The Penguin on OSN+: A Dark Journey into Gotham’s Underworld

In the highly anticipated Penguin series, fans of The Batman franchise are offered a darker and more detailed look at one of Gotham City’s most notorious characters. This spin-off from Matt Reeves’ 2022 film The Batman is set to explore Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot, aka The Penguin, in his rise to power within Gotham’s criminal underworld. Starring Colin Farrell in the titular role, the series has already garnered significant attention and is poised to make waves when it debuts on HBO, Max, and OSN+ on September 20, 2024.

Background and Development

The origins of the Penguin series can be traced back to the immense success of The Batman in 2022. Directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne, the film painted a gritty, noir-esque portrait of Gotham City. While Batman’s battle against crime took center stage, the film also introduced a host of intriguing side characters, including the brooding and ambitious Oswald Cobblepot, played by Colin Farrell. Although his screen time in the film was limited, Farrell’s portrayal left a lasting impression, and it became evident that his story had the potential for further exploration.

By September 2021, early development on a spin-off series focusing on The Penguin had already begun, with Reeves and The Batman producer Dylan Clark at the helm. Originally, there were discussions of other spin-offs, including one centered on the Gotham City Police Department (GCPD), but those plans were shelved in favor of The Penguin, which was seen as the project with the most promise.

Lauren LeFranc was tapped to serve as showrunner, writer, and executive producer for the series, while Reeves and Clark remained as executive producers. The series was designed as a limited series, with only eight episodes, each running approximately 60 minutes, allowing for a compact but immersive story.

Plot and Premise

Set directly after the events of The Batman, The Penguin takes place in a Gotham City left in chaos. At the end of the film, a massive flood had devastated Gotham, leaving a power vacuum in its wake. With crime boss Carmine Falcone dead, Oz sees an opportunity to expand his influence. The series picks up one week after the flood, offering a raw and unfiltered view of Gotham’s criminal underbelly.

At its core, The Penguin follows Oz’s journey as he seizes control of Gotham’s crime syndicates and attempts to solidify his position as one of the city’s most powerful figures. His ascent, however, is not without opposition. Sofia Falcone, played by Cristin Milioti, emerges as one of his primary antagonists, likely seeking to reclaim her family’s legacy following her father’s death.

Farrell has described the show as a gritty, mature take on the character, offering insights into his early days as a crime lord. The Penguin’s complex personality will be explored in detail, with themes of ambition, betrayal, and survival being central to the narrative. Unlike the comic-bookish portrayal of the character in previous Batman adaptations, this version is grounded in a more realistic, mobster-like setting, which has drawn comparisons to classic gangster dramas like The Sopranos.

Cast and Characters

The Penguin boasts an impressive cast that promises to bring Gotham’s seedy underworld to life. Colin Farrell, who underwent a dramatic transformation with heavy prosthetics to play the role, leads the ensemble. His portrayal of Oz, both in appearance and demeanor, is a far cry from his previous roles, and it has already been hailed as one of the most striking character shifts in recent memory.

Joining Farrell is Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone, the formidable daughter of Carmine Falcone. Sofia is expected to be a major antagonist, challenging Oz’s efforts to consolidate power. The series will also introduce several other key players in Gotham’s criminal landscape, including Rhenzy Feliz as Victor Aguilar, Shohreh Aghdashloo as Nadia Maroni, and Clancy Brown as Salvatore Maroni, one of Gotham’s most feared mob bosses. Each character adds a new layer to the city’s power struggles, as alliances are formed, broken, and reshaped.

Release Schedule

The premiere episode of The Penguin is set for September 20, 2024, on HBO, Max, and OSN+. This simultaneous release across these platforms will allow viewers in regions covered by OSN+ to experience the show at the same time as U.S. audiences, marking a significant expansion for the service. After the Thursday premiere, new episodes will air every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT, with the final episode scheduled to drop on November 10, 2024. Fans in the UK can watch the series on Sky Atlantic and NOW, where episodes will be available starting at 2 a.m. BST the day after the U.S. premiere.

What to Expect from the Series

The Penguin is expected to delve deeper into the political and social fabric of Gotham City, providing a unique perspective on its criminal elements. Unlike traditional superhero series, this show will focus less on action and more on the psychological drama of power dynamics within the mob. Farrell has teased that the series will be “endlessly fun, fascinating, and brutal,” with a darker and more mature tone than typical superhero fare.

One of the most exciting aspects of the show is its connection to the wider Batman universe. While The Penguin is very much a standalone series, it is expected to tie into The Batman sequel, set to release in 2026. This means that the events of the series could have far-reaching consequences for future films, further expanding what Reeves has referred to as the “Batman Epic Crime Saga.”

Additionally, fans can look forward to a highly detailed and immersive portrayal of Gotham City. The show’s production has invested heavily in recreating the moody, atmospheric feel of The Batman, with locations, costumes, and set designs all contributing to the show’s dark and gritty aesthetic.

Conclusion

With its star-studded cast, compelling storyline, and connection to one of the most successful Batman films in recent years, The Penguin is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated television releases of 2024. The series offers fans a rare chance to dive deep into the psyche of one of Gotham’s most iconic villains, exploring themes of power, corruption, and ambition in a richly textured narrative.

As the first episode approaches, expectations are high. Will Oswald Cobblepot’s rise to power solidify him as the true kingpin of Gotham? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: The Penguin is set to take viewers on a dark, thrilling journey through Gotham’s treacherous criminal underworld.