The highly anticipated finale of HBO’s The Penguin series, Episode 8 “A Great or Little Thing,” brings an end to Oswald Cobblepot’s (Colin Farrell’s) tumultuous rise to power in Gotham’s criminal underworld. After a series of devastating betrayals and conflicts, the once-lowly Oz has successfully managed to establish himself as the city’s preeminent crime boss. However, the series ends with a foreboding sense of what lies ahead for him, as a new and menacing figure looms on the horizon: Robert Pattinson’s Batman, as mentioned in a report by Decider.
No Batman Cameo, But The Bat-Signal’s Ominous Arrival
According to a report by Decider, fans had been hoping for a cameo by Robert Pattinson’s Batman in the finale of The Penguin, especially since the series takes place between The Batman and its planned sequel. However, despite rumors, Batman does not physically appear in the final episode.
Instead, the last shot reveals the Bat-Signal lighting up the Gotham skyline, a clear signal that Bruce Wayne is preparing for his inevitable confrontation with the rising criminal kingpin. This symbolic presence of the bat-signal marks the beginning of Oz’s downfall, even as he celebrates his victory. For now, Oz seems to have it all—a penthouse, power, and his iconic tuxedo—but the shadow of Gotham’s vigilante is already casting doubt on his future.
The Penguin’s Connection To The Batman Sequel
Matt Reeves, the creator of The Penguin and director of The Batman, explained that the series serves as a narrative bridge between the first film and its highly anticipated sequel. Reeves reveals that specific plot points in The Penguin establish the foundation for Oz Cobblepot’s reappearance in The Batman Part 2.
In particular, the relationship between Oz and Gotham’s new mayor, Bella Reál, as well as his corrupt dealings, is expected to play a significant role in the next installment of the Batman saga. Reeves also disclosed to Lauren LeFranc, the showrunner of The Penguin, the direction Oz’s story will take him in the upcoming film. The Penguin, he emphasized, subtly sets up key plot elements for The Batman sequel, with Oz’s delusional character arc serving as a central thread that will continue in the larger Batman narrative.
Sofia Falcone’s Future: A Family Connection With Selina Kyle?
Oz orchestrates Sofia Falcone’s tragic return to Arkham, providing another intriguing subplot in the The Penguin finale. However, before her downfall, Sofia receives a letter from none other than Selina Kyle (Zoë Kravitz), revealing a familial connection between the two women.
The Batman sequel teases viewers with the possibility of a powerful team-up between Selina and Sofia, even though the contents of the letter remain undisclosed. Milioti, who plays Sofia, expressed her hope that the two characters could “burn it all to the ground” should they indeed meet. However, Matt Reeves clarified that the moment was more about Sofia’s emotional journey rather than setting up an immediate partnership with Selina.
Is The Penguin series over?
The Penguin premiered on HBO in the United States on September 19, 2024, and will run for eight episodes, concluding on November 10, 2024. The series has garnered positive reviews for its performances, writing, and direction.
What happens at the end of The Penguin? Vic is dead, and Sofia is back in Arkham. Oz’s mother’s last words to him were filled with hatred, and now she faces eternal torment. In the end, The Penguin triumphed in the crime boss game, but only by destroying as many lives as he could along the way.
Director Matt Reeves Reveals Robert Pattinson’s Batman Nearly Crossed Paths With ‘The Penguin’ On The Show
In a finale filled with symbolism and Gotham’s signature blend of grit and grandeur, ‘The Penguin’s story was far from over. Colin Farrell, in the role of Oz Cobb, revels in his victories. He secured his status as Gotham’s criminal kingpin after a devastating gang war and stood victorious.
However, ‘The Penguin’ doesn’t just end with Oz’s “delusions.” The Gotham skyline showcases the iconic Bat Signal. Now, director Matt Reeves revealed that the show has plans to include Robert Pattinson’s Batman directly.
Robert Pattinson’s Batman Was To Appear Before Vic Aguilar In ‘The Penguin’
Matt Reeves, the creator and director of ‘The Batman’, disclosed that they discussed the possibility of Robert Pattinson’s ‘Dark Knight’ directly appearing in ‘The Penguin’. Reeves, while talking to EW, shared that they explored multiple scenarios involving Batman’s potential interactions with ‘The Penguin’s cast.
One concept was to have Bruce Wayne appear before Vic Aguilar, the loyal yet conflicted right-hand man of Oz. Reeves acknowledged, “We experimented with various conceptual ideas, but none of them felt truly earned.”
Moreover, showrunner Lauren LeFranc intentionally structured ‘The Penguin’ around its morally complex characters. Showrunner Lauren LeFranc also underscored this point, explaining, “We wanted our characters to be the predominant people that you’re following in this show. Anything that began to detract from this was not in line with the type of show we aimed to produce.
Oz and Vic’s Tragic Conclusion In ‘The Penguin’ Was Planned From The Beginning
Lauren LeFranc revealed that she had a clear vision for ‘The Penguin’s trajectory from the start. “I purposefully incorporated everything into the first episode, knowing where we were heading,” Lauren LeFranc explained. The main focus of her vision was the ultimate showdown between Oz and Vic.
The final confrontation, in which Oz strangles Vic to death on the same park bench where they once shared wholesome moments, is rich with brutal symbolism. Reeves explained, “He’s killing him because he can’t bear the fact that he actually does have that closeness with this kid because that makes him weak. In essence, he is attempting to suppress his vulnerability.
Moreover, Reeves designed the series’ conclusion with the Bat Signal to set the stage for his upcoming ‘The Batman’ sequel. LeFranc concluded, “I very much liked the idea of the Batman undercutting the strange, delusional scenario that Oz created for himself at the end, to merit all of his previous actions and to say, ‘I finally made it.’ And then for us to say, ‘Maybe not. Maybe you haven’t.'”
The audience is left on edge perfectly by this ending. While it provided somewhat of a conclusion, it definitely made it clear that Oz’s story was far from over. It also perfectly bridged the brutal world of ‘The Penguin’ with the broader narrative of Gotham that Reeves is building.
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