who earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of Oz in The Batman, returns to deliver another captivating performance. The trailer, showcased at Comic-Con, is a gritty three-minute preview promising a badass Gotham underworld thriller.
Helmed by Craig Zobel, known for his work on Compliance, Z for Zachariah, and The Hunt, the series boasts an impressive ensemble cast. Cristin Milioti stars as Sofia Falcone, alongside Clancy Brown, Michael Zegen, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Rhenzy Feliz, Michael Kelly, Deirdre O'Connell, James Madio, Scott Cohen, Theo Rossi, Carmen Ejogo, and François Chau. With such a powerhouse of talent, The Penguin is set to be an intense and riveting watch.
The Penguin is the brainchild of writer Lauren LeFranc, with contributions from Matt Reeves and producer Dylan Clark. Initially conceptualized as a Gotham City Police Department series, the focus shifted to the Penguin character from DC Comics, created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane. This evolution promises a fresh and engaging narrative, setting the stage for future spin-offs.
Executive producers Matt Reeves, Dylan Clark, Colin Farrell, Daniel Pipski, Adam Kassan, Lauren LeFranc, Craig Zobel, and Bill Carraro have pulled out all the stops to bring this series to life. Mark your calendars for September 2024, when The Penguin premieres on Max. Prepare to dive into the dark, compelling world of Gotham's criminal elite.
