8 DC Movies & Shows To Watch Before The Penguin

Before the release of The Penguin, 8 movies and shows are worth a watch to brush up on the iconic DC villain. The Penguin is a spinoff show for Matt Reeves’ The Batman trilogy starring Colin Farrell’s rendition of the eponymous villain. In keeping with The Batman‘s darker tones, Farrell’s version of the Penguin is a lot grittier than usual. Following the death of Carmine Falcone towards the ending of The Batman, the Penguin attempts to fill the power vacuum left behind and take his place as the kingpin of Gotham’s criminal underworld.

Striving for – or actively having – a place of power in Gotham’s underworld is a key feature of Penguin that typifies his appearances across Batman’s movie timeline and beyond. Another is his eminently recognizable appearance, from which he gets his moniker, which typically includes a distinctive figure, black tie attire, a monocle, and multiple dangerous trick umbrellas. His motives almost always center around him pursuing a rise to become a part of Gotham’s elite, something which The Penguin looks set to delve into.

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8 The Batman Is Colin Farrell’s First Appearance As The Penguin

The Batman Is A Must-Watch Before The Penguin

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The Batman‘s version of Penguin is arguably the most grounded depiction yet, although the ostentatious nature of the character still shines through. Referred to simply as Oz Cobb, the Penguin of The Batman is portrayed as a mid-level gangster operating under Carmine Falcone as a lieutenant. He clashes with Batman in one of the movie’s best action sequences comprising a high-speed car chase, though remains a secondary villain to Paul Dano’s Riddler.

Oz owns the Iceberg Lounge, dresses formally, and demonstrates a dogged ambition to rise to the top.

Though this is a grittier interpretation of the Penguin, Colin Farrell’s Oz displays many of the character’s most defining features. Oz owns the Iceberg Lounge, dresses formally, and demonstrates a dogged ambition to rise to the top. The Penguin details this rise, presumably setting Penguin on a course to become the crime kingpin of Gotham ahead of The Batman – Part II.

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The Batman is a part of the DC Elseworlds series of films and centers around a younger Bruce Wayne, who has taken up the mantle of Batman only two years prior. Batman finds himself stuck in a game concocted by a dangerous new foe known as the Riddler, a serial killer who targets elite members of Gotham’s society. Working together with Lieutenant James Gordon, Batman will attempt to uncover the mystery surrounding the Riddler’s killing spree.

Cast Colin Farrell , Jeffrey Wright , Paul Dano , Andy Serkis , Robert Pattinson , Zoe Kravitz Release Date March 4, 2022 Director Matt Reeves Studio(s) DC Runtime 176 minutes

7 Batman Returns Is Penguin At His Most Grotesque

Danny DeVito’s Depiction Remains Definitive

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1992’s Batman Returns is the sequel to 1989’s Batman, both directed by Tim Burton. It stars Danny DeVito’s Penguin as one of the movie’s primary villains. This version of the Penguin is raised by penguins in a zoo and dwells in the sewer, traits indicative of this particularly histrionic take. His penchant for umbrellas and obsession with integrating into high society are comic-accurate traits, though he embodies Tim Burton’s distinctive style.

Danny DeVito gave his blessing for Farrell to take over the Penguin mantle, but would later playfully state that he believes his version was superior.

Tim Burton’s version of the Penguin is a particularly exaggerated rendition that heavily leans into his eccentricities and unique appearance. Danny DeVito remains one of, if not the definitive versions of Penguin thanks to his incredibly memorable design and performance as a particularly grotesque variant of the character that drools toxic bile. While DeVito’s Penguin is particularly unforgettable, it is unlikely that Colin Farrell’s version will impinge on his legacy, instead delivering an entirely unique take.

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Batman Returns sees the return of Michael Keaton’s Bruce Wayne after his victory over the Joker. This time, the Dark Knight faces a new threat in the form of The Penguin, an outcast who wants revenge on Gotham City. Featuring Danny DeVito as Oswald Cobblepot, Michelle Pfeiffer as Selina Kyle a.k.a. Catwoman, and Christopher Walken as Max Schreck, Batman Returns is Tim Burton’s second and final movie based on the iconic DC comics character.

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Cast Michael Keaton , Danny DeVito , Michelle Pfeiffer , Christopher Walken , Michael Gough , Michael Murphy Release Date June 19, 1992 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Runtime 126minutes

6 1966’s Batman Movie Had The Campiest Penguin

Burgess Meredith Portrayed The First Live-Action Penguin

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Burgess Meredith’s Penguin is the earliest rendition of Penguin adapted to live-action, with the actor embodying the role in both the Adam West-fronted series and the 1966 movie. In 1966’s Batman, Penguin is part of a syndicate – the United Underworld – comprising four of Gotham’s most prominent villains including the Joker, the Riddler, and Catwoman. This villainous team wields a dehydration weapon that can turn people to dust in their nefarious scheme to hold the world to ransom and defeat Batman, embracing the tongue-in-cheek tone for which the 1960s Batman series is famous.

Meredith’s depiction of Penguin is easily the campiest committed to live-action. Nevertheless, he still embodies the character’s most quintessential features, including his cigarette holder, top hat, and penchant for trick umbrellas. Meredith’s Penguin has a strong affinity for birds, and relishes in criminal activity, waxing lyrical about his nefarious plans while exuding an overly aristocratic energy. Meredith’s Penguin is antithetical to Colin Farrell’s, but still an authentic – if over-the-top – portrayal of the Batman villain nonetheless.

Batman (1966)

Starring Adam West as Bruce Wayne and Burt Ward as Dick Grayson a.k.a. Robin, ABC’s 1960s Batman series sees DC’s Dynamic Duo confront many of their famous villains across three seasons and 120 episodes, released from 1966 to 1968. With now iconic portrayals of comic book villains like Cesar Romero’s Joker, Burgess Meredith’s Penguin, Julie Newmar’s Catwoman, and Frank Gorshin’s Riddler, the series helped cement the Dark Knight in pop culture two decades before Tim Burton reimagined the character for the big screen.

Cast Adam West Release Date January 12, 1966 Seasons 3 Writers Lorenzo Semple Jr. Directors Lorenzo Semple Jr.

5 Penguin’s Rise Is Central To Gotham

Season 1, Episode 22 & Season 4 Episode 1

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While Gotham details the rise of several Batman villains, the story of Oswald Cobblepot is central to the entire series right from the pilot episode. It depicts Penguin’s rise from grunt to Gotham’s mayor, showcasing his cunning in lieu of any physical prowess. The series is composed of 100 episodes, and thanks to the centrality of Penguin’s story throughout, should arguably be watched in its entirety to get the clearest picture of his story in this rendition.

Gotham
spawned a prequel series,
Pennyworth
, which centers on a young Alfred Pennyworth portrayed by Jack Bannon.

Two of the most important episodes starring Penguin, however, are season 1’s “All Happy Families Are Alike,” and season 4’s “Pax Penguina.” The former shows Penguin making a significant maneuver to being a main player in the power structure of Gotham’s criminal underworld, declaring himself the “King of Gotham” after ostensibly murdering his erstwhile boss and professional rival, Fish Mooney. Three seasons later, season 4 opens with Penguin at the zenith of his power after having secured the position of mayor and introducing a system in which Gotham’s underworld pays him tribute for protection.

Related All Gotham Seasons, Ranked Worst To Best

Gotham has been worn many hates over the course of its life, and some seasons of the Batman origin story crime procedural are better than others.

Robin Lord Taylor’s Penguin showcases Penguin’s ability to compensate for his lack of physical prowess with his cunning, securing his ambitious rise to power almost purely through manipulation. It also humanizes Penguin in a way that is rarely seen in Batman productions, as he shows compassion in several moments throughout his rise to power. This is particularly true when it comes to his relationship with Edward Nygma. Until The Penguin delves into a more mafioso-inspired version of the character, Gotham provides the most exhaustive deep-dive into the nuances of Penguin’s personality and motives.

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As a new recruit in Captain Sarah Essen’s Gotham City Police Department, Detective James Gordon is paired with Harvey Bullock to solve one of Gotham’s most high-profile cases ever: the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne. During his investigation, Gordon meets the Waynes’ son, Bruce, now in the care of his butler Alfred, which further compels Gordon to catch the killer.

Cast Sean Pertwee , Erin Richards , Jada Pinkett Smith , Zabryna Guevara , Donal Logue , robin lord taylor , Ben McKenzie , Morena Baccarin , David Mazouz Release Date September 22, 2014 Seasons 5 Writers Bruno Heller Directors Danny Cannon

4 A Female Penguin Features In Batman: Caped Crusader

Season 1, Episode 1

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Batman: Caped Crusader is a fresh take on Batman headed up by Batman: The Animated Series‘ Bruce Timm alongside J. J. Abrams and The Batman director Matt Reeves. Its first episode, “In Treacherous Waters,” features a female version of Penguin called Oswalda Cobblepot whose Iceberg Lounge doubles as a yacht. In it, Cobblepot attempts to schmooze with and steal from Gotham’s elite, supplant her criminal rival, and go toe to toe with Batman. The episode culminates in her arrest after she blows up the Gotham Police Department with a missile launched from her yacht.

This version of Penguin is particularly ruthless, drowning her own son and nearly killing a building full of police with a missile. The altered gender is about the only major difference between this version of Penguin compared to her male comic book counterpart, however, as she showcases every other defining feature of Penguin, including trick umbrellas, a partiality for finery, and an aptitude for manipulating her way to power. At just over 20 minutes long, the episode is a bite-size introduction to a more serious version of the character in the context of a 1940s Gotham.

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Wealthy socialite Bruce Wayne, transformed by tragedy, takes on the mantle of Batman to combat the rampant corruption and crime in Gotham City. His vigilante actions attract both allies within the GCPD and City Hall and deadly adversaries, leading to unforeseen consequences. The series delves into the noir roots of Batman, exploring the psychological depths of Gotham’s inhabitants.

Cast Hamish Linklater , Christina Ricci , Jamie Chung , Diedrich Bader , Mckenna Grace , Toby Stephens , Reid Scott Release Date August 1, 2024 Seasons 1

3 Batman: The Brave And The Bold Features An Exaggerated But Hilarious Penguin

Season 2, Episode 4

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Batman: The Brave and the Bold (not to be confused with the upcoming DCU movie of the same name) is a lighthearted animated take on Batman and other DC characters geared primarily towards a younger audience. Season 2, episode 4, entitled “Aquaman’s Outrageous Adventure!” uses a decidedly vaudevillian Penguin as a primary antagonist, who is able to outmaneuver Batman, Aquaman, and Aquaman’s family before revealing his convoluted plan to paralyze Gotham’s denizens with umbrella rockets and kill the heroes with a giant dipping bird. Suffice it to say, the heroes eventually come out on top.

This version of Penguin is voiced by Stephen Root, who is best known for voicing comedic characters.

This is a distinctly more cartoonish version of the character, though it showcases most of his defining features. It typifies the habit of making Penguin a caricature as his nefarious plans center around birds, umbrellas, and a nefarious plot to obtain wealth and influence. Penguin makes several appearances throughout the animated series, though this episode is his first full appearance and relishes in showcasing the most ridiculous aspects of the character. He is far from intimidating, though this is a classic feature of Penguin that is somewhat contradicted by his ability to best Batman regardless.

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Batman: The Brave and the Bold is an animated television series that teams Batman with various DC Universe heroes. The show features a lighter tone than previous Batman series, emphasizing teamwork, humor, and adventurous storylines while retaining heroic elements.

Cast Diedrich Bader , Tom Kenny , Jeff Bennett , Corey Burton , John DiMaggio , Will Friedle Release Date November 14, 2008

2 The Classic Penguin Features In Batman: The Animated Series

Season 3, Episode 9

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The iconic Batman: The Animated Series ran from 1992-1999 and remains one of the most acclaimed superhero series. Season 3, episode 9, entitled “Birds of a Feather,” placed Penguin front-and-center as he emerges from prison and attempts to reintegrate into a society that reviles him. After being manipulated by high-class socialites, Veronica Vreeland and Pierce Chapman, for a publicity stunt, Penguin reverts to his villainous ways after spending the majority of the episode showcasing a genuine desire to reform and lead a semi-normal life.

Voiced by musician Paul Williams, this episode of Batman: The Animated Series showcases Penguin at his most sympathetic. A key feature of Penguin across Batman media is how his villainy stems from a lifetime of ostracization due to his appearance and oddball mannerisms, which explains his preoccupation with being accepted into Gotham’s elite echelons. Penguin is far from being Batman’s most intimidating adversary thanks to his lack of fighting prowess compared to some villains, but his determination and ambition are somewhat respectable given the unfortunate hand he has been dealt, as he exemplifies the complexities of Batman’s rogues’ gallery.

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Batman: The Animated Series is an award-winning adaptation of the Batman mythos. Remembered for its groundbreaking art style and orchestrated soundtrack, Batman: The Animated Series features the Caped Crusader and countless characters from his rogues’ gallery. Kevin Conroy lent his now-iconic voice to the Dark Knight, with the show also featuring the voice talents of Mark Hamill (as the Joker) Arleen Sorkin (Harley Quinn), John Glover (the Riddler), Ron Perlman (Clayface), and David Warner (Ra’s al Ghul).

Cast Kevin Conroy , Mark Hamill , Bruce Timm Release Date September 5, 1992 Seasons 4 Network HBO Max Writers Bruce Timm Directors Bruce Timm Expand

1 Penguin Is The Mastermind In Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts

Dana Snyder Voices A Family-Friendly Oswald Cobblepot

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Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts is the first straight-to-video feature length installment of the Batman Unlimited series, a kid-friendly and futuristic take on the Batman mythology. Animal Instincts stars the animal-themed villains of Batman’s rogues’ gallery, including Cheetah, Man-Bat, Killer Croc, Silverback, and Penguin as the mastermind behind a string of heists in Gotham. With the help of other DC heroes like Flash and members of the Bat Family, Batman foils Penguin’s plot before Penguin escapes and crash lands, rather fittingly, in Antarctica.

This is another lighthearted and family-friendly take on Penguin, but showcases his role as a criminal mastermind and manipulator. His eccentricities in forming part of a team themed entirely around animals – which call themselves the “Animalitia” – are on full display, as is his propensity to being the comic relief villain of Batman lore. Nevertheless, as another relatively hammy depiction of the character that stands in stark contrast to Oz in The Penguin, Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts serves as a decent depiction of Penguin and his role within Batman’s villainous cohort.

Batman Unlimited AnimationActionAdventure Cast Roger Craig Smith , Yuri Lowenthal , Troy Baker , Brian T. Delaney , Chris Diamantopoulos , Will Friedle , John DiMaggio , Fred Tatasciore Release Date May 4, 2015 Seasons 2

Upcoming DC Movie Releases

• Joker: Folie a Deux

  Release Date October 4, 2024

• Superman (2025)

  Release Date July 11, 2025

• Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

  Release Date June 26, 2026

• The Batman Part II

  Release Date October 2, 2026

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