The Penguincontinues Matt Reeves’ grim and gritty take on Gotham City followingThe Batman, which has several important plot points to bear in mind before the Penguin reemerges. 2022’sThe Batmanintroduced a noir-inspired yet modern take onDC’s Gotham City, along with its complex criminal network. Among these was Collin Farrell’s Oswald Cobb (rather than Cobblepot), who, despite a relatively minor role inThe Batman, stars in his own television series depicting his rise to power.
HBO’sThe Penguinis set just two weeks afterThe Batman’s thrilling conclusion. As such, many vital developments fromThe Batmaninfluence the narrative, depicting how Gotham’s dark, crime-ridden landscape shifts after the film’s events. Likewise,The Penguinwill also likelyimpactThe Batman – Part 2.All of these projects are a part of DC Elseworlds and are termed the “Batman Epic Crime Saga.” These occupy a distinct continuity, separate from theprimary DCEU timelineand James Gunn’s DCU.
10The Penguin Owns The Iceberg Lounge Nightclub
Oswald Cobblepot’s Iconic Club From The Comics
The Iceberg Lounge is one of Gotham’s most infamous nightclubs, and inThe Batman, it serves as thebase of operations for Oswald Cobb, aka The Penguin. Located on the Gotham waterfront, the nightclub is a popular venue for both high-profile politicians and notorious criminals. The Iceberg Lounge isn’t just a place of entertainment; it’s a front for organized crime, where deals are made, secrets are exchanged, and bribes are passed between corrupt city officials.
The club’s prominence inThe Batmanhints at its potential importance inThe PenguinTV series. As Oswald steps into a more dominant role in Gotham’s underworld following Carmine Falcone’s death, it’s likely the Iceberg Lounge will continue to bea central hub for his criminal activities. The nightclub represents Penguin’s stronghold, and it is where he consolidates his power, builds alliances, and takes full control of the city’s criminal enterprises.
9The Penguin Was A Lieutenant For Carmine Falcone’s Crime Syndicate
In The Batman, Oswald Cobb Initially Worked For Falcone
InThe Batman, Oswald Cobb holds a significant role as a lieutenant in Carmine Falcone’s crime syndicate. As Falcone’s right-hand man,Oswald plays a key part in managing the family’s illegal operations, especially at the Iceberg Lounge. He operates in the shadows, overseeing everything from drug trafficking to political corruption. While Falcone is the boss, Penguin is a trusted figure, handling much of the dirty work and ensuring Falcone’s interests are protected.
However, despite his loyalty, it’s clear that Penguin has ambitions beyond being a mere lieutenant. He isn’t content with his current position, and throughoutThe Batman, subtle hints are dropped abouthis desire to rise higher in the criminal ranks. This culminates in Penguin calling Falcone out as a rat when he’s arrested, even suggesting that Falcone will only last one night in Black Gate Prison.
8Carmine Falcone Is Implicated In The Waynes' Murder
The Batman Established A Connection Between The Waynes And Organized Crime
One of the major revelations inThe Batmaninvolves Carmine Falcone’s potential connection to the murder of Bruce Wayne’s parents, Thomas and Martha Wayne. Throughout Gotham’s history, the Waynes were seen asa symbol of hope and philanthropy, butThe Batmanintroduces a darker narrative. It’s revealed that Thomas Wayne, while running for mayor, sought Falcone’s help to silence a journalist threatening to expose Martha’s mental health struggles.
While Thomas may not have intended for the journalist to be killed, Falcone took matters into his own hands, leading to unintended consequences. Racked with Guilt, Thomas Wayne intended to go to the police, but was killed, along with Martha, before he could. AsThe Penguinseries explores Gotham’s criminal landscape post-Falcone, further details about the Waynes’ connection to the mob mayemerge, adding layers to the city’s murky history.
7Several Gotham City Police Officers Were On Falcone’s Payroll
A Common Theme In Batman
Corruption within the Gotham City Police Department (GCPD) is a significant theme inThe Batman, and most otherBatmantales. Many officers, including those in high-ranking positions, are revealed to be on Carmine Falcone’s payroll. This systemiccorruption allows Falcone’s criminal empire to operate with impunity, as he has the law on his side. Officers turn a blind eye to his operations, and any threats to his power are quickly silenced.
The extent of this corruption is exposed when Batman and Jim Gordon discover just how deep Falcone’s influence runs. From drug deals to political manipulation,the GCPD’s complicity in Falcone’s empire is shocking. This revelation plays a crucial role in Falcone’s eventual downfall, as the remaining GCPD officers band together to bring the crime boss down.The Penguinwill depict how Oswald Cobb navigates these corrupt systems as he tries to seize control of Gotham’s underworld.
6The Penguin Wasn’t The GCPD’s Informant, Carmine Falcone Was
Throughout The Batman The Penguin Was Implied To Be A GCPD Informant
One of the plot twists inThe Batmanrevolves around the identity of the GCPD’s informant. For much of the movie, it’s assumed that Oswald Cobb is themysterious informant who has been leaking information to the police. However, it’s ultimately revealed to be Carmine Falcone. It demonstrates just how deeply Falcone was embedded in Gotham’s power structure. By feeding select information to the police, Falcone was able to take down his predecessor, Salvatore Maroni, and subsequently inherit his crime syndicate.
This twist also shifts the spotlight from Penguin, who, while a significant player in the underworld, is not the manipulative figure pulling all the strings - yet. With Falcone’s death, Penguin now has the opportunity tostep into this more manipulative role comparable to the comics. Oswald will likely deploy similar tactics inThe Penguin, becoming an informant himself or using the police in other ways to advance his ambitions.
5The Riddler Killed Carmine Falcone
Falcone Was Assassinated During His Arrest
The Riddler, portrayed by Paul Dano inThe Batman, is responsible for several high-profile murders throughout Gotham, targeting corrupt officials and those who contributed to the city’s downfall. His ultimate target, however, was Carmine Falcone. In a dramatic scene, the Riddler lures Falcone into a trap by setting up his arrest at the hands of Batman. The Riddler kills him,exposing Gotham’s criminal underworld to the public.
This assassination marks a pivotal moment in the film for several reasons. Carmine Falcone’s death dismantles the power structure that has kept Gotham’s criminal operations running for years. The Riddler’s actions exposed Gotham’s corruption andpaved the way for new players to rise to power. ForThe Penguinseries, Falcone’s death is a critical event, as it sets the stage for Oswald’s transformation from a mid-level gangster to a major crime boss.
4Bella Reál Has Been Elected As Gotham’s New Mayor
Bella Reál Is Elected During The Gotham Square Gardens Scene
Towards the end ofThe Batman, Bella Reál (portrayed by Jayme Lawson) is elected as Gotham’s new mayor, running on a platform of change and reform. She represents a new direction for the city, one thatstands against the corruption and criminal influence that has plagued Gothamfor decades. However, her election comes at a time of great instability. This culminates in assassination attempts against her life and the Riddler’s bombing.
Bella Reál’s leadership will likely be tested inThe Penguinseries, though she has not been confirmed inThe Penguin’s cast. Nevertheless, Bella Reál was elected and her efforts to clean up the city and root out corruption will likely put her at odds with Penguin, whoseeks to capitalize on the city’s vulnerability. This tension between Gotham’s new political leadership and its resurgent criminal underworld will be a key dynamic to watch in the upcoming series.
3Gotham City Has Been Flooded
The Riddler Destroys Gotham’s Seawall
One of the most dramatic developments inThe Batmanis the flooding of Gotham City. After the Riddler’s attack, several bombs detonate along Gotham’s seawalls, causing massive flooding throughout the city. The devastation is widespread, with many parts of Gotham submerged underwater. This disaster leaves the city in a state of chaos,displacing thousands of residents and weakening the city’s infrastructure.
The flooding serves as a metaphor for the collapse of Gotham’s social and political structures, and its cleansing. AsThe Penguinis set just weeks later, the results of this will presumably play a significant part in the narrative. With the city in disarray, it creates theperfect environment for criminals like Penguin to seize power and exploit the situation. For Penguin, the city’s vulnerability may offer a chance to consolidate power and expand his criminal empire while the rest of the city struggles to rebuild.
2Carmine Falcone’s Death Left A Power Vacuum In Gotham’s Underworld
The Penguin Depicts The Results Of This
Carmine Falcone’s death at the hands of the Riddler creates a massive power vacuum in Gotham’s criminal underworld. As the city’s most powerful mob boss, Falcone controlled a vast network of criminal enterprises, from drug trafficking to political bribery. With him gone, there’s a scramble among Gotham’s remaining criminals to seize control of the city’s underworld.
For Oswald Cobb, this is the opportunity he’s been waiting for. No longer a mere lieutenant, Penguin now has the chance to rise to the top and become the dominant figure in Gotham’s crime scene. However, he won’t be the only one vying for power. Other criminal factions and ambitious players will undoubtedly emerge, making the battle for control fierce and dangerous.The Penguinwill focus on Oswald’s journey to navigate this power struggle, as he seeks to carve out his own empire in a city that’s more volatile than ever.
1The Riddler Is Imprisoned In Arkham, Where He Befriends A Familiar Inmate
Three Of Batman’s Most Iconic Villains Have Been Established
At the end ofThe Batman, the Riddler is imprisoned in Arkham Asylum after being captured by Batman. However, in the film’s closing moments, the Riddler befriends another inmate at Arkham,Barry Keoghan’s Joker. This brief interaction suggests that anew alliance may be forming between Gotham’s most notorious criminals, hinting at future chaos for the city.
WhileThe Penguinseries focuses on Oswald Cobb’s rise, the presence of these two major villains in Arkham cannot be ignored. The Riddler and Joker’s potential partnershipcould have significant implications for Gotham’s criminal landscape, and it’s possible their influence will be felt outside the walls of Arkham. Whether or not they play a direct role inThe Penguin, their presence in the background followingThe Batmanadds another layer of tension and intrigue to the series.
The Batman
Cast
The Batman follows a young Bruce Wayne as he investigates a sadistic serial killer targeting key political figures in Gotham. As he delves deeper, he is confronted by the city’s hidden corruption and questions surrounding his own family’s legacy.
The Penguin
Created by Lauren LeFranc, The Penguin is a crime-drama spin-off television series of 2022’s film The Batman. Set shortly after the events of The Batman, Oz Cobb, A.K.A. the Penguin, begins his rise in the underworld of Gotham City as he contends with the daughter of his late boss, Carmine Falcone, for control of the crime family’s empire.
