Is The Penguin a Hero or a Villain? 

The Penguin is one of Gotham’s most famous characters—not the cute, waddling bird, but Oswald Cobblepot, the crime boss in Matt Reeves’ dark take on the DC universe. Ever since Colin Farrell portrayed him in The Batman, fans have been curious: is he a villain or an antihero?

With his own series, The Penguin, released last month, we’re diving into his story. This show features drama, crime, and a chance to understand why he is the way he is.

1. What is The Penguin Series About?

The Penguin is a 2024 crime drama that follows Oswald Cobblepot (Colin Farrell) as he tries to take over Gotham’s criminal underworld. After Falcone’s death, Oz steps in to fill the power gap.

He faces off against Falcone’s children and the Maroni family while dealing with Gotham’s corrupt politics. The show explore heavy themes like corruption and trauma, but it’s also about Oz’s journey in this dangerous world.

2. Can We Consider the Penguin an Antihero?

After watching the first episode, it’s hard not to root for The Penguin. He’s a gangster with a dark side—murderous and manipulative. But this series also shows a softer side. He takes on a lost kid as a sort of mentee, creating a unique relationship that adds depth to his character.

Alongside Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti), they both understand each other’s struggles. Farrell does an amazing job of switching between calm and chaotic, making it a compelling watch. This series makes you question if villains are just products of their environment.

3. Is Oswald Cobblepot a Good Person?

Oswald Cobblepot isn’t exactly a good guy. He’s clever and ruthless, always looking to gain power in Gotham. However, he’s not your typical comic book villain. His background and experiences make him more complex.

While he does bad things, there are moments that hint at a deeper humanity. So, can Oswald be seen as a good person? That’s up for debate, but the series reveals more about who he really is.

4. The Future of The Penguin

There’s a lot of excitement around The Penguin. Producer Dylan Clark hinted that this series is just the start. In an interview with Collider, Clark said: 

There’s absolutely more story inside of Oz and other characters in this world. Matt [Reeves] spoke at Comic-Con about how he’s such a great character that Oz has to be in the sequel, and he will be in some fashion… If we get lucky and continue to do another season of The Penguin, I think there are ideas.

There are plans for more seasons and deeper character stories. Colin Farrell’s Penguin has become a fan favorite, and he might appear in future films too. The creative team has many stories to tell about Gotham’s criminals, so we can expect more thrilling developments.

The Penguin is available to watch on Max!