The Penguin, a highly anticipated HBO Max series, is set to premiere on September 19, 2024.
This crime drama is a spin-off from Matt Reeves’ 2022 film The Batman, and it follows the character of Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot, also known as the Penguin, played by Colin Farrell.
Release Date
The Penguin will be available on HBO starting September 19, 2024. Initially, the series was planned for a mid-2024 release, but it was delayed due to the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes. The series was later moved from HBO Max to HBO, with the CEO of HBO and Max, Casey Bloys, describing it as “the next big tentpole series” after House Of The Dragon Season 2 in June 2024.
Cast
The series features a talented ensemble cast, including:
- Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot / Penguin: A disfigured former chief lieutenant of deceased crime boss Carmine Falcone.
- Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone: A central figure in the series, with ambitions to take control.
- Rhenzy Feliz as Victor Aguilar: A key character in the series.
- Michael Kelly as Johnny Viti: Another significant character.
- Shohreh Aghdashloo as Nadia Maroni.
- Deirdre O’Connell as Francis Cobb.
- Clancy Brown as Salvatore Maroni.
- James Madio as Milos Grapa.
- Scott Cohen as Luca Falcone.
- Michael Zegen as Alberto Falcone.
- Carmen Ejogo as Eve Karlo.
- Theo Rossi as Dr. Julian Rush.
Plot
The Penguin delves into the aftermath of The Batman, focusing on Cobblepot’s quest for power in a chaotic Gotham City. The series is expected to have a storyline reminiscent of the Batman: No Man’s Land comic series, where villains vie for control of the city. It also hints at the introduction of iconic villains like the Joker and Clayface, offering a fresh take on these characters.
Trailer
Two official trailers have been released for The Penguin, providing more insight into the story and introducing the supporting cast. The trailers show Colin Farrell’s character calling Batman a “madman” and Sofia Falcone declaring her intention to take control, hinting at a gritty and intense narrative.
Development and Production
The series is led by showrunner Lauren LeFranc, known for her work on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. Executive producers include Matt Reeves, Colin Farrell, Dylan Clark, Craig Zobel, and Bill Carraro. Filming began in March 2023 but was halted in June due to the labor disputes. Production resumed in late November and concluded in February 2024.
Reception
The series has generated significant excitement among fans and critics, with many anticipating a dark and engaging story. Early reviews suggest that the series will offer a natural fit for a TV show after The Batman, with the potential to expand the DC universe.
The Penguin promises to be a thrilling addition to the DC universe, exploring the rise to power of Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot in Gotham City’s criminal underworld. With its talented cast, engaging plot, and gritty tone, the series is poised to captivate audiences when it premieres on HBO in September 2024.
