Unveiling a New Side of The Penguin: Batman Villain Rocks Out to Dolly Parton in HBO Series

The Penguin, the new HBO series set in the Batman universe, takes a bold new approach to the iconic villain. In the first episode titled “After Hours,” viewers are treated to a surprising ending featuring The Penguin, played by Colin Farrell, rocking out to Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” after getting away with murder. This unexpected needledrop not only injects much-needed humor into the typically dark series but also grounds the character in the real world.

According to the director and executive producer of The Penguin, Craig Zobel, the choice of song was not predetermined. They shot the scene without knowing exactly what song would play on the radio. Zobel revealed that they tried numerous songs before settling on “9 to 5.” They wanted an embarrassing song that would say something about Oz Cobb, The Penguin’s alter ego. The idea that Oz secretly loves Dolly Parton and grew up listening to her music added an interesting layer to his tough and scary persona.

The Penguin is a character study that offers a new exploration of one of Batman’s most recognizable villains. Set after the events of the upcoming film The Batman, the series follows Oswald “Oz” Cobb as he takes advantage of the power vacuum in Gotham’s underworld in the wake of Carmine Falcone’s death. The showrunner, Lauren LeFranc, was given the freedom to tell Oz’s rise to power story while leading into The Batman sequel. This empowered her to follow her own muse and delve into the emotional and psychological aspects of the character.

The creative team behind The Penguin aimed to strike a balance between honoring the Penguin’s iconography and bringing something fresh to the character. They debated whether to include the use of an umbrella, a signature accessory of the Penguin. While they didn’t want to make the character a carbon copy of previous iterations, they acknowledged that a character like Oz would use an umbrella in the rain. This push-and-pull dynamic extended to other elements of the Penguin’s identity, such as his iconic monocle. While the team considered having sunglasses that could be broken to resemble a monocle, they ultimately decided against it.

Matt Reeves, the executive producer of The Batman and The Penguin, emphasized the importance of reinterpretation in adapting these beloved characters for the screen. He believes that finding ways to make the material feel new and introducing compelling reasons for audiences to revisit these characters are essential. This approach is evident in the decision to make the Penguin a Dolly Parton fan, a surprising and fresh take on the character that adds depth and complexity to his portrayal.

In conclusion, HBO’s The Penguin takes a unique approach to the Batman universe by infusing humor, exploring new aspects of the character, and reinterpreting familiar elements. The series carefully balances honoring the Penguin’s iconography while offering fresh insights and surprises. The choice to have the Penguin rock out to Dolly Parton’s music not only adds a touch of humor but also grounds the character in the real world. This character study of the Penguin allows for a deeper exploration of his rise to power and introduces unexpected developments. Overall, The Penguin demonstrates the creative team’s commitment to making the material feel new and exciting for audiences.