The Batman’s Penguin Spinoff Gets The Hunt Director To Helm The Show

The Batman‘s upcoming HBO spinoff series, The Penguin, has signed on Craig Zobel to direct. The filmmaker behind projects such as Great World of Sound, Compliance, and Z for Zachariah has experienced a range of successes in recent years. His last feature film, 2020’s The Hunt, sparked controversy surrounding its political subject matter, and due to the rampant spread of COVID-19 and its effect on theaters, it ended up being one of Blumhouse’s more underwhelming releases financially. Zobel was later praised for his work on the HBO miniseries Mare of Easttown, for which he directed all seven episodes and served as executive producer, earning him multiple Emmy Award nominations.

The character of Oswald Cobblepot/Penguin (Colin Farrell) appeared in The Batman as Carmine Falcone’s lieutenant, not yet the supervillain fans of DC Comics were expecting, however, it was evident that he had bigger plans for himself in Gotham City. Shortly after the film’s premiere, it was announced that HBO Max would continue to build on Matt Reeves’ Batman universe, with a spinoff centered around The Penguin given a series order. It was revealed back in August that The Penguin would begin filming sometime in February 2023, with Lauren LeFranc serving as showrunner, and Reeves on board as an executive producer.

Now, Discussing Film is reporting that Zobel has been tapped to direct an unknown number of episodes for The Penguin. Discussions are allegedly continuing to determine his availability come time for the production to begin. In addition to directing, Zobel will reportedly also serve as an executive producer.

What To Expect From The Batman Penguin Spinoff

For fans of Colin Farrell’s performance in The Batman, it is worth mentioning that the actor is not only returning to reprise his role, but will be executive producing the upcoming show as well. Back when the spinoff’s announcement was first made, Farrell shared his excitement about continuing to explore Cobblepot’s journey, “as he rises through the darkened ranks to become The Penguin.” Reeves has also discussed what audiences can expect from the series, revealing that the character will be vying for more power in Gotham City while comparing The Penguin to crime dramas like Scarface.

Zobel, who, in addition to Mare of Easttown, has worked on a variety of HBO series, could prove to be just the right director to tackle Gotham’s criminal underworld, having navigated stories with darker tones and thriller elements before. Reeves’ level of involvement with The Penguin should also excite fans of The Batman hoping for a spinoff show that contains similar qualities to the film. Those looking forward to seeing how HBO Max extends The Batman‘s universe or how Farrell’s character returns can be sure to keep an eye out for any more news surrounding The Penguin.