In The Batman 2, audiences will return to Matt Reeves’ gritty vision of Gotham, with the looming question of who will face Robert Pattinson’s Batman next. While Joker is always a strong contender, Colin Farrell’s Penguin —Oswald Cobblepot—has emerged as a uniquely powerful and compelling antagonist. In fact, with Penguin’s character arc and influence, he might just be the villain who could take Gotham’s chaos to a new level in The Batman 2.
Director Matt Reeves has carefully developed Gotham as a dark, immersive world, where crime and corruption run rampant. With The Batman 2, he has a chance to deepen the story by exploring Penguin’s evolution from a crime lord into a full-fledged villain. This article delves into why Penguin, rather than Joker, might be the perfect main villain, breaking down his rise to power, character complexity, and the unique threat he poses to Batman.
Penguin’s Role in The Batman and How It Sets the Stage
Oswald Cobblepot, better known as Penguin, started as a side character in The Batman, running criminal activities under Gotham’s reigning mob bosses. His shady dealings and ambition made him a notable figure, but he didn’t have the full influence or power to challenge Batman. However, the end of The Batman showed the collapse of the established crime families, leaving a vacuum that Penguin is poised to fill.
In The Batman 2, Penguin’s rise to power will highlight his cunning and opportunism. The criminal underworld in Gotham City is desperate for new leadership, and Oswald has the resources, ruthlessness, and intelligence to become the new kingpin. By making Penguin the main villain, Reeves can showcase his transformation from a clever mobster into a truly dangerous force that Gotham—and Batman—must contend with.
A More Grounded Villain for The Batman 2: The Appeal of Penguin
While Joker is typically portrayed as Batman’s ultimate rival, The Batman 2 could benefit from focusing on a more grounded, believable villain like Penguin. Penguin embodies the real-life corruption, ambition, and power struggles that plague Gotham. He’s less theatrical than Joker, which allows him to operate in the shadows, using his connections and influence to gain control without drawing too much attention.
This realistic portrayal of Penguin makes him a strong fit for Matt Reeves’ vision. By showcasing Oswald Cobblepot’s dark rise to power, The Batman 2 can explore themes of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal, revealing how Gotham City’s criminal underworld operates. Penguin’s grounded character serves as a reminder of how Gotham creates its own villains and mirrors the city’s worst qualities.
Penguin vs. Batman: A New Rivalry with Deep Psychological Layers
Unlike Joker’s chaotic, unpredictable nature, Penguin’s character is driven by a desire for respect and control. His ruthlessness isn’t about creating chaos for the sake of it but rather asserting his authority. In The Batman 2, Penguin’s ambition makes him a unique adversary for Batman. This film could dive into Penguin’s psychological motivations, contrasting them with Bruce Wayne’s ideals.
The rivalry between Batman and Penguin goes beyond physical combat; it’s a battle of wits, influence, and moral ground. Oswald’s ascent to power is also rooted in a twisted mirror of Batman’s journey. While Bruce Wayne uses his resources to save Gotham, Oswald uses his criminal empire to exploit it, both men believing in their respective causes. This complex dynamic offers The Batman 2 a unique take on the hero-villain relationship.
Joker vs. Penguin: Why Penguin Fits Better as the Villain in The Batman 2
With Barry Keoghan’s Joker briefly appearing in The Batman, many fans were excited about the possibility of seeing him as the main villain in The Batman 2. However, bringing Joker to the forefront might distract from the film’s grounded tone. Joker’s chaos and unpredictable nature could be too overwhelming for The Batman 2, which seems better suited to explore Gotham’s organized crime.
Instead, The Batman 2 could use Joker as a secondary antagonist, building him up for a future installment while allowing Penguin to shine. The Joker’s presence could serve as a contrast, highlighting Penguin’s methodical approach to power. This decision would allow Penguin’s character to receive the spotlight he deserves while hinting at Joker’s eventual role in the series.
Penguin’s Transformation in The Batman 2: From Crime Boss to True Villain
In the first film, Penguin was largely seen as an underling, but The Batman 2 can emphasize his growth into a true villain who wields considerable power. By making strategic alliances and using his cunning, Penguin could manipulate events to his advantage, reshaping Gotham’s criminal underworld to suit his needs.
Penguin’s ambition extends beyond personal gain; he wants to transform Gotham’s criminal structure to ensure his long-term dominance. In The Batman 2, Penguin could present himself as a businessman or “legitimate” leader in Gotham, hiding his criminal activities while gaining favor with the city’s elite. This complex portrayal would allow The Batman 2 to explore themes of corruption, power, and the moral compromises that individuals make to achieve their goals.
How The Batman 2 Can Humanize Penguin’s Villainy
Despite his ruthless nature, Penguin’s character also has human qualities that make him relatable to audiences. He’s motivated by a desire for respect, something that many people can identify with. This aspect of his character adds depth to his role, making him a sympathetic yet dangerous villain.
In The Batman 2, Reeves could delve into Penguin’s background, showing the experiences that shaped him into the man he is. By humanizing him, the film can create a villain who isn’t just evil for the sake of it but driven by personal ambition and a hunger for power. This approach would allow audiences to connect with Penguin on a more emotional level, making him a villain they understand—even if they don’t agree with his actions.
Penguin as Gotham’s Symbol of Corruption in The Batman 2
One of the most compelling reasons to focus on Penguin as the main villain in The Batman 2 is his embodiment of Gotham’s corruption. Unlike Joker, who represents chaos, Penguin is a symbol of the systemic problems that plague the city. His rise to power reflects how Gotham’s institutions often protect those who manipulate the system, allowing criminals to thrive while ordinary citizens suffer.
In The Batman 2, Penguin could use his influence to corrupt Gotham’s police, judiciary, and political system, demonstrating how deeply rooted crime is in the city. This theme would give The Batman 2 a darker, more complex narrative, showcasing Gotham’s struggle with its own identity and moral integrity.
