HBO recently debuted its TV series The Penguin led by Colin Farrell and it has become the talk of the town with just one episode. The show set in the same world as The Batman by Matt Reeves is set to explore more in DC Elseworlds and will develop the story of Gotham’s underworld. While Robert Pattinson’s Batman will be missing from the show, he did make a masked appearance in the first episode thanks to the scenes from the film. The show has also revealed a major upgrade for the character marking an early development for Batman in DC universe.
The Penguin begins with news coverage of The Riddler’s terrorist attack revealing how it has left the city devastated. Weeks later major parts of the city are still submerged in water, people are left homeless, and many have lost their lives, but among them is a hero aka The Batman. The news clipping in the show also gives him a new name in the show. A newsreader/narrator refers to Batman as “the Batman vigilante” praising him for helping people on the arena’s roof as seen at the end of Matt Reeves’ film.
For the unversed, this marks the first time Batman in the DC Elseworld is called Batman publicly. Up until now, Batman is often publicly talked about as the urban legend, or “vengeance”. His introduction as ‘I am vengeance‘ often led to his enemies literally calling him or naming him Vengeance. Batman is only respected by Gotham Police Department’s James Gordon as a sort of independent detective, but the character hasn’t been developed on screen in a similar setting as a superhero, not yet.
SEE ALSO: The Penguin Review: Colin Farrell’s Show Builds On Matt Reeves’ Batman Universe
TODAY’S TOP STORY: ALL EYES ARE ON THE PENGUIN
The new HBO Original Limited Series #ThePenguin premieres tonight at 9pm ET on Max, and then Sundays at 9pm ET starting September 29. pic.twitter.com/kusTNnllpb
— The Penguin (@TheBatman) September 19, 2024
gotham city in the penguin, episode 1 pic.twitter.com/qQSSS4JEQi
— . (@batmancurated) September 20, 2024
This marks a major upgrade for the DC hero as it hints at Gotham’s outlook towards Batman. He is no longer seen as an urban ledge, better yet he is looked upon as a hero. The Batman finally gets the Superman treatment. Rightfully so, at the end of Matt Reeves’ film, Pattinson’s Bruce not only defeated the Riddler and 100s of his followers but also saved dozens of innocent people. He stayed long enough to give the survivors hope, becoming Gotham’s saviour.
The final moment is also similar to that of Superman being revered by the people from Man of Steel. It figuratively also brought Batman out of the shadows and into the light, in front of the citizens of Gotham as he stays until the dawn helping people. The same has been confirmed in the new show in the early few minutes of The Penguin.
The acceptable also doubles down on Batman’s mental state. As shown in the film, Bruce was filled with rage but working with Riddler has been a different experience for the vigilante. Batman still has a long way to go to save Gotham and Penguin won’t be making it any easier for him, but the show does confirm we will see a very different side of Batman in the Matt Reeves universe. With Riddler and Joker working together before The Batman 2, there aren’t any guarantees that the citizens of Gotham will continue to like him, and call him a hero, but for now, Batman gets to remain Gotham’s hope.
Me on Thursday nights for the next two months #ThePenguin pic.twitter.com/nWBmwPB9YF
— Cody (@codylsexton) September 20, 2024
SEE ALSO: The Penguin: Everything You Need To Know About This 2024 Batman Spin Off
The show is currently streaming on JioCinema.
Cover artwork by Patrick Gawande/Mashable India