Batman Characters That Would Fit In The Penguin

Key Takeaways

The Penguin series is significant to Matt Reeves’ Batman universe.
Killer Croc could be a supporting or threatening figure for The Penguin.
The series may introduce potential future villains for Batman, including the Court of Owls, Black Mask, and Harvey Dent.

As a seasoned comic book enthusiast and movie critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the potential lineup for Matt Reeves’ The Penguin seems nothing short of outstanding. The blend of iconic characters, intricate storylines, and a dash of unpredictability is truly a masterstroke.

Although Colin Farrell’s portrayal of The Penguin is primarily centered around Oswald Cobblepott’s journey and his rise to power, it has been established as significant within Matt Reeves’s universe. In a metropolis brimming with history like Gotham City, the criminal underworld serves as an ideal platform for introducing various Batman characters.

In simpler terms, Matt Reeves’ Batman world is set to carry on with “The Batman 2” and potential spin-offs. The Penguin character has a chance to delve deeper into Gotham City’s narrative and also serve as a launchpad for further tales and characters within this universe.

7 Killer Croc

The Ultimate Thug To Support Or Threaten Penguin

First appeared in Detective Comics #524
Created by Gerry Conway, Gene Colan

In some adaptations, the character known as Waylon Jones, or Killer Croc, has been given fantastical elements; however, his original conception is a man afflicted with a skin disease, making him a more pitiful antagonist. As he endures more hardships, his skin transforms into a scaly texture. This isn’t too far-fetched for Matt Reeves’ interpretation of the Batman universe.

In the world of comics, Killer Croc could serve as a formidable addition to The Penguin’s gangster empire in Gotham City. As Oswald Cobblepott strives for power, he might find it beneficial to have a powerful ally like a wrestler-turned-gangster who can intimidate with his massive physique and lift people as if they were lightweight items. Such a character could be instrumental in bolstering the strength of his criminal enterprise and instilling fear among potential rivals.

6 The Court Of Owls

Oswald’s Family History Could Lead To The Next Batman Villains

First appeared in Batman (Vol. 2) #2
Created by Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo

It’s been noted that “The Penguin” movie serves as a connection between “The Batman” and the upcoming sequel slated for 2026. This suggests that elements or characters introduced in “The Penguin” might be continued in “The Batman Part 2,” potentially including a new primary antagonist for the Dark Knight to face off against.

Oswald Cobblepot aspires to govern Gotham City’s criminal underworld, which could make him a target for the city’s real power brokers – The Court of Owls. This secretive organization consists of Gotham’s wealthiest and most influential citizens who have been pulling the strings of the city’s progress for centuries. An intriguing twist might be that The Penguin captivates viewers by revealing to Oz that the Court of Owls isn’t just a myth, but rather his own family was, or still is, one of its members.

5 Victor Zsasz

The Riddler Set The Stage For Other Serial Killers

First appeared in Batman: Shadow of the Bat #1
Created by Alan Grant, Norm Breyfogle

In the movie “The Batman,” a new benchmark was established for Batman’s Epic Crime Saga, particularly in the portrayal of serial killers. The Riddler’s chilling murder techniques sent shivers down viewers’ spines. Moreover, Matt Reeves demonstrated an exceptional ability to breathe life into unsettling characters like Victor Zsasz, surpassing the depictions seen in Christopher Nolan’s work or the DC Extended Universe.

Apart from brutally slaying his victims, Victor Zsasz also marks each death on his body with a knife, creating a tally of his kill count, and often arranges the bodies like statues. Moreover, in the comics, Victor’s transformation into a deranged killer is deeply tied to the Penguin. This connection could be explored in adaptations, making Zsasz an adversary for both Batman and Oswald Cobblepot (the Penguin).

4 Harvey Dent

Gotham Is Going To Need A New District Attorney

First appeared in Batman #66
Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane

In Matt Reeves’ interpretation of Gotham City, following The Riddler’s elimination of corrupt District Attorney Gil Colson, it’s now time to introduce Harvey Dent as his successor. Oswald Cobblepot will require an adversary from the side of justice to pursue him, and no character fits that role better than a District Attorney known for his integrity in a city plagued by corruption.

In addition to being well-known as one of Batman’s most formidable allies, Harvey Dent could be effectively introduced in the movie “The Penguin.” This introduction would set the stage for his transformation into Two-Face either towards the end of the series or in “The Batman Part 2.” It might be Harvey’s involvement with The Penguin’s business that leads to him receiving acid thrown on his face.

3 Black Mask

The Perfect Third Antagonist In A Gang War For Gotham

First appeared in Batman #386
Created by Doug Moench, Tom Mandrake

In the fictional series The Batman, it makes sense that Sofia Falcone could step into her father’s shoes, Carmine Falcone, as a formidable adversary for Oswald. Nevertheless, Sofia and Oswald (the Penguin) wouldn’t be the sole criminals vying for control in Gotham City following Carmine’s departure. Therefore, introducing Black Mask would add an intriguing layer to the narrative as a potential enemy for the Penguin.

Roman Sionis, often known as the villain Bane, is famous for his black mask shaped like a skull that he uses to scare his enemies. He’s made quite an impression in the DC Extended Universe and would be ideal as a third opponent for both Sofia and Oz, given his ruthless and violent nature. Unlike Oswald, Sionis has little patience and could easily ignite a conflict between the three criminal factions in Gotham City.

2 Catwoman

The Bird And The Cat Have Worked Together Before

First appeared in Batman #1
Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane

Although the finale of “The Batman” depicted Catwoman declaring she would leave the city despite her feelings for Batman, it’s possible that she didn’t follow through on this promise. The Penguin might view Catwoman as a potential threat to his emerging empire just as much as she was to Falcone. Given that she technically betrayed both of them to Batman, he might be inclined to pursue her.

From another perspective, Catwoman’s deception against Falcone might have garnered Oswald’s admiration, potentially leading him to enlist her services for a heist targeting Sofia Falcone, in his quest to diminish the competition. The dynamic between Catwoman and Penguin was iconic in “Batman Returns”, and this could be director Matt Reeves’ nod to that past collaboration.

1 Batman

The Batman Wouldn’t Just Let The Penguin Go

First appeared in Detective Comics #27
Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane

Although the creators of “The Penguin” claim Batman isn’t involved, history shows that filmmakers sometimes conceal information for dramatic effect. Given how Oswald Cobblepot’s rise through the underworld might pique Batman’s interest, it’s hard to believe he wouldn’t be drawn into the story somehow.

Instead of enthusiastic fans anticipating Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of Batman battling waves of Penguin’s minions in an exhilarating action scene, the showrunners could deviate from the norm. Instead, it might not be Batman who makes an appearance, but rather Bruce Wayne, possibly seen as the playboy billionaire at the Iceberg Lounge or under his Drifter disguise, a character we’ve seen in The Batman on numerous occasions.

2024-09-14 08:04