HBO’s The Penguin was never meant to be just another comic book spin-off—it’s a gritty, violent character study that puts Gotham’s underworld under a microscope. Now that the first season has wrapped, fans are asking the obvious: What’s next for Oswald Cobblepot? Here’s where things stand, what’s likely, and how it all ties into the future of The Batman franchise.
1. The Penguin Is Officially a Limited Series—for Now
HBO has submitted The Penguin as a limited series for Emmy consideration, strongly suggesting the network currently sees it as a one-and-done project. That Emmy strategy is significant; it’s usually reserved for shows with no plans for follow-up seasons.
Showrunner Lauren LeFranc confirmed there’s no immediate push for Season 2, and Colin Farrell—who plays the ice-cold mobster with stunning intensity—has admitted the brutal ending of Season 1 makes it difficult to continue Oz’s arc right away.
That said, don’t count it out entirely. Behind closed doors, director Matt Reeves and LeFranc have explored potential story ideas for a second chapter. While nothing has been greenlit, there is enough narrative meat left on the bone to justify more—especially if fan demand surges.
Status: No Season 2 confirmed. Quiet conversations are happening, but HBO is non-committal.
2. Oz Cobblepot’s Story Will Continue—Just Not Where You Expect
Even if Season 2 never materializes, fans won’t have to say goodbye to Farrell’s Penguin. The character is officially returning in The Batman Part II, where he’ll likely emerge from the events of the series as Gotham’s new criminal kingpin.
This continuation is key: The Penguin wasn’t just a self-contained mob story—it was designed to bridge the gap between 2022’s The Batman and its upcoming sequel. Think of it as a noir-laced prequel to the next major film in the Batverse.
What’s next: Colin Farrell reprises his role in The Batman Part II, ensuring Oz’s story continues on the big screen.
3. The Batman Part II Script Is Finished—And Production Is Moving Ahead
Co-writers Matt Reeves and Mattson Tomlin recently confirmed that the screenplay for The Batman Part II is complete. This is a huge milestone after multiple delays, including pandemic-related setbacks and WGA/SAG strikes.
Warner Bros. has scheduled the movie for 2027, and while that’s a long wait, the fact that the script is locked signals the creative vision is now focused and ready for execution.
Impact on The Penguin: Expect direct narrative threads to carry over—especially involving Gotham’s power vacuum and the Falcone family.
4. The Penguin’s Legacy: HBO’s Most Brutal Gotham Tale Yet
Critics praised The Penguin for its unapologetic violence, grounded storytelling, and strong performances, especially from Farrell and Cristin Milioti (who plays Sofia Falcone). The show leaned more into Scarface and The Sopranos than traditional superhero fare, earning comparisons to HBO classics like Boardwalk Empire.
This more mature, mob-focused tone helped differentiate The Penguin from the rest of the DC multiverse—which may be one reason HBO is hesitant to rush a second season. It’s a standalone character piece that already feels complete.
Audience response: Generally strong praise for tone, performance, and production. It’s being treated more like prestige television than a franchise extension.
5. Will We See More Prestige DC Spinoffs?
Warner Bros. and DC Studios—now under the joint leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran—are in the midst of reorganizing the DC universe. While The Penguin is part of Matt Reeves’ “The Batman Saga” (separate from the mainline DCU), it represents a new type of DC storytelling: darker, filmmaker-driven, and focused on adult audiences.
The success of this series may pave the way for other standalone Gotham spinoffs, like the long-rumored Arkham Asylum series, which is still reportedly in development.
Future potential: Gotham-based prestige TV isn’t going anywhere—but it may take different forms than traditional sequel seasons.
TL;DR – The Penguin’s Future
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is The Penguin Season 2 happening? | No. HBO submitted it as a limited series. Conversations are ongoing but unconfirmed. |
| Will we see Oz again? | Yes. Colin Farrell returns in The Batman Part II (due 2027). |
| Is the next Batman movie moving forward? | Yes. The script is finished, and production is expected to ramp up soon. |
| Could the Penguin story continue in another form? | Possibly—especially if fan reception stays strong. |
For now, the clearest path forward for The Penguin is through the cinematic return of Gotham in The Batman Part II. But with enough fan enthusiasm and awards recognition, HBO may yet revisit the dark, blood-soaked alleyways of Oz Cobb’s empire.
Where To Watch The Penguin
Looking for where to watch the new crime drama that’s taking HBO by storm? “The Penguin” starring Colin Farrell has captured viewers’ attention as it continues the dark crime saga that began with “The Batman.” The series follows Oz Cobb (aka The Penguin) in this eight-episode HBO Original limited series from DC Studios.
You can watch “The Penguin” on HBO (check schedule) and via streaming on Max, where plans start at $9.99 per month. Other options include watching through the Max Amazon Channel or Spectrum On Demand if you’re already subscribed to those services.
For those without Max, some alternatives exist, though they might be less cost-effective. Amazon Prime offers the episodes for individual purchase at $3.99 each, which adds up quickly for the full season. Viewers should compare the one-time purchases against a month of Max subscription to determine the best value for their viewing preferences.
Key Takeaways
- “The Penguin” airs weekly on Sundays at 9pm ET/PT on HBO and streams on Max for $9.99/month.
- Colin Farrell stars as Oz Cobb in this eight-episode limited series that continues the story from “The Batman.”
- Alternative viewing options include Spectrum On Demand, Max Amazon Channel, or purchasing individual episodes through Amazon Prime.
Unveiling ‘The Penguin’: Origins and Trajectory
“The Penguin” stands as an ambitious HBO limited series expanding the dark, gritty world introduced in Matt Reeves‘ “The Batman.” This eight-episode crime drama delves deeper into Gotham’s criminal underworld through one of its most iconic villains.
DC Comics and ‘The Batman’ Legacy
The Penguin character has been a staple in DC Comics lore since his first appearance in 1941. Originally portrayed as a gentleman criminal with a fascination for birds, the character has evolved significantly over decades of comic storytelling.
Matt Reeves’ 2022 film “The Batman” presented a grounded, noir-influenced version of Gotham City. The film introduced Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot in a supporting role, with the actor nearly unrecognizable under prosthetics.
The success of “The Batman” created the perfect opportunity to expand this universe. HBO recognized the potential for character-driven spinoffs that could explore Gotham’s criminal elements in greater depth.
From Oswald Cobblepot to ‘The Penguin’
Colin Farrell returns as Oz Cobblepot in this limited series that tracks his rise through Gotham’s criminal hierarchy. The show positions itself as a continuation of the story that began in “The Batman.”
The series focuses on Cobblepot’s transformation from mid-level gangster to the crime lord known as “The Penguin.” This character journey explores his ambition, cunning, and the brutal methods he employs to climb Gotham’s underworld ladder.
Unlike some previous iterations that leaned into fantastical elements, this version of The Penguin emphasizes his strategic mind and ruthlessness. The character maintains his distinctive limp and facial scarring established in the film.
Creative Minds Behind the Series
Lauren LeFranc serves as the showrunner and executive producer, bringing her experience from shows like “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” to this gritty crime drama. Her vision helps expand the world while maintaining consistency with Reeves’ established tone.
Matt Reeves remains involved as an executive producer, ensuring the series maintains connections to his film and planned Batman universe. This collaboration helps create a cohesive storytelling approach across different formats.
The production team worked closely with Colin Farrell to further develop Oz Cobblepot’s character beyond his film appearance. The extensive prosthetic makeup process returns, transforming Farrell into the distinctive villain for each episode.
Exploring the Cast and Characters of ‘The Penguin’
HBO’s limited series “The Penguin” features a remarkable ensemble bringing Gotham’s criminal underworld to life. Set after the events of “The Batman” (2022), the show delves into the power struggles and complex relationships within the city’s notorious crime families.
Colin Farrell as The Enigmatic Lead
Colin Farrell stars as Oswald “Oz” Cobb, also known as The Penguin. His physical transformation for the role is stunning, requiring extensive prosthetics and makeup to become the disfigured crime lord.
Farrell’s Penguin is vastly different from previous portrayals. He brings a gritty authenticity to the character, showing Oz’s ruthless ambition as he attempts to climb Gotham’s criminal hierarchy.
The character was briefly introduced in “The Batman,” but this series allows for a deeper exploration of his background and motivations. Viewers witness his complex relationship with his mother, Francis Cobb (played by Deirdre O’Connell), which helps explain his hardened personality.
Supporting Stars and Their Roles
Cristin Milioti plays Sofia Falcone, daughter of the late crime boss Carmine Falcone. Her character adds significant tension to the narrative as she returns to Gotham with her own agenda.
Rhenzy Feliz portrays Victor Aguilar, a young character who becomes entangled in Oz’s criminal schemes. His perspective offers viewers a fresh entry point into Gotham’s dangerous world.
Other notable cast members include:
- Michael Kelly as Johnny Viti
- Shohreh Aghdashloo as Nadia Maroni
- Clancy Brown as Salvatore Maroni
- Carmen Ejogo as Eve Karlo
The series weaves these characters together in a complex web of loyalty, betrayal, and survival within Gotham’s criminal landscape.
Character Dynamics Within Gotham’s Underworld
The Penguin explores the power vacuum left after the events of “The Batman,” with various crime families vying for control. The Falcones and Maronis stand as the two dominant forces in this criminal ecosystem.
Sofia Falcone’s return to Gotham creates immediate conflict with Oz, who sees an opportunity to consolidate power. Their relationship evolves in unexpected ways throughout the series.
The show excels at depicting the complex hierarchy of Gotham’s underworld. Even minor characters have clear motivations and allegiances that shift as the balance of power changes.
Family plays a crucial role in the series. The Falcone legacy looms large, while Oz’s relationship with his mother provides emotional depth to his character beyond his criminal ambitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Penguin has become a popular series with viewers seeking information about where and when to watch it. Below are answers to common questions about accessing this HBO series set in Matt Reeves’ Batman universe.
Which streaming platforms offer The Penguin series for viewing?
The Penguin is available on HBO and streams on Max. Viewers can also watch it through several other platforms.
According to search results, additional viewing options include DIRECTV, Sling TV, The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home, Prime Video, and Apple TV.
When is the release date for the latest season of The Penguin?
The Penguin premiered on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 9 pm ET/PT on HBO with simultaneous streaming on Max.
New episodes aired weekly on Thursdays at the same time slot. The season 1 finale aired on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 9 pm ET/PT.
The series consists of 1 season with a total of 8 episodes.
Can The Penguin be watched on Netflix?
The Penguin is not available on Netflix. The series is an HBO original production tied to Matt Reeves’ Batman universe.
HBO typically keeps its original content exclusive to its own platforms and select licensed partners.
Is The Penguin available for free on any streaming services?
The Penguin is not available for free on most platforms as it’s an HBO premium series. Viewers need subscriptions to access it.
Some services like The Roku Channel may offer free trials that could include HBO content, but a paid subscription is generally required for continuous viewing.
Has Amazon Prime included The Penguin in their listings?
Yes, Amazon Prime Video does include The Penguin in their listings according to the search results.
However, viewers likely need to purchase the series or have an HBO add-on subscription through Amazon Prime to watch it.
Is HBO Max featuring The Penguin as part of their content library?
Yes, The Penguin is featured in Max’s content library. Max (formerly HBO Max) is the primary streaming platform for the series.
The show was created specifically for HBO and streams simultaneously on Max as part of their original programming lineup. It’s considered a centerpiece HBO series within Matt Reeves’ Batman universe.
