The Penguin (trailer: HBO superhero TV series).
Calling all fans of nefarious masterminds, devious plots, and sharply dressed, flightless birds! Get ready to dive deep into the darkness of Gotham City’s criminal underworld with the much-anticipated HBO Max miniseries, The Penguin. This eight-episode spectacular promises to take you on a wild, waddling ride through the rise of Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot, brilliantly portrayed by Colin Farrell.
Fresh off the success of 2022’s The Batman, The Penguin kicks off a week after the events of the film, immersing viewers in a “very tricky, very dark story.” Showrunner Lauren LeFranc brings her writing chops to the table, crafting a series that’s equal parts Scarface and The Long Good Friday. Think you’ve seen it all when it comes to Gotham’s criminal element? Think again. The series promises to explore Cobblepot’s “awkwardness, strength, villainy,” and the heartbreak lurking beneath his disfigured exterior.
Accompanying Farrell on this journey into the seedy side of Gotham is Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone, the daughter of crime boss Carmine Falcone, who squares off against Cobblepot for control of the city. The cast is rounded out by the likes of Clancy Brown, Michael Zegen, and a bevy of other talented actors, all vying for their share of the Gotham pie.
Helmed by director Craig Zobel, who brings his vision to the first three episodes, the series promises to be a visual feast for the senses. And, of course, we can’t forget the masterful hand of Mike Marino, who returns as the makeup designer, allowing Farrell to explore the nuances of Cobblepot’s character beyond his facial features.
Filming for this surefire hit began in March 2023 in the gritty streets of New York City and is expected to continue through July. As anticipation builds for the release on Max in 2024, fans have been treated to a sneak peek of footage that’s been described as “a dark Sopranos, with Farrell playing a full-on crime boss.”
So, dust off your umbrellas and practice your sinister laugh – The Penguin is coming, and it’s a waddle into Gotham’s criminal underbelly you won’t want to miss!
