The Batman: 10 Things To Remember Before The Penguin

The Penguin continues Matt Reeves’ grim and gritty take on Gotham City following The Batman, which has several important plot points to bear in mind before the Penguin reemerges. 2022’s The Batman introduced a noir-inspired yet modern take on DC’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 in The Batman, stars in his own television series depicting his rise to power.

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HBO’s The Penguin is set just two weeks after The Batman’s thrilling conclusion. As such, many vital developments from The Batman influence the narrative, depicting how Gotham’s dark, crime-ridden landscape shifts after the film’s events. Likewise, The Penguin will also likely impact The 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 the primary DCEU timeline and James Gunn’s DCU.

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10 The 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 in The Batman, it serves as the base 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 in The Batman hints at its potential importance in The Penguin TV 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 be a 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.

9 The Penguin Was A Lieutenant For Carmine Falcone’s Crime Syndicate

In The Batman, Oswald Cobb Initially Worked For Falcone

In The 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 throughout The Batman, subtle hints are dropped about his 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.

8 Carmine Falcone Is Implicated In The Waynes’ Murder

The Batman Established A Connection Between The Waynes And Organized Crime

One of the major revelations in The Batman involves 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 as a symbol of hope and philanthropy, but The Batman introduces 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. As The Penguin series explores Gotham’s criminal landscape post-Falcone, further details about the Waynes’ connection to the mob may emerge, adding layers to the city’s murky history.

7 Several 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 in The Batman, and most other Batman tales. Many officers, including those in high-ranking positions, are revealed to be on Carmine Falcone’s payroll. This systemic corruption 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.

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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 Penguin will depict how Oswald Cobb navigates these corrupt systems as he tries to seize control of Gotham’s underworld.

6 The 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 in The Batman revolves around the identity of the GCPD’s informant. For much of the movie, it’s assumed that Oswald Cobb is the mysterious 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 to step into this more manipulative role comparable to the comics. Oswald will likely deploy similar tactics in The Penguin, becoming an informant himself or using the police in other ways to advance his ambitions.

5 The Riddler Killed Carmine Falcone

Falcone Was Assassinated During His Arrest

The Riddler, portrayed by Paul Dano in The 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 and paved the way for new players to rise to power. For The Penguin series, 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.

4 Bella Reál Has Been Elected As Gotham’s New Mayor

Bella Reál Is Elected During The Gotham Square Gardens Scene

Towards the end of The 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 that stands against the corruption and criminal influence that has plagued Gotham for 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 in The Penguin series, though she has not been confirmed in The 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, who seeks 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.

3 Gotham City Has Been Flooded

The Riddler Destroys Gotham’s Seawall

One of the most dramatic developments in The Batman is 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. As The Penguin is set just weeks later, the results of this will presumably play a significant part in the narrative. With the city in disarray, it creates the perfect 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.

2 Carmine Falcone’s Death Left A Power Vacuum In Gotham’s Underworld

The Penguin Depicts The Results Of This

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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 Penguin will 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.

1 The Riddler Is Imprisoned In Arkham, Where He Befriends A Familiar Inmate

Three Of Batman’s Most Iconic Villains Have Been Established

At the end of The 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 a new alliance may be forming between Gotham’s most notorious criminals, hinting at future chaos for the city.

While The Penguin series focuses on Oswald Cobb’s rise, the presence of these two major villains in Arkham cannot be ignored. The Riddler and Joker’s potential partnership could 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 in The Penguin, their presence in the background following The Batman adds another layer of tension and intrigue to the series.

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The Batman is a part of the DC Elseworlds series of films and centers around a younger Bruce Wayne, who has taken up the mantle of Batman only two years prior. Batman finds himself stuck in a game concocted by a dangerous new foe known as the Riddler, a serial killer who targets elite members of Gotham’s society. Working together with Lieutenant James Gordon, Batman will attempt to uncover the mystery surrounding the Riddler’s killing spree.
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.

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