After the triumph of DC’s
The Penguin, I am convinced that the franchise’s most risky films are ideal for the DCU’s future. In 2024, DC took a bold leap by focusing on a character outside the usual spotlight: The Penguin. This release not only proved to be a resounding success but also demonstrated the potential for riskier, villain-centric projects. With the DCU teasing upcoming films centered on Bane, Deathstroke, and Clayface, The Penguin’s success may very well serve as a blueprint for the future of the franchise.
The Penguin depicted the eponymous villain’s rise to power in Gotham’s criminal underbelly. It starred Colin Farrel as the villainous Penguin, reprising his role from Matt Reeves’ The Batman. The success of The Penguin has opened the door for other underexplored villains to take the stage. This shift marks a significant evolution in DC"s strategy, moving beyond Batman-centric narratives to focus on the dark and compelling stories of Gotham’s criminal underworld.
The Penguin Was A Real Risk That Paid Off Massively For DC Close When DC announced a series entirely dedicated to the Penguin, it was met with a mix of intrigue and skepticism. While Gotham City’s crime boss has always been a memorable villain, he’s
rarely been a leading figure. Even the television series Gotham, which gave substantial screen time to the character’s origin story, didn’t solely focus on him.