Convention - SDCC 2024 : The Penguin Takes Over Hall H with a Thrilling Preview of Gotham's Dark Underbelly

By Mulder, San Diego, Convention Center, Hall H, 27 july 2024

San Diego Comic-Con 2024 was electrified by the highly anticipated panel for The Penguin, a spinoff series from Matt Reeves' The Batman. Held in the iconic Hall H, the panel brought fans deeper into the seedy world of Gotham City, teasing the dark, gritty narrative that will follow Oswald Cobblepot's rise to power.

The event kicked off with moderator Josh Horowitz introducing a star-studded virtual lineup. Colin Farrell, who reprises his role as Oswald Cobblepot, also known as The Penguin, appeared via a pre-recorded video. Though not physically present, Farrell's enthusiasm was palpable as he discussed the complex layers of his character, shaped by the expert prosthetics work of Mike Marino. Farrell shared how his portrayal of The Penguin draws inspiration from iconic performances by Burgess Meredith and Danny DeVito, infusing his own take with a tasty mix of menace and charisma.

Matt Reeves, the mastermind behind The Batman, joined the panel alongside executive producers Dylan Clark and Lauren LeFranc. Reeves revealed that the idea for The Penguin series originated during the development of The Batman itself, as the team realized that Oswald Cobblepot's story had the potential to be a captivating standalone tale. Showrunner LeFranc elaborated on the unique challenges of bringing a character like The Penguin to life in a way that would resonate with audiences, noting that the series draws inspiration from real-world figures who, despite their corruption, have had a significant impact on their communities.

A major highlight of the panel was the unveiling of the latest trailer for The Penguin. The footage offered a gritty glimpse into Gotham's criminal underworld, showcasing Oswald Cobblepot's bid to seize control following the death of Carmine Falcone. However, the road to power is anything but smooth, as Sofia Falcone, played by Cristin Milioti, emerges from Arkham Asylum to challenge Cobblepot's authority. Milioti's portrayal of Sofia promises to be both fierce and complex, as she navigates her legacy as the daughter of Gotham's most feared crime lord.

The series is set to bridge the narrative between The Batman and its upcoming sequel, The Batman Part II, slated for release in 2026. According to LeFranc, The Penguin serves as the connective tissue between the two films, exploring the power vacuum left by Falcone's death and the ensuing chaos in Gotham. The show will delve into the intricate dynamics between Cobblepot and the other key players in Gotham's underworld, including new character Victor Aguilar, portrayed by Rhenzy Feliz, who hinted at the turbulent relationship his character will have with Cobblepot.

Beyond the panel, fans attending SDCC were treated to an immersive Gotham experience with the recreation of The Iceberg Lounge at the Bloom Nightclub. This offsite event allowed attendees to step into Cobblepot's world, complete with themed cocktails, exclusive giveaways, and an invitation-only experience in the mysterious 44 Below, a club within the club that hinted at the deeper layers of Gotham's criminal hierarchy.

As the panel concluded, excitement for The Penguin reached a fever pitch, with fans eager for the show's premiere on HBO on September 19, 2024. With its dark narrative, complex characters, and gritty aesthetic, The Penguin is poised to be a standout entry in Reeves' Batman Epic Crime Saga, offering a fresh and compelling perspective on one of Gotham's most infamous figures

The Penguin is an upcoming American crime drama series created by Lauren LeFranc for HBO, serving as a direct spin-off from the 2022 film The Batman. The series delves into the dark and gritty rise of Oswald Oz Cobblepot, also known as the Penguin, as he navigates the treacherous criminal underworld of Gotham City following the death of Carmine Falcone. Colin Farrell reprises his role as the disfigured crime lord, with Cristin Milioti playing Sofia Falcone, a psychopathic serial killer and daughter of Carmine, and Rhenzy Feliz as Victor Aguilar, a young accomplice of Cobblepot. Developed under the guidance of The Batman director Matt Reeves, the show promises to expand on the film's noir aesthetic, focusing on Oz's brutal ascent to power. Initially ordered by HBO Max, the series has since moved to HBO, with its premiere scheduled for September 19, 2024. The show is expected to offer a deep dive into the psychological and criminal dynamics of Gotham, presenting a more mature, intense exploration of its characters

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Synopsis : 
the series follows Oswald Cobblepot's transformation from disfigured outsider to Gotham's most notorious gangster.

The Penguin
Created by Lauren LeFranc
Based on Penguin by Bill Finger, Bob Kane
Showrunner Lauren LeFranc
Starring Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz
Executive producers : Matt Reeves, Dylan Clark, Colin Farrell, Daniel Pipski, Adam Kassan, Lauren LeFranc, Craig Zobel, Bill Carraro
Cinematography : Darran Tiernan
Editor : Andy Keir
Production companies : 6th & Idaho, DC Studios, Dylan Clark Productions, Warner Bros. Television
Network : HBO (United States) Max (France)

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville