Colin Farrell and Danny DeVito Discuss Their Unique Takes on The Penguin in Exclusive Interview

Farrell and DeVito Reflect on The Penguin: A Legacy of Gotham’s Villain

November 4, 2025

Colin Farrell and Danny DeVito engaged in a captivating conversation for Variety Studio’s Actors on actors series, where they explored their respective experiences embodying the complex character of The Penguin. The discussion centered around the shared challenge of portraying Gotham’s notorious bird-themed villain, each actor bringing a distinct interpretation to the role.

Early Collaborations and The Penguin’s Evolution

The two celebrated actors initially worked together on Tim burton’s Dumbo in 2019. Though, their recent discussion primarily focused on their individual journeys as The penguin, examining the origins of the character and the ways they each brought him to life. Farrell’s reimagining of the role in The Batman and the upcoming Max series The Penguin was a central topic, contrasted with DeVito’s memorable performance in Batman Returns.

The Physical Conversion: A Shared Challenge

A notable portion of their conversation revolved around the demanding physical transformations both actors underwent to play Oswald Cobblepot. They fondly recalled their experiences collaborating with Tim Burton and the complexities of the heavy makeup that became intrinsically linked to their performances. Both expressed a curious satisfaction in effectively disappearing behind extensive prosthetics.

Teasing Future Storylines and Appreciating New Interpretations

Farrell hinted at developments in his Penguin’s storyline within the upcoming series, generating anticipation among fans.DeVito, in turn, shared his enthusiasm for witnessing a fresh, darker interpretation of the character emerge through Farrell’s performance.He expressed delight in seeing the Penguin evolve for a new generation.

Beyond Gotham: A Moment of Laughter

The conversation took a lighthearted turn as devito recounted his initial confusion when joining the cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. This anecdote offered a glimpse into the actors’ personalities and their ability to navigate diverse comedic landscapes.

Comparing The Penguins: A Closer look

Actor	Film/Series	Penguin’s Defining Traits
Danny DeVito	Batman Returns	Comedic, grotesque, ruthlessly opportunistic
Colin Farrell	The Batman / The Penguin	Brooding, calculating, tragic, and physically imposing

Did You Know? The Penguin consistently ranks among the most popular Batman villains, demonstrating a lasting appeal across different eras and interpretations.(Source: DC Comics Fan Poll, 2024)

Pro Tip: Exploring different adaptations of The Penguin can deepen your understanding of the complexities of villainous character advancement in comic book lore.

what are your favorite portrayals of The Penguin, and what elements make the character so compelling? do you anticipate Farrell’s series building upon DeVito’s performance?

The enduring Appeal of The Penguin

Oswald Cobblepot, more famously known as the Penguin, has remained a staple villain in the Batman mythos since his debut in Detective Comics #58 in 1941. His enduring popularity stems from the character’s unusual appearance, ruthless intelligence, and tragic backstory.The Penguin isn’t simply a criminal mastermind; he’s a societal outcast grappling with physical differences and a yearning for respect, themes that resonate with audiences across generations.Recent cinematic and television adaptations, such as those featuring colin Farrell, continue to explore these nuances.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Penguin

• What is The Penguin’s origin story? The Penguin’s background involves being ostracized due to his physical appearance and turning to a life of crime in Gotham City.
• How has the Penguin been portrayed differently over the years? Early depictions focused on a farcical, comical villain, while later interpretations, such as Farrell’s, explore a darker, more tragic side.
• What makes The Penguin a unique Batman villain? the Penguin’s unusual appearance and intellect set him apart from other villains in the Batman universe.
• What is the upcoming Max series, The Penguin, about? The series promises to delve deeper into the character’s backstory and motivations following the events of The Batman.
• Who created The Penguin character? Bob Kane and Bill Finger created The Penguin for Detective Comics #58 in 1941.
• Has Danny DeVito ever expressed interest in returning as The penguin? While no official announcements have been made, DeVito has expressed fondness for the role and openness to revisiting the character.
• What is the significance of The Penguin’s umbrellas? The umbrellas serve as both a weapon and a symbol of the character’s sophistication and eccentricity.

Share your thoughts on these iconic portrayals of The Penguin! What did you think of Farrell and DeVito’s discussion? Leave a comment below and join the conversation.

How did Colin Farrell and Danny DeVito approach the physical transformation required for their respective roles as The Penguin, and what impact did this have on their portrayal of the character?

The Evolution of a Villain: From DeVito’s Grounded Grit to Farrell’s visceral Performance

The Penguin, Batman’s iconic adversary, has seen several on-screen interpretations. However, Danny DeVito’s portrayal in Batman Returns (1992) and Colin Farrell’s in The Batman (2022) stand out for their distinct approaches. In a recent exclusive interview, both actors delved into their creative processes, revealing engaging insights into how they crafted their versions of Oswald Cobblepot. This article explores their perspectives on embodying the character, the challenges they faced, and the lasting impact of their performances on the Batman universe. We’ll examine the nuances of each take, focusing on character advancement, physical transformation, and the overall contribution to the villain’s legacy.

DeVito’s Penguin: A Creature of the Underworld

DeVito’s Penguin wasn’t simply a criminal mastermind; he was presented as a grotesque, almost animalistic figure, born from the sewers and fueled by resentment.

* Grounded Realism: DeVito emphasized the importance of grounding the character in a sense of reality, despite his outlandish appearance. He aimed to portray a man driven by desperation and a desire for acceptance.

* Physical Transformation: The prosthetic makeup was extensive, requiring hours in the chair each day. DeVito embraced the physical challenge, believing it was crucial to embodying the character’s deformities and vulnerabilities. He described the process as “liberating,” allowing him to shed his own persona and fully inhabit Cobblepot.

* Tim Burton’s Vision: DeVito credited director Tim Burton with providing a safe space for experimentation and encouraging him to push the boundaries of the character.Burton’s gothic aesthetic heavily influenced the portrayal, emphasizing the Penguin’s connection to the dark underbelly of Gotham City.

* The Penguin’s Motivation: DeVito focused on the Penguin’s abandonment and societal rejection as core motivators. He saw Cobblepot as a tragic figure, seeking power and recognition to compensate for a lifetime of suffering.

“It wasn’t about being a cartoon villain,” DeVito explained. “It was about a man who was treated horribly his entire life and finally decided to take what he wanted.” This approach resonated with audiences, establishing DeVito’s Penguin as a memorable and complex antagonist.

Farrell’s Penguin: A rising Force in Gotham’s Criminal Landscape

Colin farrell’s Penguin offered a stark contrast, presenting a more calculating and aspiring criminal in The Batman.while still bearing the physical hallmarks of the character, Farrell’s interpretation focused on the Penguin’s ascent within Gotham’s underworld.

* subtlety and Nuance: Farrell opted for a more restrained performance, relying on subtle gestures and facial expressions to convey the Penguin’s cunning and ruthlessness. The prosthetic makeup,while significant,was designed to enhance his performance rather than overwhelm it.

* Early Stages of Villainy: The Batman depicted the Penguin as a rising figure, still establishing his criminal empire. This allowed Farrell to explore the character’s vulnerabilities and ambitions in a way that previous iterations hadn’t.

* Matt Reeves’ Direction: Farrell praised director Matt Reeves for his collaborative approach and willingness to experiment. Reeves encouraged him to draw inspiration from classic gangster films, influencing the Penguin’s mannerisms and overall demeanor.

* The Penguin’s business Acumen: Farrell highlighted the Penguin’s entrepreneurial spirit, portraying him as a shrewd businessman who saw prospect in gotham’s chaos. This aspect of the character added a layer of complexity, making him a more formidable adversary.

“I wanted to play him as someone who was genuinely trying to build something,” Farrell stated. “He’s not just a madman; he’s a businessman with a very specific set of skills.” This interpretation positioned the Penguin as a credible threat, capable of challenging Batman’s authority.

Comparing and Contrasting the two Interpretations: A Legacy of Villainy

Both DeVito and Farrell delivered compelling performances, but their approaches differed considerably. DeVito’s Penguin was a creature of instinct, driven by primal urges and a desire for revenge. Farrell’s Penguin, on the other hand, was a calculated strategist, focused on building a criminal empire.

Feature	Danny DeVito’s Penguin	Colin Farrell’s penguin
Overall Tone	Grotesque, Tragic	Calculating, Ambitious
Physicality	Highly Deformed, Animalistic	Subtly Altered, Menacing
Motivation	Revenge, Acceptance	Power, Control
Stage of Villainy	Established Criminal	Rising Force
Influence	Gothic Horror, Expressionism	Neo-Noir, Gangster Films

Despite these differences, both actors successfully captured the essence of the Penguin: a complex, flawed, and ultimately tragic figure. Their interpretations demonstrate the character’s versatility and enduring appeal. The Penguin’s ability to be reimagined across different eras and styles speaks to the strength of the source material and the talent