No One Even Mentions Batman In The Penguin & That Makes Perfect Sense

No One Even Mentions Batman In The Penguin & That Makes Perfect Sense

As a fan who’s been through the comic book rollercoaster for decades, I must say that “The Penguin” is a breath of fresh air amidst the usual superhero media maze. Unlike the interconnected web spun by the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this series feels like a standalone tale that doesn’t need to rely on cameos to keep viewers hooked.


The Penguin comic book series has been one of the standouts in recent years, but it doesn’t share many ties with the original comics. Instead, it serves as a bridge between Batman and its upcoming sequel, maintaining a unique feel while still being reminiscent of the original film. Colin Farrell’s portrayal of Oz was a highlight in The Batman, even though he wasn’t the main character. By deciding to narrate the story of the first movie’s red herring, they have crafted an intriguing follow-up to such an impressive film. However, the link between these two stories is less pronounced than some may have anticipated.

Many fans of superhero media are accustomed to the interconnected narratives of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where seemingly unrelated elements are tied together in a complex tapestry. These shows serve as a platform for beloved characters from films to make appearances, sparking enthusiastic reactions. Matt Reeves’ The Batman, however, offers a refreshing take on the shared universe trope by subtly linking stories without overemphasizing cameos.

The Batman is not in The Penguin

ShowrunnerLauren LeFranc
StarsColin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Deirdre O’Connell
Episodes8
Release DatesSeptember 19, 2024–November 10, 2024
Streaming OnHBO Max

A couple of weeks before the debut of “The Penguin” series, its showrunner Lauren LeFranc and director Matt Reeves clarified misconceptions to SFX Magazine. They dismissed speculations that Robert Pattinson’s Batman character would be featured in any episode of the show. Previously, various publications had fueled assumptions about a brief Batman appearance in one episode, but during their interview with SFX, LeFranc and Reeves made it clear that the Dark Knight will not have a role in the upcoming series. They explicitly confirmed to the outlet that Batman would not be seen in the new show.

You’re venturing into a new path, and along the way, echoes of Batman linger. Similarly, the Riddler’s presence can be felt. The shadows of events from the previous film also loom, shaping our narrative. This is where our story picks up.

So far, only two episodes have premiered on HBO, and as of yet, there’s been no indication that Batman will make an appearance. It’s likely this isn’t just a clever ploy to mislead or deceive, but rather a deliberate choice. Some fans might be disappointed by Batman’s absence, especially in a show focused on a Batman villain. However, there’s a solid explanation for why the Caped Crusader won’t feature in the story of Oz Cobb.

The Batman is still new in The Penguin

In simpler terms, there are two possible explanations for Batman’s absence in the current show. The first one is the Doylist explanation, which suggests that the series focusing on the Penguin is so engaging that it doesn’t need to include Batman, who has already had his own movie. The second one is the Watsonian explanation, which proposes that the main criminals in Gotham don’t see Batman as a significant threat because he’s still relatively new to the crime-fighting scene. In the 2022 film, set on Batman’s first year as a crime fighter, portrayed by Robert Pattinson, this interpretation holds true as Batman is not yet a major player in Gotham’s criminal underworld. Even after his intense car chase with the Penguin, the latter has more pressing concerns.

It’s a compelling idea in its own right. This means that long-established criminal empires like the Falcone crime family wouldn’t have much to worry about from a guy who occasionally beats up street thugs. He isn’t much of a threat to the empire at this stage in his career. The film saw Carmine Falcone die at the hands of a different guy in a mask, but Batman was barely a contributing factor. As a result, there’s no reason for anyone to bring up the Bat. There are simply bigger things to worry about. The Gotham City of The Penguin is reeling from the massive flood and sudden deaths of several key figures. The biggest concerns on the minds of most underworld figures have nothing to do with Batman. In due time, Batman could build himself into a more notable figure.

In the second act of “The Dark Knight,” after the Joker successfully executes his heist, the camera pans across Gotham City, showcasing various criminal activities. A notable instance is when one thug abandons another in apprehension of encountering the Caped Crusader. Annoyed by this cowardice, the would-be felon quips, “Your odds of winning the lottery are higher than running into him.” This scene was shown after “Batman Begins.” The intent of this scene was to portray the growing sense of dread among Gotham’s criminal underworld. In the context of Robert Pattinson’s Batman, we find him in the period between “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight.” Characters like The Penguin currently don’t concern themselves with being physically confronted by a costumed individual. However, give them another movie or two, and they won’t be able to stop discussing the Bat.

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2024-10-05 00:33