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The Penguin picks up the criminal story left open by The Batman: after Carmine Falcone’s death, Oz Cobb tries to seize the power vacuum in Gotham. Its role as a bridge to The Batman – Part II is confirmed by filmmaker Matt Reeves and showrunner Lauren LeFranc, though the sequel’s plot remains undisclosed.
Where the story picks up
The Batman ends with Oz looking out over a city thrown into disorder. Reeves said he wanted the series to begin from that image. Falcone’s death has created an opening in Gotham’s criminal hierarchy, and The Penguin follows Oz as he tries to turn that opening into power.
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The Penguin: The Complete First Season (Blu-ray) | $18.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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The Penguin [Steelbook] [4K UHD] [2024] [Blu-ray] [Region Free] | $58.17 | Buy on Amazon |
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The Penguin [Blu-ray] [2024] [Region Free] | $35.06 | Buy on Amazon |
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The Penguin Blu-ray | Colin Farrell | $33.78 | Buy on Amazon |
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Reeves described the series as a gangster story about an underestimated man beginning his rise toward kingpin status. TheWrap reported that material Reeves had considered for the start of The Batman – Part II became the starting point for the series. TheWrap’s interview with Reeves explains how the story grew from that planned handoff.
Why the series is a bridge to Part II
Reeves said Oz’s story was always meant to continue into the next film: “Oz’s story always continued and Colin knew that from the beginning, that he would be going into the next movie.” Showrunner Lauren LeFranc described the series’ purpose directly: “But we are meant to be the bridge between the first film The Batman movie and The Batman Part II.” LeFranc’s comments on the series’ connection to the films make clear that the bridge is a planned narrative role, not just a fan interpretation.
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A change in point of view
The bridge works by shifting the focus from Batman to Oz. Reeves characterized the first film as a mystery told through a noir perspective, while the series takes a gangster-story approach and spends more time with Oz’s pursuit of power. In Reeves’ words, “It’s this thing where you’re trying to organize it in such a way that the movie hands off to the show. We change point-of-view. We do something we can’t have any room really to do at this level in the movies, go on a long-form, deep-dive into Oz’s character, but then hand back off to the next movie and have him enter that story.” Reeves described the movie-to-series-to-movie structure to TheWrap.
What the finale establishes—and what it doesn’t
LeFranc said the finale leaves Oz in a position the creative team wanted to establish for the second film: “There’s little Easter eggs. I mean, we definitely end with Oz in a position that we wanted to establish a moment for the second The Batman film.” That supports calling the ending sequel setup. It does not reveal what Oz will do in the sequel, what his relationship with Batman will be, or which conflicts Part II will feature.
Rank #2
LeFranc has also said viewers should be able to watch the series without needing more story. Its franchise connection adds context for Oz’s next appearance, but the series gives his rise its own arc rather than functioning only as a list of clues for a future film.
Do you need to watch The Penguin before Part II?
LeFranc’s comments support a distinction: The Penguin is designed as a bridge, but she also wanted it to work on its own. Watching it gives viewers the story of how Oz moves toward power after Falcone’s death and explains the position the series establishes for him. The available statements do not establish that the show is required viewing to understand The Batman – Part II.
Rank #3
- The Penguin
Part II’s reported release date and known status
As of the Los Angeles Times report published July 15, 2026, The Batman – Part II was scheduled for February 18, 2028, replacing the previously reported October 1, 2027 date. The same report said plot details had not been revealed. The Los Angeles Times reported the updated release schedule.
In a June 12, 2026 report, TheWrap said filming had begun in London and Colin Farrell would return as the Penguin; plot details were still under wraps. TheWrap’s report on filming and Farrell’s return provides that status. These reports establish that Farrell’s character is returning, not the specific part Oz will play in the story.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Blu-Ray + DVD + Digital HD
- Special Features: Top-Secret Guide to Becoming an Elite Agent / "He Is Dave" Music Video / Flipper Slap Shake Waddle and Roll / "Celebrate" Music Video by Pitbull / Do the Penguin Shake with tWitch / Deleted Scenes / Global Flight Plan / Cheezy Dibbles Ad / World of DreamWorks Animation / Gallery
Rank #4
- Blu-ray Movies, Blu-ray TV Shows
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