The Batman universe is known for its dark, brooding atmosphere, and no one embodies that better than Colin Farrell's portrayal of Oswald Cobblepot, aka the Penguin, in The Batman (2022). But Farrell, known for his immersive acting, needed an unusual way to get out of character after hours of embodying Gotham's notorious crime lord. His antidote? Pixar movies.
In a recent interview, Farrell revealed that while filming The Penguin—the gritty HBO Max spinoff that picks up just a week after the events of The Batman—he needed to find a way to transition back to a lighter headspace. “This is a really almost borderline nihilistic piece of drama,” Farrell explained. “So it was a good antidote.” His remedy? Watching light-hearted, feel-good films like Toy Story.
The Penguin series, which premiered this month to critical acclaim (currently holding a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes), dives deep into Gotham's criminal underworld, with Farrell reprising his role as Oz Cobblepot, who capitalizes on the chaos left in the wake of Batman's latest battle. It's an intense, gritty character piece that thrives on the grimy power plays and darkness in Gotham's underbelly.
Yet, Farrell, ever the consummate professional, found a balance by watching Pixar's beautifully animated, heartwarming stories. “I watched Toy Story…just to have something light and beautiful,” he admitted. Pixar's uplifting narratives provided him with the perfect contrast to the dark, brooding atmosphere of The Penguin.
As Farrell gears up for his return in The Batman 2—set for release in 2025—it's fascinating to see how even actors need an escape from the intense worlds they inhabit. And for Farrell, Pixar has been that escape hatch, proving that even Gotham's darkest villain needs a little light.
Colin Farrell’s approach to escaping the darkness of his Penguin role is both refreshing and relatable! It’s fascinating how he uses humor and positivity as an antidote to such a complex character. This glimpse into his process not only showcases his versatility as an actor but also reminds us that a bit of lightheartedness can go a long way when tackling heavy roles. Can’t wait to see how he balances it all in future projects!
Right? Imagine belting out ‘I Will Survive’ in full Penguin makeup! Now that’s a show I’d pay to see!