Colin Farrell has become inseparable from his portrayal of Oswald “Oz” Cobb, better known as The Penguin, since his breakout transformation in Matt Reeves’ 2022 film The Batman. His acclaimed performance led to HBO’s spin-off series The Penguin, where Farrell expanded on the character’s ruthless rise through Gotham’s underworld.
While fans eagerly await news of a second season, attention has shifted to The Batman – Part II, whose script is now reportedly complete. As speculation builds, many wonder whether Reeves’ sequel will continue to explore Oz’s evolution for better or worse following his arc in The Penguin.
Farrell on Returning to Gotham
In a recent interview with Collider’s Perri Nemiroff to promote his upcoming film The Ballad of a Small Player, Farrell reflected on his ongoing journey in Reeves’ Batman universe.
When asked what drew him back to the role for The Batman 2, Nemiroff posed:
When the script for The Batman 2 came your way, what is something about it that made you say to yourself, ‘I have something to gain from returning to this role as an actor who is always looking to evolve my craft and challenge myself in new ways?’
Farrell admitted he doesn’t approach projects with that mindset but emphasized his deep affection for Gotham and its mythology.
I love that world. I mean, I loved it as a fan of film since Batman ‘66. I grew up watching that, and Burgess Meredith was my first Penguin, and then Danny DeVito was my second Penguin. Then Chris Nolan’s work, of course, was extraordinary in that universe. But to see how Matt [Reeves] has re-envisioned a world that’s unique enough and still honors the struggles of that city and the psychological struggles of the character of Bruce Wayne, and Batman, and who is the shadow of who — is Bruce Wayne the real guy, or is Batman? Just to be part of that world… Honestly, just to be in something that takes place in Gotham, where a character called Bruce Wayne and Batman exist, is such a joy for me.
“I Was Spoiled Rotten” — Farrell on The Penguin
Farrell credited The Penguin with giving him rare creative freedom, describing the eight-episode HBO series as a luxury for exploring Oz’s complexity.
“I was spoiled rotten with eight hours on HBO,” he said.
But for The Batman – Part II, Farrell said the appeal lies less in personal growth and more in collaborating again with Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne, Jeffrey Wright’s Commissioner Gordon, and director Matt Reeves.
So, it’s less about ‘what can I do.’ It’s less of ‘what can I do with this,’ and more just to be in that world and be around Robert and be around Jeffrey again, and be led by Matt Reeves. It’s something I’m really excited about again, just to be around it.
What’s Next for Colin Farrell
Farrell’s portrayal of Oz Cobb continues to define his late-career renaissance, earning him critical praise and solidifying his place in Reeves’ gritty Gotham saga.
Fans can currently stream The Penguin on HBO, while The Batman – Part II is in development. Farrell will next appear in The Ballad of a Small Player, hitting theaters October 29.
Source: Collider