Matt Reeves has been in charge of bringing the universe of The Batman back to screens the last few years, with Robert Pattinson as the Caped Crusader in his 2023 film. Colin Farrell also brought Batman’s foe, the Penguin, to life in a special way in the 2024 series, The Penguin. While taking in the screen tests, Reeves soon realized that there was more to be mined from the villain going forward. Farrell‘s stellar performance in the role has been praised and Reeves recently recalled the build-up to the HBO Max series.

Speaking at the 2025 Emmys red carpet, the director, in conversation with IndieWire, discussed some of Farrell‘s takes before securing the role. “[Farrell] started sending me when I was in London in prep these little videos he was making of himself, and I was like, who is that? There was such a burning life coming into being, and he’s an incredible actor.” Given how impressive Farrell was in The Penguin, it begs the question of which other characters from that universe can be expanded upon. “I totally do, we’ve talked about it,” Reeves said, suggesting that his Gotham will offer spin-off opportunities for other characters within the franchise. The priority, however, was finishing The Penguin and, of course, getting The Batman 2 prepped ahead of shooting which begins this spring.

“That’s where the priorities have been. These conversations may or may not… look I’m not in control of DC, and I can only tell you what I’d love to do, and there are things they know we would love to do, and those conversations may begin again when it’s appropriate.”

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Besides Farrell, The Penguin also featured a brilliant performance from co-star Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone in the HBO series. It was one which earned the actress her first ever Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series. With the upcoming Batman sequel gearing up for production, there is a small question of where Milioti’s character might fit into the upcoming storyline. Speaking in another interview, Reeves dashed what little hope existed of seeing Sofia revisit her villainous side. “Cristin is not in this one,” the director said regarding the upcoming superhero film. “But that’s because we were so deep into the script by the time we were in the show. But we’ll see. I mean, I think she’s incredible. What she did in the show is just astonishing.”

It is somewhat disappointing, given that hers was the only Primetime Emmy win for The Penguin on September 14. Co-stars Farrell and Deirdre O’Connell were both nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series. Milioti‘s return in The Batman 2 would have ensured Sofia Falcone’s return to the universe even as it remains uncertain given the state of play with The Penguin and a prospective second season.

All episodes of The Penguin are streaming on HBO Max, while The Batman 2 arrives on October 1, 2027.

via Collider