Summary

  • The original concept art for Penguin in "The Batman" shows a more traditional gangster look for the character.
  • The decision to use prosthetics and makeup to transform Colin Farrell into Penguin has largely been considered a stroke of creative genius.
  • The transformation allows Farrell to disappear into the role and stand out as a unique and underestimated Gotham rogue seeking more power from the city's underworld.

the newest version of the Batmobile. However, this early concept art suggests The Penguin might not have been as iconic as he became in the film itself.

In a thread from Twitter/X @the_whar, a variety of on-screen Batman villains are compared with their original concept art. This includes Farrell's Penguin, revealing how the character was originally envisioned:

It seems as though the initial designs for Penguin came before the decision to add all the prosthetics which massively changed Farrell's appearance. To that end, it does seem as though this decision was for the best, creating a truly dynamic version of one of Batman's most classic and dangerous enemies.

Collage of characters from Super Man 2025, Constantine and Batman II
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The Batman's Unused Penguin Designs Didn't Use The Movie's Prosthetics

Colin Farrell's Penguin Would Have Been More Recognizable

The Batman Concept Art Reveals a Completely Different Design for Penguin

Before the decision to use all the impressive makeup, prosthetics, and a fat suit to bring Penguin to life, it seems as though this early version of Oswald would have been more of a traditional gangster in The Batman. Collin Farell would have also been more recognizable as the man playing one of Batman's foes. To that end, that art certainly depicts a more confident-looking and handsome version of the villain.

However, there's not much about this original depiction that makes him look like the Gotham rogue on the page who eventually takes over the city's organized crime. After all, Oswald Cobblepot received his Penguin name largely because of his looks. Given the setting of The Batman and the early stages of Batman's crusade, perhaps it was originally thought that this could be a version of Cobblepot who'd yet to receive his Penguin title.

Why The Batman's Final Penguin Design Is Better

A Truly Unique Gotham Rogue

A split image of Batman (Robert Pattinson) and Penguin (Collin Farrell) from The Batman and The Penguin

That being said, the decision to massively transform Farell and his look as The Penguin has largely been considered a stroke of genius. Farrell is almost unrecognizable with all the prosthetics and makeup, allowing him to disappear into the role while also helping him stand out as a Gotham rogue seeking more and more power within the city's underworld. Being made fun of for his Penguin-like appearance with his pointed notice and waddling walk allows Penguin to be underestimated in The Batman universe, and his rise to power should be quite the dynamic arc in the Penguin series on Max.

Source: Twitter/@the_whar

The Penguin will begin streaming on Max in 2024.

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The Batman
PG-13
Crime
Action
Drama
8/10
177
8.6/10
Release Date
March 4, 2022
Runtime
176 minutes
Director
Matt Reeves

Cast

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WHERE TO WATCH

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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.

Writers
Matt Reeves, Peter Craig, Bob Kane, Bill Finger
Sequel(s)
The Batman Part II
Franchise(s)
DC Comics
Budget
$200 million
Studio(s)
DC