The Batman: Danny DeVito Approves Of Colin Farrell Penguin Casting

Danny DeVito approves of the casting choice of Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin in Matt Reeves’ upcoming film The Batman. DeVito played the role in Tim Burton’s 1992 film Batman Returns. The film was a darker and much weirder version of Gotham than what we had seen previously in Burton’s Batman (1989), and DeVito’s silly-yet-frightening performance as the character stood in stark contrast with previous live-action portrayals. While Batman Returns, and DeVito’s performance, might have been a little too weird for mainstream audiences back in 1992, both the film and DeVito’s Penguin have only gained reverence in the years since.

To say that DeVito’s portrayal as The Penguin is iconic is almost an understatement. Although DeVito wasn’t the first actor to play the character in live-action (that honor goes to Burgess Meredith in the original 1960s Batman TV series), he is probably who most people think of when they think about The Penguin. DeVito’s version had a dramatically different look compared to both Meredith and the comics. Oswald Cobblepot was typically portrayed as a shorter man who had very slight “penguin-like” features. However, DeVito’s Cobblepot was almost part-man, part-penguin, with sharp teeth, black bile that oozed from his mouth and nose, and flippers. On top of all that, DeVito’s manic and tremendous performance was both utterly horrifying and laugh-out-loud funny. For many who saw Batman Returns, the image of DeVito as The Penguin is burned into the deepest recesses of their minds.

Related: What Robert Pattinson’s Batman Can Learn From Previous Movie Versions

In an interview with Collider, DeVito expressed his anticipation and excitement for Farrell’s take on Oswald Cobblepot in The Batman. Although DeVito hadn’t spoken to Farrell since the two worked on Tim Burton’s live-action Dumbo remake, he is assured that Farrell will do the character justice. DeVito remarked that he has confidence that Farrell will bring a good performance, simply because he’s a good actor. The only point of concern DeVito mentioned, albeit in a joking manner, was that the character could really bury himself inside your head, and Farrell might have trouble getting him out.

“I haven’t spoken to him since, but I’m really looking forward to it. I think that no matter what, he’s gonna be great because he’s a great actor. The only thing he has to worry about is that Oswald Cobblepot will show up at his house.”

Farrell and DeVito both worked on Dumbo together, but that isn’t the only connective tissue between Burton’s Batman and Reeves’ upcoming film. Notably, there have been some very interesting parallels between Batman Returns and The Batman. Both films feature Catwoman and The Penguin. Rumors state that Reeves’ version of Gotham will be more grounded, possibly leading to Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of the caped crusader falling more in line with Michael Keaton’s thoughtful and calm performance that we saw especially emphasized in Batman Returns. It is yet to be seen if Farrell’s version of The Penguin was raised in the sewers and has actual flippers, though.

While DeVito’s performance as Oswald Cobblepot is probably the definitive live-action version of the character, that doesn’t mean Farrell won’t be able to bring something special to the table. As great as DeVito was, a Penguin that is as over-the-top as his portrayal was probably wouldn’t work in Reeves’ version of Gotham. DeVito has been supportive of Farrell’s casting since it was announced, and a performance that is significantly different than DeVito’s is most likely what Farrell and Reeves will be going for in the new film. A more grounded Penguin is probably what we’ll get in The Batman, and hopefully, we’ll get one that will one day be as iconic as DeVito’s.

Next: All 3 Versions Of Batman In Future DC Movies Explained

Source: Collider