Colin Farrell Hints at Smaller Role for Penguin in THE BATMAN: PART II
In The Batman, Colin Farrell delivered a killer performance as Oswald "Oz" Cobblepot, better known as the Penguin. His look was unrecognizable, his presence was menacing, and fans loved every second of it. But despite all the praise, Farrell’s screen time was surprisingly brief, just about nine minutes spread across five or six scenes.
That limited presence wasn’t by accident. The character was introduced as a mid-level mobster connected to Gotham’s criminal underbelly and the GCPD, playing a supporting role that helped move the plot along without stealing the spotlight. He dropped key info, stirred up some shady business, and starred in one of the film’s most pulse-pounding car chases.
That brief introduction laid the groundwork for The Penguin, the gritty spin-off series that dives deep into Oz’s rise through the dark ranks of Gotham’s underworld.
The show kicks off right after the events of The Batman, showing his slow, brutal climb to power, and it doesn’t hold back. Critics have been comparing the series to The Sopranos, praising its sharp storytelling, complex characters, and violent, grounded tone.
At the heart of it all is Farrell, giving an incredible and intense performance. His Penguin is ruthless, ambitious, a bit broken, and very compelling. Alongside the acting, the show has been praised for its tight writing and strong direction, continuing the world built by The Batman while forging its own identity.
With The Batman: Part II now on the horizon, fans are eager to see how, or if, the Penguin will factor into the next chapter. Farrell recently shared what little he knows about the character’s return, and it sounds like he might not be a major player this time around either. He said:
"I don’t have many scenes, I don’t believe, but I’ll be there for whatever. Matt Reeves is so brilliant. I don’t know what the story is yet.”
Even if his role is small again, Farrell seems happy to be along for the ride. His enthusiasm for working with Matt Reeves hasn’t waned, and it sounds like he’s more than ready to don the Penguin’s suit whenever he gets the call.
The Batman: Part II is currently set to hit theaters on October 1, 2027.