‘The Penguin’ Redefines Batman’s Nickname — And It Means More Than You Think

When Colin Farrell was cast as Oswald Cobblepot, aka The Penguin, in Matt Reeves’ The Batman, many fans were uncertain, unsure of what to expect from his performance. Farrell didn’t quite fit the physical look of the character, which raised concerns.

However, his portrayal as a villain exceeded expectations, and the costume design team did an incredible job transforming him into a believable Penguin. The character became so popular that HBO quickly ordered a standalone spin-off series.

Titled The Penguin, the show premiered on September 19, 2024, and has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from both critics and viewers. It’s being hailed as a worthy continuation of Reeves’ film and an excellent example of immersive world-building.

The cast’s performances are receiving high praise, but the detailed expansion of Reeves’ universe is also capturing fans’ attention, which is why this report focuses on the series’ intricate lore.

In this article, we’ll dive into a seemingly minor yet important aspect of Reeves’ fictional world—specifically, a notable change related to Batman, the series’ absent superhero. The show has introduced a shift in Batman’s iconic nickname, and it carries more significance than it initially appears.

In Reeves’ The Batman, which depicted a “Year Two” version of the character, Batman was still somewhat of a myth in Gotham. While people knew of his presence, he remained so shrouded in mystery that exaggerated, almost supernatural stories surrounded him.

Citizens were more terrified of what Batman symbolized than of the man himself, with some attributing eerie, otherworldly qualities to him in these tales.

At the time, Batman was famously known as “Vengeance,” a nickname that stuck because of his repeated line, “I’m vengeance.” This phrase became a defining characteristic of his persona. However, after the events of the film, particularly his role in responding to the flooding caused by the Riddler, Gotham’s perception of him has shifted.

Batman is no longer seen as a mysterious, supernatural figure. While criminals still fear him, the general public’s fear has diminished. This change is evident in the media’s new nickname for him: “the Batman vigilante.”

This marks a significant shift, indicating that Batman is now viewed less as a menacing figure and more as a man striving to make Gotham a safer place.

This change in perception could lead to a different direction in The Batman: Part II, as the public comes to understand Batman’s true mission.

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