The Batman’s Penguin Spinoff Show Filming Start Window Revealed

The Penguin‘s production start window has been revealed. Colin Farrell’s Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot/Penguin was a standout character in Matt Reeves’ smash hit The Batman movie, which starred Robert Pattinson as the titular Caped Crusader. Since the film was set around the early years of Batman’s vigilantism career, Penguin was not depicted as the criminal overlord he is in the comics, but the character is getting his own showcase in the form of a spinoff TV show tracking his rise to power in Gotham. Farrell will return to reprise his role and executive produce alongside Reeves, with Lauren LeFranc serving as showrunner.

Now a new report by Deadline gives an indication of when The Penguin will start filming. The show is expected to kick off production in February 2023, although a specific start date has not been set in stone. Additional details are unclear at this moment though this production window is not unexpected, considering Farrell’s packed schedule.

While the February start date might seem like a long wait to some, it’s nevertheless reassuring to know the show remains on solid ground after the Warner Bros. Discovery merger. The studio’s shift in streaming strategy, particularly regarding superhero projects, led to the now-infamous cancellations of nearly complete films including Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt. This understandably had fans nervous for The Penguin, planned as an HBO Max Original, but reports suggest the new leadership at WBD is keen on investing in Reeves’ The Batman universe. It therefore makes sense why the studio wouldn’t impede plans to expand the franchise with The Penguin. That said, it’s hard to predict exactly when the spinoff would air, although it seems like it’ll be on the new streaming service combining HBO Max and Discovery+ launching in 2023.