Colin Farrell, known for his role as The Penguin in the upcoming DC film The Batman 2 scheduled for release in 2027, recently shared insights into his longstanding admiration for Batman, highlighting his enthusiasm for the franchise’s world. Speaking to Collider, he described his affection for the Caped Crusader’s universe, tracing his fandom back to the 1966 Batman TV series and acknowledging iconic portrayals of The Penguin by Burgess Meredith and Danny DeVito. Farrell praised director Matt Reeves for crafting a Gotham that feels both original and true to the psychological complexities of Bruce Wayne and Batman.
“I love that world. I mean, I loved it as a fan of film since Batman ‘66. I grew up watching that, and Burgess Meredith was my first Penguin, and then Danny DeVito was my second Penguin. Then Chris Nolan’s work, of course, was extraordinary in that universe. But to see how Matt [Reeves] has re-envisioned a world that’s unique enough and still honors the struggles of that city and the psychological struggles of the character of Bruce Wayne, and Batman, and who is the shadow of who — is Bruce Wayne the real guy, or is Batman? Just to be part of that world. Honestly, just to be in something that takes place in Gotham, where a character called Bruce Wayne and Batman exist, is such a joy for me.”
— Colin Farrell, Actor
Anticipating The Batman 2 and Its Place in the Batverse
Farrell’s role as Oz Cobb, also known as The Penguin, will continue in The Batman 2, a follow-up set within the growing Batverse overseen by filmmaker Matt Reeves. Although exact plot details and timeline specifics were recently revealed, Farrell confirmed that this sequel takes place some time after his character’s initial appearance, adding layers to his portrayal of one of Gotham’s most notorious villains. His participation signals a deeper exploration of Gotham City’s dark underbelly and complex characters as the franchise expands its narrative.
Other DC Universe Projects and Creative Directions
While Farrell reconnects with Gotham, several other DC projects continue to develop. Filming for Clayface, a horror-tinged DC Universe (DCU) release directed by James Watkins, is wrapping up this week, according to lead actor Tom Rhys Harries on Instagram. The film’s anticipated September release allows ample post-production time to craft heavy visual effects, necessary for portraying Matt Hagen’s grotesque transformation. Though it promises body horror elements, Clayface’s connection to the larger DCU remains uncertain, and no Batman appearances are currently expected.
Exploring New Mediums: Absolute Batman and Anime Adaptations
Parallel to live-action pursuits, the DC comics scene thrives with innovative stories like the Absolute Batman series, a highly successful alternative reality run written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Nick Dragotta. During a League of Comic Geeks Ask Me Anything session, questions arose about adapting this storyline into other media, possibly an anime. Dragotta expressed excitement about the idea, referencing the quality and creativity of upcoming licensed merchandise hints and expressing personal hope for an anime adaptation from Studio Trigger, a studio known for acclaimed projects such as Little Witch Academia and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
Check out the Inart and LPZZ toys debut at Wonderfest in Shanghai for a taste of things to come. I’m not in the know, but I know DC makes and licenses quality stuff, so I’m excited to see what comes. Personally, I’d love to see a Studio Trigger anime of [Absolute Batman].
— Nick Dragotta, Artist
What Could Have Been: Farrell’s Potential Role in Sgt. Rock
Before the cancellation of Luca Guadagnino’s Sgt. Rock film, Colin Farrell was rumored to be in line to replace Daniel Craig in the lead role, which would have connected him further to Matt Reeves’ Batverse and the DCU. However, with that project now shelved, Farrell’s focus clearly remains with his portrayal of The Penguin and his renewed commitment to Gotham’s cinematic universe.
The Growing Impact of Gotham’s Stories and Characters
Farrell’s reflections underscore the enduring appeal and complexity of Batman’s mythology, especially as the DC Universe expands across multiple formats and genres. His enthusiasm for the psychological depth of Gotham’s world highlights what makes these stories resonate with audiences: the blurred lines between hero and vigilante, light and shadow. With The Batman 2 progressing and new projects like Clayface and Absolute Batman generating buzz, fans eagerly anticipate how these narratives will deepen the exploration of Gotham’s characters and the moral ambiguities they embody.
📸 (via: @/tomrhysharries on IG) pic.twitter.com/3zTIHl6Zyd
— DCU PRIME TV (@DCUPRIMETV) October 28, 2025
