Colin Farrell’s transformative performance as Penguin in The Batman universe has set a new standard for television villainy, and now Danny DeVito, who previously portrayed the iconic character, has expressed enthusiasm for joining the potential second season of The Penguin. Their recent conversation has stirred excitement among fans and creators about what could come next for Oswald Cobblepot in Gotham City.
Anticipation Builds as The Batman Universe Expands
Since Matt Reeves released The Batman over three years ago, expectations have run high for where the story will lead, particularly with The Batman Part 2 now delayed by the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, pushing its release to 2027. In the meantime, audiences have been able to explore Gotham further through The Penguin series, which, despite initial skepticism about focusing on a villain without Batman, has become one of 2024’s standout shows.
Colin Farrell’s commitment to the role, paired with a masterful job by the makeup team, has made his version of Penguin feel compellingly distinct. While Danny DeVito’s earlier take in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns remains beloved for its comic-accurate portrayal, Farrell has drawn praise for bringing a tragic depth reminiscent of characters from The Sopranos. Their shared discussion during Variety’s Actors on Actors offered a rare glimpse into two generations of Penguin actors reflecting on their interpretations.
Danny DeVito Expresses Willingness to Appear in The Penguin Season 2
During this candid exchange, DeVito was asked by Farrell if he would consider appearing in The Penguin’s second season. DeVito affirmed his interest, joking about taking on a version of the character with even more edge:
“the old Penguin, nastier than ever,”
—Danny DeVito, Actor
This playful moment generated intrigue regarding who DeVito could portray, especially as legacy actors are often invited back into DC projects in creative ways. Michael Keaton, DeVito’s co-star from Batman Returns, recently reprised Bruce Wayne/Batman in The Flash, providing a precedent for returning actors getting reimagined roles. In the world of DC television, performers like Helen Slater and Erica Durance have similarly returned to play different characters than those they originally made famous. DeVito joining the new series could serve as a tribute to both past and present iterations of Penguin, in a tradition that honors the rich history of Gotham.
Potential Roles for Danny DeVito in the Next Chapter
If DeVito appears in a future season, there are several compelling directions the show could explore. Given DeVito’s recent comedic work in shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and his television crossovers, fans are eager to see him return to darker material suitable for Gotham’s criminal landscape. One possibility is casting him as Rupert Thorne, an infamous mob boss who has yet to appear in live action despite notable appearances in DC’s animated universe, including James Gunn‘s Creature Commandos. Thorne’s presence would enrich Gotham’s criminal underworld and open up dramatic possibilities worthy of DeVito’s range.
Another scenario involves DeVito taking on the role of Oz’s estranged father, an idea Farrell himself mentioned during their conversation. While Oz’s father left the Cobblepot family before 1988 and has not appeared in the current series, his return could create rich dramatic tension, particularly with Francis Cobb, played by Deirdre O’Connell, incapacitated at the end of The Penguin Season 1. Bringing Oz’s father into the picture could further complicate Oswald’s rise in Gotham City, making for memorable interactions between DeVito and Farrell.
“I would love to see that.”
—Danny DeVito, Actor
The prospect of DeVito figuratively passing the torch to Farrell is especially poignant, considering the admiration between the two actors and the impact of Farrell’s nuanced performance on the character’s legacy.
The Status of The Penguin Season 2 Remains Unconfirmed
Despite all the buzz, The Penguin Season 2 has not yet received an official greenlight or begun production. Colin Farrell has confirmed he will reprise the role in The Batman Part 2, and remains open to more stories centered on the Penguin, provided the right narrative emerges. While the show started as a limited series, its critical and popular acclaim—along with growing anticipation from fans and recognition from awards associations—has led to renewed discussions about extending its run.
The show’s creator, Lauren LeFranc, spoke with Deadline about the possibility of another season, clarifying that its future depends on Farrell’s willingness to return and whether a compelling, richer story can be developed:
“there’s a story that we can make richer than what we’ve already done.”
—Lauren LeFranc, Showrunner
LeFranc also mentioned that there are other early-stage spinoffs being considered within The Batman universe. Plans once included series focusing on Arkham Asylum and the Gotham Police Department, but Warner Bros redirected attention toward more prominent characters. Most updates regarding these new projects are likely to arrive after The Batman Part 2 is released. Until then, the excitement around DeVito’s possible involvement could be the very catalyst needed to move forward with The Penguin’s next season.
The Penguin is currently available to stream on HBO Max.
