Summary
- Mark Strong will join Colin Farrell in Max's The Penguin series, adding another impressive name to the cast lineup.
- The creative team behind The Penguin has been secretive about spoilers and major details to maintain anticipation.
- The series will focus on the iconic villain's ruthless rise to power after his run-in with Robert Pattinson's Batman in Reeves' film.
Max's The Penguin series is putting the iconic villain (who appeared in Matt Reeves' The Batman) center stage for their own standalone show. However, Colin Farrell's Penguin might not be as alone as he thought, as another villainous DC alumni is reportedly joining the cast for the eagerly anticipated series. Following the character's debut in Reeves' The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson, Max quickly greenlit the series, which will follow the iconic villain after his run in with Pattinson's Batman.
Shooting has already wrapped on Season 1 of The Penguin, and the creative team (led by Lauren LeFranc) have been secretive about spoilers and major details. However, the unexpected casting was actually revealed by a popular Hollywood personal trainer. In an Instagram post, PT Giacomo Farci shared a photo of his long-time client, Mark Strong, putting in work in the gym. The caption said that the pair have been training hard for upcoming roles, but didn't reveal any titles. However, one user commented 'Hey man, is it true that you worked on The Pinguim [Penguin] series?' to which Farci straightforwardly replied 'Yes, I've trained Mark for it.'
After Farci let it slip that Mark Strong will appear in The Penguin, another user tried to press Farci for more details, asking the trainer what character Strong will be playing in the new series. However, Farci was more tight-lipped, saying 'I cannot answer to this question but I'm sure you will figure it out.'
DC fans will recognize Mark Strong for his appearance in the 2019 hit Shazam!, which saw the British actor portray the iconic comic book villain Doctor Sivana. While the character's future was teased in the film's post-credits scene, Strong didn't reprise the role in the film's sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, which wasn't well received by critics.
The Penguin's Cast is Already Incredible
Providing Farci's reveal is true (and he doesn't get hunted down by the DC Spoilers police), Mark Strong is another incredible name in an increasingly impressive cast. Of course, the most notable actor in The Penguin is Oscar-nominee Collin Farrell. Farrell's performance as Oswald 'Oz' Cobblepot was a highlight of Reeves' The Batman, and the Irish star looked almost unrecognizable in his impressive make-up.
Max’s Penguin Series Looks Great, but it’s the Last Thing DC Needs Right Now
We love Colin Farrell's Penguin from The Batman, but DC needs to be focusing on rebuilding its franchise with core characters.Alongside Farrell, The Penguin also stars Cristin Milioti (Palm Springs) as Sofia Falcone, the daughter of the ruthless crime lord Carmine Falcone. Clancy Brown (Highlander) will play Salvatore Maroni, another notable and violent crime lord in Batman lore. Additionally, The Penguin also stars Theo Rossi (Sone of Anarchy), Rhenzy Feliz (Encanto), Carmen Ejogo (True Detective), and Michael Zegen (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel). Robert Pattinson is also expected to return as Batman in The Penguin.
Max's The Penguin takes place just a week after the character's run in with Pattinson's Batman. In Reeves' film, Oz was a low-level player in Gotham's crime network. The Penguin will show the character's ruthless rise to power as one of the most feared and dangerous crime lords in Gotham.
The Penguin will be released on Max in late 2024.