Summary

• Danny DeVito shines as The Penguin in Batman Returns, making him a perfect fit for the DC Universe.
• Batman Returns highlights the tragic backstory of The Penguin, adding depth to the character.
• DeVito's return to the Penguin role in 2021 shows his continued interest in the character and potential for the DCU.

Danny DeVito is fondly remembered in the superhero genre for his role as DC villain The Penguin in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns, and a recent return to the character proves he would still be a perfect villain for the DC Universe. Batman, Gotham City, and the many colorful characters living in it have had an interesting history on the big screen, with some huge successes but also some painful failures that almost tainted the characters’ legacy. Among the best Batman movies made to date is Tim Burton’s Batman Returns, released in 1992 and a sequel to his 1989 Batman adaptation.

Batman Returns reunited viewers with Bruce Wayne/Batman (Michael Keaton), who faced two new threats: wealthy industrialist Max Schreck (Christopher Walen) and Oswald Cobblepot a.k.a. The Penguin, who joined forces in their quest for power and influence over Gotham City. DeVito’s Penguin was one of the most praised elements of Batman Returns, as he brought a unique version of the character that evoked both tragedy and fear. Unfortunately, this was the only time DeVito got to play the Penguin, but he recently returned to the character, proving he would still be perfect for the DCU.

Danny DeVito's 2021 Batman Return Proves He's Just As Invested In DC's Lore

Danny DeVito Got A Chance To Return To Gotham City

Danny DeVito’s unforgettable performance made him a key part of Batman history.

The Penguin is one of the most tragic villains from Batman’s universe, and Batman Returns made sure to highlight this. Oswald Cobbelpot was born into a wealthy family, but as he was born with physical malformations and a feral nature, his parents discarded him in the sewers. Oswald was adopted by penguins and grew to hate humans, but in order for his plans to work, he had to reintegrate into Gotham’s elite, for which he asked Shreck for help. At the end of Batman Returns, Batman unleashed a swarm of bats that made Penguin fall into the contaminated waters of the Arctic exhibit and he succumbed to his injuries.

Batman Returns didn’t leave room for a Penguin return in the subsequent movies (which were directed by Joel Schumacher and starred Val Kilmer and George Clooney as Batman), but DeVito’s unforgettable performance made him a key part of Batman history. In 2021, DeVito wrote a short story centered on the Penguin and Catwoman (played in Batman Returns by Michelle Pfeiffer) for the anthology comic book Gotham City Villains. This return to the character showed DeVito still has an interest in the Penguin and a capacity to imagine the role, proving that he can still fit the modern DC Universe if given a chance.

Who Danny DeVito Would Be Perfect To Play In The DCU

There Are Ways In Which Danny DeVito Can Join The DCU

Some fan suggestions for DeVito’s inclusion in the DCU include playing the character Mister Mxyzptlk, a trickster-type of character with reality-warping powers.

Of course, the perfect character for Danny DeVito to play in the DCU is The Penguin, which could be possible thanks to the multiverse and continuity of this new era of DC movies and TV shows, but DeVito has some conditions to reprise his role as the Penguin. Speaking to Screen Rant in March 2024, DeVito said he would be up to playing the Penguin again if Tim Burton was directing, though that seems unlikely in the current DC Universe.

Some fan suggestions for DeVito’s inclusion in the DCU include playing the character Mister Mxyzptlk, a trickster-type of character with reality-warping powers and who is an antagonist to Superman. Mister Mxyzptlk would be a perfect character for DeVito as he can, once more, bring his blend of comedy and evil, and the character also allows for a more theatrical performance, very much like his Penguin. On the other hand, Danny DeVito could also be cast as a mortal character and ally of one of the DCU’s heroes, allowing him to portray a completely different type of character.