Fans of ‘The Batman’ are already buzzing with excitement as Colin Farrell, the actor behind the scene-stealing Penguin, has shed light on his return to Gotham. In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Farrell opened up about his journey as the character.
He talked about his expectations, and the unique challenges of stepping back into the shoes of Oswald Cobblepot, or “Oz.” Moreover, despite previously saying that he’s done with the character, the actor is now open to returning to the films and the show.
Colin Farrell Signed A Three Film Deal To Play The Penguin’ In All Three Of Matt Reeves ‘The Batman’
‘The Penguin‘ actor revealed that while he originally signed a three-film deal, he wasn’t initially certain whether he’d play a significant role in the sequel. The star described Director Matt Reeves as a “brilliant writer and an extraordinary filmmaker” whose storytelling choices keep him both “excited” and “nervous”.
One of Farrell’s key focuses for this next chapter is not only what Oz does but how his voice and personality evolve. After all, as ‘The Penguin’ showed, Oz’s character is not static; he’s always changing, sometimes in unpredictable ways.
Reflecting on the recent series finale, Farrell hinted that viewers saw the villain solidify into something “concretized”. He believes that the character had a mixture of ambitions, vulnerabilities, and a hint of psychopathy that emerged in the show’s closing moments. “There is a degree of almost delusion psychopathy present in the last scene,” he noted.
Moreover, the actor will reportedly have only five to six scenes in the upcoming film. Farrell stated that he is coming in without expectations or preconceived ideas. This open mindset is crucial according to him. “I think sometimes actors if they have a career that has a certain length of time, they sometimes get to make too many decisions,” he added.
Moreover, he admitted he hadn’t seen the script yet. However, he isn’t worried. His trust in Reeves and his willingness to push back when necessary speak to an actor deeply connected to his character. “I do believe I know him better than anyone now,” Farrell stated.
‘The Batman 2’ is set to hit theaters on October 2, 2026.
Colin Farrell Is Open To Starring In ‘The Penguin’ Season 2
Colin Farrell’s journey with ‘The Penguin’ has been as layered as his portrayal of the iconic villain itself. Farrell previously shared his frustration about the long and grueling makeup process for the character. “I never want to put on that f*cking suit and f*cking head again,” he told Totalfilm.
In case you missed it: Colin Farrell Says He Never Wants To Wear The Penguin Prosthetics Again
However, that was before the show’s magnetic pull took hold. Now, Farrell’s tone has shifted. In the same interview, he opened up about what might draw him back for a second season: a compelling narrative. “If there’s a great idea…and the writing was really muscular and as strong or stronger on the page than it was the first season, of course, I would do it,” he shared.
It’s the love from audiences that’s been transformative for Farrell. “I’ve been around long enough to know that it’s the audience who are really the most important critics,” he explained. So, Gotham might yet see more of Farrell’s unforgettable Penguin.
