The upcoming HBO limited series The Penguin, set in the universe of Matt Reeves' The Batman, will not feature Robert Pattinson as Batman or Bruce Wayne, as confirmed by Reeves and showrunner Lauren LeFranc. The series, which premieres on September 19, 2024, focuses on Colin Farrell's character, Oz Cobb, as he navigates Gotham's underworld following the death of crime boss Carmine Falcone. Reeves emphasized that Batman will exist as a 'presence' in the narrative, but will not physically appear, allowing for a deeper exploration of Gotham's rogues gallery. The decision stems from the desire to create a story centered on power struggles rather than having Batman overshadow the plot. While Pattinson's return is confirmed for The Batman – Part II, the creative team felt it was best to keep the Dark Knight out of The Penguin to enhance its thematic focus. The series will also introduce other characters, including Sofia Falcone and rival gangsters, setting the stage for the sequel film.