10 Things We Hope To See In The Penguin HBO Max Show

Spoilers Ahead For The Batman

After several delays and setbacks, The Batman has finally been released. As any great movie should, the film has left fans begging for more. It appears they will not have to wait for a sequel, as several spin-off shows are in the works for streaming on HBO Max. Among them is a series focusing on The Penguin and his rise to power with Colin Farrell reprising his role.

There is already speculation about what will be featured in the show and how it will follow the events of the film. Here are 10 things fans are hoping to see in Oswald Cobblepot’s series.

Penguin’s Backstory

The Penguin was last seen looking over Gotham preparing to make his move and become head crime boss. In the film, Penguin is nothing more than a stooge under Carmine Falcone. Hopefully, fans will not only see his rise to power but the events that led him to work for Falcone. Some Batman stories show the Cobblepots were just as integral to Gotham’s rise as the Waynes, but they eventually fell from grace.

Is that the case here? Or will Penguin have to formally introduce Gotham City to the name Cobblepot? Showing flashbacks to Penguin’s younger days including how he came to work for Falcone could offer some insight into the character and flesh him out in a similar way to Gotham, where he was one of the show’s best-represented villains.

Lesser-Known Villains

While bigger villains such as Joker or Bane will be saved for the films if they are used, a TV series could feature lesser villains. Batman has some of the greatest villains of all time, but it seems like the same ones are continually used. The Penguin show could take ones that may not be able to carry a film and allow them to shine.

Given the plot of The Penguin attempting to fill a power vacuum, characters such as Black Mask could appear to offer some competition. While Penguin will be the show’s main focus, that doesn’t mean other criminals can’t have their time in the spotlight either.

Batman’s Impact

While it hasn’t been confirmed or denied whether or not Batman will appear in the show, it is very possible he will. While seeing Batman isn’t a bad thing by any means, having him take a back seat while Penguin runs the show will greatly benefit the series. What will help it, however, is seeing firsthand how Batman’s exploits impact the criminal underworld. Batman’s introduction in The Batman has already received praise as one of the greatest Batman moments of all time.

It showcases just how much the bat signal fills criminals with fear and makes them flee at the mere sight of the shadows. A series told from the point of view of criminals will show fans exactly what impact Batman has had on the scum of Gotham. Seeing Batman and his incredible costume design will just be a plus.

Maroni Crime Family

Carmine Falconi is the head crime lord in the film. After his death at the hands of The Riddler, the spot of top crime lord is up for grabs. Before the events of the film, Sal Maroni was in deadly competition with Falcone before he was taken out in a staged drug bust. With Falcone now out of the picture, the Maroni family can finally move in and take over Gotham.

With Carmine’s hold on the city, the family couldn’t do anything. The Penguin series opens several possibilities for how they can enter the picture. They can use Penguin in a similar way Falcone did, or Penguin can strike first and ensure they never have the chance to take him out.

Penguin Proving Himself

The Penguin is shown to be a laughing stock to both criminals and police. He is nothing more than a glorified henchman and a means to an end in the eyes of Falcone. This is not the first time The Penguin has been shown in this light. And most of the time, he jumps at the opportunity to prove otherwise. As Falcone is getting arrested, he publicly calls him out and threatens him in an attempt to show he isn’t afraid, only to be reduced to begging when he is tackled by police officers.

The final shot of him shows him contemplating his future as he looks over Gotham. This show can have Penguin prove to his opposers he is a force to be reckoned with, and make him a worthy foe to Batman and the other crime lords who dare step to him.

A Divided Gotham

The Batman ends with the majority of the city underwater. The survivors of the attack have either left the city or have relocated to parts that are still above water. This seems to take inspiration from the classic Batman comic, No Man’s Land where a massive earthquake separated Gotham from the rest of the world, leaving it to be run by criminals.

A destroyed and divided Gotham will be an interesting backdrop for the series. The power vacuum left by Falcone is one thing, but the chance to literally rebuild Gotham the way the victor sees fit is something else.

Riddler’s Aftermath

The Riddler is shown to be an influencer of sorts to some of Gotham’s more disturbed individuals. So much so, he convinces several of them to gather to assassinate the Mayor-Elect. While Batman and Catwoman are able to take them out before they can carry out their hit, it is clear Riddler had an influence.

A group of Riddler supporters is even seen outside the funeral of Gotham’s former mayor. The Riddler had a hold on Gotham that isn’t likely to go away just because he is locked up. The Riddler is one of Batman’s best comic book villains, and fans hope to see his impact in Penguin’s show.

Selina Kyle

The end of the movie saw Selina Kyle leave Gotham. Fans of the comics know that even when she leaves, Catwoman usually ends up returning for one reason or another. Seeing her return to Gotham to take on The Penguin would be a great plot point. The Batman doesn’t portray Selina as the typical catburglar she usually is.

Everything she does, she does for her friend. Because of this, she is unlikely to return to simply steal some jewels. However, she could return to ensure somebody like Penguin doesn’t rise to power. Penguin did work for her late father, so she knows how ruthless he can be when given the chance. Zoë Kravitz gave one of the best performances in The Batman, so fans will accept any opportunity to see her return.

James Gordon

Anyone familiar with comics knows that James Gordon will eventually become commissioner of the GCPD. With former commissioner Pete Savage dying at the hands of the Riddler, the position is left vacant. While Gordan will likely take the spot in upcoming films, but seeing him earn it in the series is something fans would enjoy. The series Gotham has proven the character translates well to the small screen, so showing him in a supporting role is a no-brainer.

Like Batman, Gordon knows the ensuing power vacuum could lead to an all-out war. It makes sense then, that he will keep a close eye on Penguin to ensure he stays in line. The Penguin and Gordon are among the most intelligent characters in The Batman, and fans would love them be pitted against one another.

The Penguin Win

As it stands, The Penguin is nothing more than a man looking to prove himself. If he manages to do so and rise to Gotham’s top crime lord, it could have some serious repercussions going forward. If Penguin is top dog in future Batman movies, he would make things very difficult for Batman and the GCPD.

There have been countless times throughout the comics where he has, and he is truly a force to be reckoned with. This series could show Penguin is more than a deformed man with a waddle. It can show him as one of the most ruthless and deadly criminals to ever walk the streets.

About The Author