Fans eagerly awaiting the upcoming spin-off of The Batman, titled The Penguin starring Colin Farrell, can now look forward to a more specific release timeframe.
Anticipated Launch Date for The Penguin on Max
Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and Max content, has hinted at when audiences can expect The Penguin to debut as “the next big tentpole series” following House of the Dragon Season 2 on the Max platform.
During an interview with Variety, Bloys disclosed, “That is coming out of Matt Reeves’ The Batman and it’s fantastic. Just like Peacemaker came out of James Gunn’s Suicide Squad, it’s a really good example of what you can do. That’ll be in September.”
Announced back in September 2021, The Penguin picks up one week after the events of The Batman movie released in 2022. This eight-episode limited series chronicles the endeavors of Farrell’s character Oswald Cobblepot in his quest for supremacy over the crime-ridden streets of Gotham.
Despite a pause in production during June 2023 due to a WGA strike (and subsequent SAG strike), filming for The Penguin resumed in November 2023 and concluded by February 2024.
Joining Farrell in the cast are Cristin Milioti portraying Sofia Falcone, Michael Zegen as Alberto Falcone, and Clancy Brown as Salvatore Maroni, who all made brief appearances in the series’ initial trailer.
The cast is further embellished by Michael Kelly, Rhenzy Feliz, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Deirdre O’Connell, James Madio, Scott Cohen, Theo Rossi, Carmen Ejogo, François Chau, David H. Holmes, and Craig Walker. Mark Strong, recognized for his role as Dr. Thaddeus Sivana in the Shazam! series, has signed on for a yet unrevealed character.
Ahead of the series stands The Batman Part II, bringing back Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman with Matt Reeves directing. It was previously expected to release in theaters in October 2025 but has since been postponed to October 2026 due to the Hollywood strikes and logistical challenges, as reported by industry insider Jeff Sneider.
The Penguin is expected to premiere on Max in September 2024.
FAQs About The Penguin Series
- Q: What is The Penguin about?
A: The Penguin is a spin-off from The Batman (2022), concentrating on the character Oswald Cobblepot’s efforts to rise to power in the Gotham criminal hierarchy. - Q: Who stars in the series?
A: Colin Farrell reprises his role as Oswald Cobblepot, along with Cristin Milioti, Michael Zegen, Clancy Brown, and others, including a cameo by Mark Strong in an undisclosed role. - Q: When can we watch The Penguin?
A: The series is confirmed to premiere on the Max platform in September 2024. - Q: How many episodes will there be?
A: The limited series will feature a total of eight episodes. - Q: Will there be a sequel to The Batman?
A: Yes, The Batman Part II is planned with Robert Pattinson returning as Batman, though its release has been moved to October 2026.