Colin Farrell and Danny DeVito are connected. Not because they are related but because both of them are part of a long line of actors playing Oswald Cobblepot/ The Penguin. DeVito played the villain in the 1992 film Batman Returns, directed by Tim Burton.
On the other hand, Farrell is a recent entry as he played the character in 2022’s The Batman directed by Matt Reeves. So how does DeVito feel about Farrell portraying the character that he once did? Also, with Michael Keaton returning as Batman in The Flash, is there a chance for DeVito to make a comeback as well?
Danny DeVito Comments On Colin Farrell Playing The Penguin
Variety reported that Danny DeVito had commented on Colin Farrell’s version of one of Batman’s most famous villains, the Penguin. At the Breakthrough Prize gala, the former Penguin actor showered praise on Farrell before sneaking in a joke about the character and him. He said:
“Colin Farrell is the Penguin now. He’s a brilliant actor. I love him. He’s a good friend. He’s a good man. I loved seeing him as the Penguin. I thought he was great. He reminds me of a couple of my relatives back in Jersey.”
Batman Returns grossed $266 million on a $50 million to $80 million budget. Danny DeVito’s performance was appreciated by many. Similarly, Farrell’s performance was loved by all in The Batman which grossed $770.9 million on a $185 million to 200 million budget.
The Total Recall actor is now getting his spinoff show on HBO Max. Farrell confirmed in an interview with Variety that The Penguin show will be set right after the events of The Batman. He said:
“It starts about a week after The Batman ends. So, Gotham is still, somewhat, underwater. I read the first script of the first episode and it opens up on my feet splashing through the water in Falcone’s office.”
The series is expected to flesh out the Penguin as well as the criminal underbelly of Gotham. There has been no confirmation on whether Robert Pattinson will appear in the show as Batman or Bruce Wayne. Speaking of Batman, we will see another dark knight on screens soon, but will Danny DeVito return with him?
Will Danny DeVito Play The Penguin In The DCU?
Michael Keaton is returning as Batman in the upcoming The Flash film. As of now, not even one of his Batman or Batman Returns co-stars have been confirmed to be returning with him. Variety clarified that even Danny DeVito doesn’t have any hope of returning. The outlet stated:
“Michael Keaton may be reprising his role as Batman in The Flash, but Danny DeVito says there’s no chance he’ll return as the Penguin in the DCU.”
The Batman is going to be a part of the Elseworlds label under the DCU. With The Flash finally bringing the multiverse concept into the DC universe, many fans think it’s possible that down the line we will see an event where villains and heroes of the past will collide with the present versions of their characters. However, this is just a fan theory as of now. Yet, seeing Danny DeVito reprise his role as the Penguin will definitely be a treat.
The Batman is streaming on HBO Max, and The Penguin has no release date yet.
Source: Variety
