The Penguin, a new HBO series starring Colin Farrell, premieres today, expanding the universe established in 2022's The Batman.

Set just one week after the climax of The Batman, the series bridges the narrative gap leading to the anticipated sequel.

This series serves as a direct sequel to Matt Reeves's film, maintaining continuity within Gotham City.

Colin Farrell delivers a transformative performance as Oz Cobb, utilizing extensive prosthetics and a distinctive accent to portray the character's complexity.

Farrell shared that the phrase 'Gefilte fish' was instrumental in helping him maintain his accent during filming.

The character of Oz Cobb is depicted as a flawed protagonist navigating his rise in the crime world, balancing ambition with dark humor.

The narrative unfolds in a chaotic Gotham, following the Riddler's actions and the power vacuum left by mob boss Carmine Falcone's death.

The series has drawn comparisons to The Sopranos for its layered exploration of trauma and crime, positioning it as a unique entry in the DC Comics narrative.

Showrunner Lauren LeFranc emphasizes the importance of complex female characters, providing rich backstories and flaws to all characters, including Sofia Falcone.

Sofia Falcone, portrayed by Cristin Milioti, is introduced as a complex character who evolves from a tragic figure into a confident antagonist, adding chaos and conflict to the story.

The creative team aims to present a unique 'gangster story' about Oz's rise in Gotham's underworld, with a focus on character development and the grim realities of life in Gotham.

While the creative team considered including Robert Pattinson's Batman, they ultimately decided it would detract from the focus on Farrell's character.