Colin Farrell, who portrays Oz Cobb in HBO’s The Penguin and The Batman, expressed uncertainty about the show receiving a second season when asked by ComicBook. The Irish actor, reflecting on the series’ future, shared a cautious outlook, noting he would
“bet against, but not by much,”
when considering the likelihood of a renewal. Farrell’s tempered response contrasts with the critical acclaim the show earned, fueled by its strong storytelling and award nominations.
The Story’s Role in The Penguin’s Future
Farrell emphasized that story remains the key factor in deciding the continuation of The Penguin. He explained that the first season’s success was tied to a unique narrative opportunity, where the fallout from events in The Batman created a power vacuum in Gotham City that Oz Cobb could exploit.
“I know that the powers that be are thinking of storylines that could justify another eight hours because it all goes off Matt Reeves’s world,”
Farrell said, yet he doubts another season will offer an equally compelling reason to continue.
“It conveniently worked that the death at the end of The Batman and the devastation within Gotham opened up a power vacuum that then Oz could try and capitalize on. That was perfect for the parallel eight hours that we had.”
Challenges from the DC Universe Reboot
The uncertain state of the DC Universe (DCU) also complicates the prospects for The Penguin’s second season. Originally, The Batman was meant to be part of Zack Snyder’s DCEU, featuring Ben Affleck as the Dark Knight. However, the film transformed into a standalone story, with no direct ties to the broader DC continuity. As co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran reshape the DC Studios’ direction, The Penguin exists somewhat independently, while upcoming projects like Andy Muschietti’s The Brave and the Bold are positioned as the mainline Batman installments.
Connection Between The Penguin and The Batman Part II
Despite the uncertainty about his show’s future, Farrell confirmed that The Penguin serves as a narrative bridge leading into The Batman Part II. He revealed that the upcoming sequel will pick up shortly after the events of the HBO series, maintaining continuity between the two. This connection underscores the significance of The Penguin in the broader Batman universe, even as its own continuation remains doubtful.
Farrell’s Pragmatic View on The Penguin’s Continuation
The actor’s perspective mirrors the cautious strategy of his character, Oz Cobb. Rather than betting heavily on a second season, Farrell favors a conservative outlook given the current narrative and industry climate. His measured stance reflects the same calculated approach that his character embodies within Gotham’s complex underworld.
“I kind of bet against, but not by a wide mark,”
he summarized, showcasing the thoughtful pragmatism that defines both actor and role.
