Before the highly anticipated release of Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” in March 2022, there was a lot of speculation about the movie’s rating. While many comic book fans hoped for an R-rated Dark Knight film, “The Batman” ultimately received a PG-13 rating. However, the Batman universe continues to expand with the upcoming Max series “The Penguin,” starring Colin Farrell as the iconic Gotham City gangster Oswald Cobblepot. In a recent interview with MovieZine, Farrell revealed that the series is “incredibly violent,” which should please fans who long for an ultra-violent R-rated version of the film.
A Dark and Heavy Series
According to Farrell, filming “The Penguin” series was a long and remarkable experience. He described the series as dark and heavy, giving us a glimpse into the intensity of the story. But that doesn’t mean the actor didn’t have fun; he mentioned having an amazing time while filming. “The Penguin” explores one man’s rise to power and the social status he has always dreamed of. It’s a journey filled with extraordinary obstacles as various characters vie for control in the aftermath of Carmine Falcone’s death, which leaves a power vacuum in Gotham.
A Stellar Cast and Production Team
Joining Farrell in “The Penguin” are Cristin Milioti as Sofia, Carmine Falcone’s daughter, Michael Zegen as Alberto, his son, and Clancy Brown as Salvatore Maroni, a former top gangster in Gotham. The series is helmed by showrunner Lauren LeFranc, best known for her work on “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” Additionally, Matt Reeves, the director of “The Batman,” is attached as an executive producer for “The Penguin.” This ensures a strong connection between the two projects and promises a consistent and captivating portrayal of Oswald Cobblepot.
The PG-13 Rating and Future Possibilities
Addressing the expectations for an R-rated cut of “The Batman,” Reeves clarified that his vision for the film was always intended to be a gritty, edgy, noir spectacle with a PG-13 rating. He emphasized that there is no existing R-rated cut of the movie. Reeves wanted the film to reach a wider audience, allowing more people to enjoy it while still pushing the boundaries of the PG-13 rating. As for Farrell’s portrayal of the Penguin, it remains unclear whether he will reprise the character in “The Batman Part II,” which is set to be released in theaters on October 2, 2026.
Conclusion
Fans of “The Batman” can look forward to the upcoming Max series “The Penguin” and Colin Farrell’s captivating and violent portrayal of Oswald Cobblepot. With a dark and heavy tone, the series promises to explore the character’s journey to power amidst the chaotic underworld of Gotham City. The cast and production team, including showrunner Lauren LeFranc and executive producer Matt Reeves, ensure a compelling and immersive experience. As we eagerly await the release of both “The Penguin” and “The Batman Part II,” the dark and complex world of Gotham continues to captivate audiences around the globe.