During a recent Comic-Con panel, makeup designer Michael Marino shared insights into the transformation of Colin Farrell into the character Oz Cobb for the upcoming HBO series “The Penguin.” This transformation, which has garnered significant attention, draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including the infamous Harvey Weinstein and John Cazale’s portrayal of Fredo in “The Godfather.”
Marino spoke to an enthusiastic audience at the San Diego Convention Center, where fans were eager to catch a glimpse of what to expect from “The Penguin.” He revealed that the look of Farrell’s character was influenced by a mix of elements, including the physicality of injured birds and the distinct features of older, grizzled penguins.
“I looked at injured birds and older, grizzled penguins,” Marino explained. “They had these chipped beaks and all this stuff. So on one side of his face in silhouette, you have this curved, scarred face, but if you line it up with a photo of a bird, it mimics the mouth of a bird.” This unique approach to character design highlights Marino’s creative vision and attention to detail.
The series “The Penguin” is set to take place one week after the events of “The Batman,” which starred Robert Pattinson as the iconic superhero. The conclusion of “The Batman” left a significant power vacuum in Gotham’s criminal underworld, following the demise of mob boss Carmine Falcone, portrayed by John Turturro. The new series will delve into the chaos that ensues as Oz Cobb attempts to seize control amidst the ongoing gang war.
The Comic-Con panel also unveiled a new trailer for “The Penguin,” showcasing the key players in this impending conflict. Among the cast, Cristin Milioti takes on the role of Sofia Falcone, Carmine’s daughter, who has recently emerged from Arkham Asylum after serving time for her notorious crimes. Rhenzy Feliz portrays Victor Aguilar, a young man who finds himself entangled in Oz’s world through a series of unfortunate events.
Other notable cast members include Michael Kelly as Johnny Viti, a loyal associate of the Falcone crime family, and Clancy Brown as rival mob boss Salvatore Maroni. Shohreh Aghdashloo plays Salvatore’s wife, Nadia Maroni, while Deirdre O’Connell portrays Oz’s ailing mother, Francis Cobb. Carmen Ejogo is introduced as a love interest for Oz, named Eve Karlo, and Theo Rossi takes on the role of Dr. Julian Rush.
Showrunner Lauren LeFranc, who also serves as an executive producer alongside “The Batman” director Matt Reeves and producer Dylan Clark, has indicated that “The Penguin” will bridge the narrative gap between the first film and the anticipated sequel. “We’re going almost directly into the second film Matt has planned,” LeFranc stated, hinting at the interconnectedness of the storylines.
As anticipation builds for the series, it is worth noting that filming for “The Batman Part II” is set to commence next year, with Farrell confirmed to reprise his role as Oz. “The Penguin” is scheduled to premiere on HBO and Max on September 19, promising to deliver a gripping exploration of Gotham’s criminal landscape.
Marino’s creative choices in designing Farrell’s Penguin look have sparked discussions among fans and critics alike. The decision to draw inspiration from figures like Weinstein and cinematic characters such as Fredo adds layers of complexity to the portrayal of Oz Cobb. This approach not only reflects the darker themes of the series but also serves as a commentary on the nature of power and corruption within the criminal underworld.
As audiences prepare for the debut of “The Penguin,” the character’s transformation stands as a testament to the artistry involved in bringing such complex figures to life on screen. With a talented cast and a compelling narrative, the series is poised to captivate viewers and expand the rich tapestry of the DC Universe.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
