HBO's The Penguin Series Premieres September 19

HBO's new series The Penguin, a spinoff of Matt Reeves' The Batman, focuses on Colin Farrell's Oswald Cobblepot as he navigates the chaotic power vacuum in Gotham City following the Riddler's attack. Set one week after the events of the film, the show delves into themes of family, trauma, and the complexities of masculinity, as Cobblepot seeks to rise in the criminal underworld, clashing with the likes of the Falcones and Maronis. Showrunner Lauren LeFranc emphasizes the series' darker, more grounded tone, deliberately avoiding campy elements associated with previous portrayals of the character. Matt Reeves cites Scarface as an influence, framing Cobblepot's journey as a gangster story. The series boasts a star-studded cast including Cristin Milioti and Mark Strong, and aims to provide an engaging narrative independent of Batman's presence. With a commitment to realism, the show promises to explore the origins of its characters rather than relying on superhero tropes.