Mare of Easttown director Craig Zobel is scuttling over to The Penguin, the upcoming spinoff series of Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Zobel’s involvement was confirmed by DiscussingFilm, which says the filmmaker will helm the first two episodes. Zobel is also executive producing the series, with Lauren LeFranc writing, executive producing, and showrunning. Matt Reeves and Dylan Clark are producing through 6th & Idaho Productions and Dylan Clark Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.
The Penguin series will pick up Oswald’s story where Reeves’ film left off, and Colin Farrell seems quite excited to step back into the villain’s shoes again. “The world that Matt Reeves created for The Batman is one that warrants a deeper gaze through the eyes of Oswald Cobblepot,” Farrell told The Hollywood Reporter earlier this year. “I couldn’t be more excited about continuing this exploration of Oz as he rises through the darkened ranks to become The Penguin. Will be good to get him back on the streets of Gotham for a little madness and a little mayhem.”
“I have long been a fan of the world of The Batman, and Matt’s film is such a powerful and bold entry into the canon,” LeFranc said. “I am excited and humbled to continue telling stories in the grimy world of Gotham City – and what better excuse to channel my inner villain than to tell the story of Oswald Cobblepot? I am thrilled to work with Colin, Matt, Dylan, 6th & Idaho, Warners, and HBO Max as we work to bring this story to the screen,” Matt Reeves added, “Colin exploded off the screen as the Penguin in The Batman, and having the chance to thoroughly explore the inner life of that character on HBO Max is an absolute thrill. Dylan and I are so excited to work with Lauren in continuing Oz’s story as he grabs violently for power in Gotham.”
While Warner Bros. is in the business of slashing Batman-related projects, The Penguin remains a priority for the studio. The series starring Colin Farrell is one of several Batman spinoffs under the watchful eye of Matt Reeves, who has an overall deal at the studio. Another project in the works revolves around Arkham Asylum and select members of the Gotham Police Department.
What do you think about Craig Zobel joining The Penguin? Are you excited to learn more about this mysterious spinoff? Feel free to let us know in the comments.