The series The Penguin HBO’s Batman: The Last of Us is set to expand Matt Reeves’ film universe, but those hoping for a cameo appearance from Robert Pattinson’s Batman will be disappointed.
Showrunner and writer Lauren LeFranc has confirmed that Pattinson’s latest iteration of the Dark Knight will not be appearing in the new spinoff series, and fans will have to wait a little longer. The Batman 2 to see him again.
However, there is a good reason why the DC superhero is not present in this spin-off. The Penguin explores the dark side of Gotham in depth, focusing on Oswald Cobblepot’s, now known as Oz Cobb, attempt to regain his position after the events of the first film. The Batman of 2022.
So, LeFranc explained that there was no reason to include Bruce Wayne. Addressing SFXLeFranc said: “I understand why people want to see Batman, or think that if Batman isn’t in a series or a movie, it lacks impact. For me, I think it brings a different kind of impact.
“Matt’s movies are seen through the prism of Batman, so you’re up high, looking down on the city. It’s a different perspective. With Oz, you’re on the streets of the city, in the grime and the mud and the dirt. He’s looking up, wanting to get to the top.
“I think Gotham is an interesting enough city that it deserves more doors to be opened and for us to walk through and see what we think.”
Reeves also agrees that Wayne is not a necessary addition, explaining that the series is “an extension of what is fundamentally there”.
He continued: “We know this is Batman’s world. You go down another alley. So the specter of Batman is there. The specter of the Riddler is there. The specter of everything that happens in the last movie is there. It informs it. And that’s exactly where we start.”
So, The Penguin is a superhero series without superheroes, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t fit into Reeves’ universe. The series takes place a week after the events of the film, after Gotham has been destroyed by a massive flood caused by the Riddler.
Fans’ anticipation for a new Batman has been heightened in recent weeks with the return of The Batman in theaters earlier this month. On social media, the film is being hailed as one of the best superhero movies ever made, praise that only further raises the bar for The Penguin.
You can now find our explanation of episode 1 of The Penguinas well as the series release schedule. Also find out who this character is from The Batman who was quietly recast for the spin-off, or what is this other spin-off series that is already in the works.
