After “The Batman” became a critical and commercial success, Matt Reeves & Warner Bros (WB for short) announced they’re working on two sequels with Robert Pattinson reprising his role as the Caped Crusader. Thanks to Colin Farrell’s performance as “The Penguin,” he signed to reprise his role in a spin-off mini-series. Set a week after Batman defeats Riddler, the film, Oswald “Oz” Cobb schemes to become a powerful crime boss after his former boss, Carmine Falcone meets his end. Oz meets and recruits a teenage boy as his protege. Carmine’s daughter, Sofia is released from Arkham Asylum. Oz intends to overthrow Sofia.
All eight episodes of The Penguin are now streaming on Max. It received unanimous praise from critics, fans and viewers/streamers alike. Anyway, Robert Pattinson will reprise his role as The Caped Crusader in “The Batman Part II.” It’ll be released on October 2, 2026. Exact same year “Avengers: Doomsday” will come out. Besides Mr. Pattison’s upcoming sequel, here’s a list of James Gunn’s upcoming projects set within the DC Universe. By the way, The Batman is set outside the DC Universe.
- Creature Commandos – December 5, 2024
- Superman – July 11, 2026
- Peacemaker: Season 2 – August 2025
- Supergirl – June 26, 2026
This review contains no crucial SPOILERS.
Right & Wrong Aspects
Right: Colin Farrell did a stupendous job for his performance as the titular character. He also served as an executive producer. Unlike Bruce Timm’s Batman cartoon of Penguin as a woman on Amazon, his family jewels have not been stolen.
Other Cast Members such as Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz & Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs) all did a superb job for their respective performances.
Fun Fact: Clancy himself also voiced Lex Luthor in Bruce Timm’s “Superman: The Animated Series” and “Justice League.”
Lauren LeFranc did a fantastic job mapping out all eight episodes.
Matt Reeves served as an executive producer.
Michael Giacchino’s son, Mick orchestrated the soundtrack.
Prosthetic Makeup transformed Colin into Oz.
Chemistry between Oz & Vice serves as the main highlight. The bad guy equivalent of Batman & Robin.
The mini-series is influenced by “Scarface,” The Killing of a Chinese Bookie,” “The Long Good Friday” & “The Sopranos.”
Although he only had a comic book mini-series in 2023-2024, Penguin’s character arc was interesting.
Sofia Falcone/The Hangman stole the show. She’s now officially one of my favorite DC villains along with Deathstroke/Slade Wilson, Joker & Harley Quinn. Thank goodness Sofia’s isn’t portrayed as an arrogant know-it-all like Reva from that god awful Obi-Wan mini-series. Sofia’s backstory makes absolute sense on why she’s a well-written rival for Oz. Bruce Timm didn’t do his homework over the lack of female Batman villains making Penguin a woman. This proves he’s absolute bonkers.
Whenever an episode’s over, an inside look with the cast and crew discuss about a specific episode.
Wrong: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew an Extra Point for making a flawless mini-series as possible.
Episode 1 – After Hours
Opening Scene establishes what you’re about to see, indicates Penguin is not afraid to pull any punches.
Episode 1’s title is named after an underrated Martin Scorsese film.
After a fatal mishap, Oz recruits a teenager as his protege.
A great fight scene in a car.
A song from “Deadpool 2” is played during the end credits.
Episode 2 – Inside Man
Oz comes up with a risky plan in an attempt to overthrow Sofia and the Maroni crime family.
One great gun fight with Oz mowing down gangsters in a delivery truck.
Oz receives bad news about his loved one.
Episode 3 – Bliss
Prior to meeting Oz, a flashback shows Vic’s past.
Vic’s conflicted whether he wants to leave Gotham with his girlfriend, Graciela or stay in the city with Oz.
Episode 3’s title is named after a drug. It plays a crucial role in the series. Cue, Christian Bale’s line from “Batman Begins.” “Where were the other drugs going!”
Episode 4 – Cent’Anni
We learn about Sofia’s backstory before and after her time in Arkham.
Mark Strong takes over John Turturro’s role as Carmine Falcone. The reason why the latter didn’t reprise his role as Falcone is because the series depicts violence against women. Really? As if he hasn’t seen Slade beating Terra up in Teen Titans’ second season finale “Aftershock.”
Sofia has a flashback within a flashback. I sense an “Inception” vibe. We’re going deeper, Leo!”
Sofia has two awesome moments. She chews out her fellow gangsters and does something ruthless towards the end. Will somebody give Cristin Milioti an Emmy and Golden Globe nomination for “Best Actress” in a Limited Series?”
Episode 5 – Homecoming
Oz performs a fatality. I’ll give you a hint. Burn baby burn!
As the stakes go up, Sofia takes drastic measures.
A song by The Police is used. One of Christopher Nolan’s favorite bands.
Oz sets up a “new place.”
Episode 6 – Gold Summit
Oz begins his drug manufacturing operation.
Oz delivers a speech to his crew.
The last scene gets really serious.
Episode 7 – Top Hat
A flashback adds more context involving Oz’s childhood. It’s pretty messed up like Gypsy-Rose Blanchard. Unlike Oz, she has the IQ of a fencepost. I do not sympathize with murderers.
Somebody meets his end.
“Beetlejuice” is mentioned. The sequel came out around the same time The Penguin aired.
Episode 7’s named after Penguin’s signature hat from the comics.
Oz shouts, “I beat you, I win!” A reference to Charlie Cox’s infamous line from “Daredevil.” “I BEAT YOU!”
Episode 8 – Great or Little Thing
A shocking scene will make your jaw drop. I’m giving it Bonus Points for having the balls to take a risky decision something Disney’s live-action “Cruella” which lacks the guts to do something horrific.
An emotional confrontation between mother and son.
The final scene sets up The Batman Part II.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
The Penguin’s mini-series sets an example on how to coordinate a villain themed mini-series making the Aniseya twins from “The Acolyte” fell off the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. Heck, it’s also better the aforementioned Cruella movie The Penguin’s a must-watch worth your spare time. I cannot wait for The Batman Part II and the DC Universe.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 