Batmanfans were treated to an unexpectedly delightful surprise when they got their first good look at Colin Ferrell’s wild transformation into Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin in recent teasers and images for the Robert Pattinson-led filmThe Batman. But it turns out the character’s impact may go more than just skin deep. Viewers can now expect to get even more of the grotesque villain thanks to a brand new spinoff.
Aftera potential spinoff featuring The Penguinwas teased several months ago, it seems the project has finally received both the green light and its leading man. Ferrell has just signed on as star and executive producer for the upcoming unnamed series, cementing his impact in the Gotham underworld beforeThe Batmanhas even come out. The series will stream exclusively on HBO Max, finding a home among the rest of the service’s plentiful DC offerings, includinganother spinoff focused on the Gotham City police department.
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The Batmandirector Matt Reeves will join Ferrell as executive producer, along with Dylan Clark who also produced the film. Lauren LeFranc, perhaps best known for producing a good chunk ofMarvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.as well as penning several episodes of NBC spy comedyChuck, will write the series script. The spinoff will supposedly focus on The Penguin’s rise through the ranks of Gotham City’s criminal underworld.
Similar to howMarvel greenlit aHawkeyespinoff with Alaqua Cox as Echobefore that show even began airing, it seems as though Ferrell’s performance made such an impact on set and in test screenings that the higher-ups already want more. Given his over-the-top energy inthe trailer forThe Batman, it’s not difficult to see why they think The Penguin can carry his own series. Even after a few viewings, it’s still easy to forget that the Irish actor is the same person who captured the hearts of millions inAlexanderunder all that makeup.
Ferrell seemingly hasn’t slowed down at all in his film and TV career, appearing in recent hits like BBC’sThe North Waterand 2015 dystopian filmThe Lobster. That’s not even to mention the several upcoming projects he has on track, even aside fromThe Batmanand its spinoff. It’s good to see such a prolific actor still cranking out new stuff even after all this time.
However it turns out, The Penguin’s series will be in good company on HBO Max, especially with fantastic shows likeHarley Quinnand the highly-anticipatedspinoff ofThe Suicide Squadstarring John Cena as Peacemaker. Here’s hoping the wait for this isn’t quite as agonizing as it’s been forThe Batman.
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