After numerous reports, it is now official: The Batman spinoff The Penguin has been ordered by HBO Max.
According to Matt Reeves, The Penguin – the working title for now – will pick up where The Batman left off in regards to the character. Colin Farrell will reprise his role as the up-and-coming Gotham gangster while also serving as an executive producer. He will be joined by Reeves, Dylan Clark, and Lauren LeFranc. LeFranc will also write and serve as showrunner.
“We are thrilled to bring audiences a new version of this iconic DC character that they have never seen before. It is incredible to be working with Matt, Dylan and Lauren on continuing this story and to see Colin take his already exceptional performance in The Batman to the next level,” said Sarah Aubrey, Head of Original Content, HBO Max.
Reeves added, “Colin exploded off the screen as the Penguin in The Batman, and having the chance to thoroughly explore the inner life of that character on HBO Max is an absolute thrill. Dylan and I are so excited to work with Lauren in continuing Oz’s story as he grabs violently for power in Gotham.”
Speaking of the announcement, LeFranc said, “I have long been a fan of the world of The Batman, and Matt’s film is such a powerful and bold entry into the canon. I am excited and humbled to continue telling stories in the grimy world of Gotham City – and what better excuse to channel my inner villain than to tell the story of Oswald Cobblepot? I am thrilled to work with Colin, Matt, Dylan, 6th & Idaho, Warners, and HBO Max as we work to bring this story to the screen.”
“The world that Matt Reeves created for ‘The Batman’ is one that warrants a deeper gaze through the eyes of Oswald Cobblepot,” Farrell said, “I couldn’t be more excited about continuing this exploration of Oz as he rises through the darkened ranks to become The Penguin. Will be good to get him back on the streets of Gotham for a little madness and a little mayhem.”
No word as of as to a potential premiere date for The Penguin.
