The Penguin vs. The Batman: Why You Don’t Need to See the Movie to Enjoy the New Series

Dylan Clark, producer of The Penguin, recently clarified how the upcoming spin-off relates to Matt Reeves' The Batman. In an interview with SFX magazine, Clark emphasized that while The Penguin is a spin-off, viewers don't need to have seen The Batman to enjoy the series. The show and the movie are connected but are designed to stand alone, meaning they can be appreciated independently of each other.

Storyline and Characters

The Penguin is set in the aftermath of the Riddler’s Flood, which left Gotham City in chaos. The series follows Oz Cobb, portrayed by Colin Farrell, who is scheming to take control of Gotham’s criminal underworld. Clark mentioned that the series has its own unique storylines and character arcs, making it accessible to a broad audience.

Matt Reeves’ Vision

Matt Reeves recently shared his vision for the series, likening it to a Scarface-style gangster story. He pitched the idea to Colin Farrell by focusing on the power vacuum created after Falcone’s downfall. Reeves explained that the series will explore the Penguin’s ambition and hidden desires for power, portraying him as more than just a minor character.

Upcoming Premiere

The Penguin will premiere on HBO on September 19, and will be available on Sky Atlantic and NOW from September 20. For more details, check out the latest issue of SFX magazine, available from September 4.