Colin Farrell is set to reprise his role as Oz Cobb in ‘The Penguin.’
Ahead of his return, Farrell shared he exchanged texts with Danny DeVito about their portrayals of the infamous Penguin.
Before stepping back into the shoes of Oz Cobb, Colin Farrell reached out to Danny DeVito. DeVito famously played the character in the 1992 film ‘Batman Returns.’ According to Farrell, the two actors shared playful texts jesting about ‘who’s the best Penguin.’ It was a light-hearted exchange, reflecting their camaraderie from their previous work on ‘Dumbo.’
Farrell’s interpretation of the Penguin draws from a range of influences. He acknowledged watching DeVito’s rendition and admired Burgess Meredith’s portrayal in the 1960s ‘Batman’ TV show. However, his approach was shaped more significantly by darker, non-comic book sources.
He also mentioned James Gandolfini’s performance in ‘The Sopranos’ as an inspiration. Farrell blended these influences to create a unique take on the character.
‘The Penguin’ offers a hard-boiled look at Gotham’s criminal underworld. Farrell’s Penguin is at the centre of this gritty narrative. The show builds on the dark tone established in 2022’s ‘The Batman,’ portraying a morally complex and ruthless villain.
Farrell admitted that embodying such a cruel character was taxing. By the end of filming, he found himself feeling grumpy and in a ‘bit of a funk.’ The relentless darkness of the role had a noticeable impact on his mood.
He specifically mentioned ‘Finding Nemo’ as his go-to movie for lifting his spirits.
Fans are eager to see how Farrell’s portrayal evolves in this new series.
Farrell’s Penguin is not a mere imitation of past portrayals. He has infused the character with his own style, drawing on a wide array of inspirations to bring a fresh perspective to the role.
Colin Farrell’s return as the Penguin blends dark influences with personal touches.
His exchanges with Danny DeVito highlight the connection between past and present portrayals. Farrell’s commitment to the role shines through his preparation and unique interpretation, making ‘The Penguin’ a highly anticipated release.
