Matt Reeves has some thoughts on the Penguin was able to turn into a lead character, and he shared those thoughts with Andy Serkis.
When most people think of the Penguin, they simply think of him as a member of Batman's Rogues Gallery he relies on gimmicky umbrellas. Over the past few decades, and especially since Danny DeVito's turn in Batman Returns, the mythos around the character has expanded. Now in Matt Reeves' Batman Epic Crime Saga, he's anything but a second-fiddle.
Reeves sat down with Andy Serkis for Interview and delved into the series and the characters in an extensive chat. "I think what was exciting to me was thinking about a Penguin who was not yet the kingpin. He is underestimated. He’s mocked. He’s called the Penguin. It’s an insult because he has a limp. Everyone perceives him to a degree as a joke, but he has all of these deep-seated ambitions within him from his brokenness. It’s a dark American dream story."
He went on to explain that a lot of it is being shown in the series was generated from a deleted scene in The Batman. "There actually was a scene that we cut out where he thinks he’s talking only to Selina, but she’s got the contact lenses in. Batman is witnessing this. And when he realizes that she wants to go down and work in the club, you suddenly see this vulnerability coming from him. You realize, “Oh, he actually cares about her. He has a crush on her.” When she says, “I don’t want your money, Oz,” that really wounds him. It’s this moment where you think, his life is one of being rejected and part of his ambition is driven by seeking some acceptance. Then he says, “I know nobody sees it, but one day this city’s going to be mine.” Colin [Farrell] did this thing. It was very dark in a great way that let you know that there was a lot more there."
The interview has a lot more to share about the process of bringing this character to life and how Reeves is ready to pursue this format with other members of the Rogues Gallery in the future.
The season finale will debut on HBO on Nov. 10 at 9pm Eastern.