The Batman’s Unused Penguin Designs Reveal What Colin Farrell Would’ve Looked Like Without Appearance-Changing Prosthetics

The Batman’s original concept art for Collin Farrell’s Penguin reveals what the Gotham City villain would have looked like without prosthetics. Introduced as the right-hand man to mob boss Carmine Falcone (John Turturro), Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot clashed with Robert Pattinsion’s Batman, their rivalry notably including an impressive car chase with the newest version of the Batmobile. However, this early concept art suggests The Penguin might not have been as iconic as he became in the film itself.

In a thread from Twitter/X user @the_whar, a variety of on-screen Batman villains are compared with their original concept art. This includes Farrell’s Penguin, revealing how the character was originally envisioned:

It seems as though the initial designs for Penguin came before the decision to add all the prosthetics which massively changed Farrell’s appearance. To that end, it does seem as though this decision was for the best, creating a truly dynamic version of one of Batman’s most classic and dangerous enemies.

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The Batman’s Unused Penguin Designs Didn’t Use The Movie’s Prosthetics

Colin Farrell’s Penguin Would Have Been More Recognizable

Before the decision to use all the impressive makeup, prosthetics, and a fat suit to bring Penguin to life, it seems as though this early version of Oswald would have been more of a traditional gangster in The Batman. Collin Farell would have also been more recognizable as the man playing one of Batman’s foes. To that end, that art certainly depicts a more confident-looking and handsome version of the villain.

However, there’s not much about this original depiction that makes him look like the Gotham rogue on the page who eventually takes over the city’s organized crime. After all, Oswald Cobblepot received his Penguin name largely because of his looks. Given the setting of The Batman and the early stages of Batman’s crusade, perhaps it was originally thought that this could be a version of Cobblepot who’d yet to receive his Penguin title.

Why The Batman’s Final Penguin Design Is Better

A Truly Unique Gotham Rogue

That being said, the decision to massively transform Farell and his look as The Penguin has largely been considered a stroke of genius. Farrell is almost unrecognizable with all the prosthetics and makeup, allowing him to disappear into the role while also helping him stand out as a Gotham rogue seeking more and more power within the city’s underworld. Being made fun of for his Penguin-like appearance with his pointed notice and waddling walk allows Penguin to be underestimated in The Batman universe, and his rise to power should be quite the dynamic arc in the upcoming Penguin series on Max.

The Batman

PG-13

Crime

Action

Drama

The Batman is a part of the DC Elseworlds series of films and centers around a younger Bruce Wayne, who has taken up the mantle of Batman only two years prior. Batman finds himself stuck in a game concocted by a dangerous new foe known as the Riddler, a serial killer who targets elite members of Gotham’s society. Working together with Lieutenant James Gordon, Batman will attempt to uncover the mystery surrounding the Riddler’s killing spree.

Release Date

March 4, 2022

Director

Matt Reeves

Cast

Colin Farrell , Jeffrey Wright , Paul Dano , Andy Serkis , Robert Pattinson , Zoe Kravitz

Runtime

176 minutes

Writers

Matt Reeves , Peter Craig

Budget

$200 million

Studio(s)

DC

Sequel(s)

The Batman – Part II

Franchise(s)

DC Universe , DC Comics