When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
The Penguin: Release date, Trailer, key art, & Everything we know about The Batman spin-off
Last updated August 16, 2024
Get ready for a thrilling dive into Matt Reeves' Gotham with The Penguin, the first of two live-action DC Comics series coming in 2024. Before Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga hit theaters in Joker: Folie à Deux this October, and after Batman: Caped Crusader streams on Prime Video, catch Colin Farrell’s return as the notorious Penguin in this new HBO Max series.
Set right after the events of The Batman, this eight-episode saga promises to dive deeper into Gotham's criminal underworld. Following the release of a new teaser and an exciting trailer at San Diego Comic-Con, HBO Max has announced the exact release date.
Earlier today, Max released a new brand spot featuring scenes from much-awaited HBO and Max Originals coming later this year and in 2025, including The Penguin, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, The Last of Us, and more. We have summarized everything for you, so check out everything we know about The Penguin so far, and stay tuned for more updates!
Release Date & Where to Watch
The Penguin premieres on HBO and Max on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET in the US, and on Sky and NOW in the UK on the same date. Those in Australia can stream it on Binge on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
HBO will re-air the series premiere multiple times over the weekend, including Sunday, Sept. 22 at 9 p.m. ET.
Plot
The Penguin is a prequel series to Matt Reeves' The Batman. Set right after the 2022 film, this series follows Colin Farrell's character as he ascends to power in Gotham’s criminal underworld, becoming one of the most infamous villains in the Batman universe. The HBO Original series centers on Oz Cobb as he battles rival crime families in Gotham. His conflict brings him into contact with Sofia Falcone, though their exact relationship remains unclear.
In a 2022 interview with Variety, Max's Head of Originals, Sarah Aubrey, outlined the series' core concept: "The goal is to depict Oz’s life in the gritty streets of Gotham, showcasing his ambitions as a hustler and strategist. Over eight episodes, we'll explore a detailed character arc full of twists, turns, and new characters. This series focuses on Gotham from a street-level perspective, distinct from Batman’s high-flying adventures.”
Key art Revealed
Cast
- Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin
- Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone
- Michael Kelly as Johnny Viti
- Rhenzy Feliz as Victor Aguilar
- Shohreh Aghdashloo as Nadia Maroni
- Deirdre O’Connell as Francis Cobb
- James Madio as Milos Grapa
- Myles Humphus as Dom Gigante
- Hunter Emery as Leo
- Kenzie Grey as Gia Viti
- Emily Meade as Young Francis
- Owen Asztalos as Adam
- Rhys Coiro as Hady
- Adrienne Acevedo Lovette as Billie Peña
- Ava Grey as Cinnamon
- Berto Colon as Castillo
- Craig Walker as Detective Marcus Wise
- Kresh Novakovic as Enzo
- Alexis Nichole Smith as Social Worker
- Alex Anagnostidis as Ray
- Mershad Torabi as Farhad
- Clancy Brown as Salvatore Maroni
- Scott Cohen as Luca Falcone
- Michael Zegen as Alberto Falcone
- Carmen Ejogo as Eve Karlo
- Theo Rossi as Dr. Julian Rush
Episodes
The Penguin's episodes will air weekly on Thursdays, and the last episode will air on November 7.
- Season 1 Episode 1 (Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024)
- Season 1 Episode 2 (Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024)
- Season 1 Episode 3 (Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024)
- Season 1 Episode 4 (Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024)
- Season 1 Episode 5 (Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024)
- Season 1 Episode 6 (Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024)
- Season 1 Episode 7 (Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024)
- Season 1 Episode 8 (Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024)
Official Trailer
In The Penguin, we'll watch as the character rises from gangster to godfather, aiming to fill the power vacuum left by Carmine Falcone. Expect brooding prison conversations and tense family meetings around darkened tables, reminiscent of The Sopranos set in Gotham City. Colin Farrell, an Academy Award nominee, is barely recognizable as Batman's foe, with his portrayal featuring nasty scars, thinning hair, and a heavy gut.
Will Batman Appear in The Penguin?
According to The Hot Mic podcast, Hollywood insider Jeff Sneider has confirmed that Robert Pattinson will appear in The Penguin, following much speculation. While the extent of his role in the Max spinoff is unclear, it is expected that Pattinson’s Batman may make a brief appearance in just one episode.
Does The Penguin have Powers?
One of Gotham's most notorious and enduring crime lords, The Penguin remains an intriguing figure. Unlike the physically imposing Bane or the psychotic Joker, and without the mutant or supernatural powers of characters like Man-Bat or Clayface, The Penguin has nonetheless secured his place as a prominent Batman villain. His success and longevity in the criminal underworld are due to his genius-level intellect, criminal mastermind skills, business acumen, tactical analysis, leadership, and expertise in avian training.
Where is The Penguin Filmed?
The Penguin was filmed in various locations across New York City, including Whitestone, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.
Behind the Scenes
The Penguin series is executive produced by Matt Reeves, Dylan Clark, Colin Farrell, Lauren LeFranc (who also writes and serves as showrunner), Craig Zobel (who directs the first three episodes), and Bill Carraro. Based on DC characters created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, the show is produced by Reeves’ 6th & Idaho Productions and Dylan Clark Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, where Reeves and 6th & Idaho have an overall deal. Daniel Pipski also serves as executive producer.
Related
Most Popular
Most Popular