'The Batman' Penguin spinoff series gets HBO Max's green signal
From September through December 2021, multiple reports suggested that HBO Max is working on a web series featuring The Penguin aka Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot. And now, it is (thankfully) official! Starring Colin Farrell as the main lead, the series will be helmed by Lauren LeFranc, while The Batman director Matt Reeves and Dylan Clark will co-produce. Reeves-Clark also had produced the recently-released The Batman.
In our The Batman review, we had mentioned that Farrell's Penguin got briefly introduced, paving way for his series. "The world that Matt Reeves created for The Batman is one that warrants a deeper gaze through the eyes of Oswald Cobblepot...I couldn't be more excited about continuing this exploration of Oz as he rises through the darkened ranks to become The Penguin," Farrell said.
Reeves will executive produce the series via 6th & Idaho Productions along with Daniel Pipski. Meanwhile, Clark produces via Dylan Clark Productions. The series also has Adam Kassan and Rafi Crohn as its co-executive producers. The Warner Bros. Television (WBTV)-backed series rolls out soon although there's no confirmed date. The series is a product of an overall deal 6th & Idaho has with WBTV.
LeFranc, who is also the writer, said, "I've 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'm 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?"
"Colin exploded off the screen in The Batman, and having the chance to thoroughly explore the inner life of that character is an absolute thrill. Dylan and I are excited to work with Lauren in continuing Oz's story as he grabs violently for power," said Reeves. "Will be good to get Penguin back on the streets of Gotham for a little madness," Farrell quipped.
