Lauren LeFranc, the creator and showrunner of HBO‘s crime drama miniseries ‘The Penguin,’ recently provided an update about the show‘s future amid her new two-year overall deal with the network. The series, which is a spin-off from the 2022 film ‘The Batman,’ stars Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb, better known as The Penguin. Set in Gotham City, the show follows Cobb’s rise to power in the criminal underworld after the death of crime boss Carmine Falcone.
Despite significant audience and critical acclaim, no official announcement has been made regarding a second season of ‘The Penguin,’ leaving viewers and fans uncertain about the continuation of the story.
Success of the First Season and Key Cast Members
The initial season of ‘The Penguin‘ comprised eight episodes and earned positive feedback, with an IMDb rating of 8.6 and a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Colin Farrell’s portrayal of Oz Cobb received particular praise, culminating in a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film. The cast also features Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Deirdre O’Connell, Clancy Brown, and Mark Strong, who plays Carmine Falcone.
Insights from Lauren LeFranc on the Prospects of a Follow-Up Season
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, LeFranc addressed speculation about a potential second season, stating uncertainty over the project’s status. She commented,
I don’t know. There’s no current status update. I think Matt just turned in his script (for The Batman Part II), so I’m excited to read that soon and see what comes of that, if there is anything there that merits a second season [of The Penguin] or not,
highlighting that the script for the next Batman installment might influence the development of the series.
LeFranc further emphasized the importance of quality over quantity for the series, saying,
I think we’ve said this before, but I truly mean it: We have to feel confident we can top ourselves, and that’s something that’s really important to Colin Farrell and me, especially; otherwise, we don’t want to do something again if it’s not going to be excellent. We were always meant to be a limited series. So, pivoting to a second season is just different—it’s not something we ever really talked about.
Factors Influencing the Show’s Future and Farrell’s Outlook
While the first season garnered acclaim, LeFranc appears cautious about rushing into a second season, aiming instead to explore whether a new storyline can surpass the original. Meanwhile, Colin Farrell will reprise his role as The Penguin in the upcoming film ‘The Batman: Part II,’ scheduled for release on October 1, 2026.
Regarding the challenges a second season might face, Farrell noted,
I certainly think it makes [a second season] more difficult. [Killing Vic] is a very hard thing to claw back from. It’s not impossible, but it’s a tougher hill to climb.
His remarks refer to key plot developments from the first season, reflecting potential narrative obstacles in continuing the story.
What Lies Ahead for ‘The Penguin’
At this stage, the future of ‘The Penguin‘ remains uncertain, with the creative team prioritizing a compelling and worthy continuation if a second season becomes viable. The connection between the miniseries and the wider Batman universe, particularly through Farrell’s role, suggests ongoing interest in the character’s arc. Fans and industry observers will likely watch closely as new developments emerge, especially following the release of ‘The Batman: Part II.’
