‘He becomes the ultimate villain’: What does Batman 2 have to offer after the heartbreaking end of the Penguin series?

Warning, spoilers. Before continuing reading this article, it is recommended to watch the last episode of the series “Penguin”.

Fans of the Batman universe were treated to the series The Penguin, which recently ended its broadcast on the MAX platform. This Batman spin-off, directed by Matt Reeves, focuses on Oswald Cobb, aka The Penguin, played by Colin Farrell in the 2021 feature film.

What is “Penguin” about?

A week after the events of Batman, The Penguin tells the story of the rise of Oz in the criminal world of Gotham City, who will take advantage of the death of Carmine Falcone and try to become the most powerful gangster in the city. .

But along the way Penguin will have Sofia Falcone (Christine Milioti), the daughter of Carmine, a suspected psychopathic serial killer fresh out of Arkham Asylum. Sometimes friends, sometimes enemies, Ozzy and Sofia engage in a ruthless battle full of violence and low blows for control of Gotham’s criminal underworld.

In addition to his mother suffering from early-onset dementia, Ozzy also cares for Victor Aguilar (Renzi Feliz), a troubled teenager whom he takes under his wing and whom he trains to be his privileged chauffeur and sidekick.

Heartbreaking ending for “Penguin”…

After many twists and turns in the cat-and-mouse game between Oz and Sofia, the final confrontation takes place in the eighth and final episode of Penguin. If Sofia takes advantage first, Oz will play his final cards to humiliate her with the authorities and lock her back in Arkham Asylum.

Oz wins and finally becomes the smart, dangerous and ruthless boss he always dreamed of. But while he celebrates his victory with his protégé Victor, the latter makes a mistake. He explains to Oz that he is grateful and that he considers Oz “even his family”, having lost his family in the explosions orchestrated by the Riddler (Batman in the movie).

But Oz doesn’t see it that way and explains to Victor that he can’t have the label of “family” because it’s a burden, a weakness that his enemies can use against him, and he kills Victor by strangling him and twisting his neck. .

…but a necessary ending

For Colin Farrell, this sudden and extremely violent sequence was difficult to film because it is the final intense turn in his character’s evolution:

“There’s a redemption arc for the character leading up to this scene. Oz is incredibly violent and capable of great cruelty, but he’s also vulnerable and deeply sensitive, and he’s being bullied on all sides. He’s living his life in a lot of pain.

But then we get to that scene with Victor at the end and there’s no turning back. This scene is also quite dark. It was unfortunate that after a good day on set, I had to shoot this terrible scene with the charming Renzi Feliz. That night was quite unpleasant. “

If this scene is difficult and heartbreaking, it still logically completes the journey of Oz, who, thanks to a brand new outfit (suit, hat, car), becomes completely Penguin as we imagine him in the Batman world created by Matt. Reeves.

“He becomes the ultimate villain at this point”Colin Farrell believes “Any shred of humanity we thought he possessed up to this point is extinguished. Any light that was there is gone.”.

What’s next for the Penguin in “Batman II”?

Gotham is yoursThis is what Oz’s girlfriend Eva (Carmen Ejogo) whispers in his ear after the victory. Now that he’s become a major villain, the Penguin is sure to face Batman again in The Batman II, which is slated for release in 2026.

“I haven’t read the script, but I think I’m in a Batman sequel”Colin Farrell half-heartedly told us, “Where he goes after that, judging by his behavior, how he looks and how he moves in the world, I don’t know yet”.

The end of the Penguin series dedicated to his character really leaves no room for doubt. Especially since she shouldn’t be the only one returning in the Batman sequel, as Sofia inherits an interesting scene at the end of the last episode.

The latter, still imprisoned in Arkham, receives a letter from a certain Selina Kyle (Zoe Kravitz), who explains to her that they are half-sisters. The two women teaming up in Batman II will be as delicious as they are explosive.

Finally, there’s a detail that’s unmistakable in the final seconds of Penguin’s final episode. Although Oz says that no one will stand in his way, we can see the Bat-Signal appear in the dark night, proving that Batman, played by Robert Pattinson, is not far behind.

Comments collected by Megan Choquette on September 25, 2024 in London.

The “Penguin” series is available on the MAX platform.