The Exciting Untold Origins of The Batman 2 Prequel Show Unveiled – No Copycat Problem!

Summary

Expanding the Batman universe, a prequel TV series titled The Penguin is set to introduce a fresh storyline leading up to The Batman - Part II. By choosing this approach, the creators cleverly avoid the pitfall of duplicating the recent TV series Gotham.

The Penguin TV series delves into Oswald Cobblepot's ascent to dominance within Gotham's criminal underworld, occurring a week subsequent to the events of The Batman. This narrative skillfully fills in gaps between the movies while spotlighting The Penguin's present story and future, which not only adds depth to his character, but also facilitates the transition to The Batman 2.

Matt Reeves' The Batman universe will continue to expand on TV/streaming with the upcoming series The Penguin. Serving as a prequel to The Batman - Part II, the series aims to avoid any potential issues with copycat storylines. While Warner Bros. gears up to launch the DC Universe, The Batman, set in a separate corner of the DC Comics universe, has been steadily building its own immersive world. Following the success of the film, which introduced Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne, The Batman is set to expand further with a sequel and a miniseries that will bridge the gap between the two movies.

The Batman follows the adventures of the Caped Crusader, who finds himself in his second year of fighting crime in Gotham City. Teaming up with Jim Gordon and the Gotham City Police Department, Batman embarks on a quest to apprehend the enigmatic criminal known as the Riddler. As he delves deeper into Gotham's criminal underworld, he encounters Selina Kyle, mob boss Carmine Falcone, and Oswald "Oz" Cobblepot, also known as Penguin (played by Colin Farrell). The Penguin's story will be explored in greater detail through his own TV series, ultimately leading into the events of The Batman 2, effectively sidestepping any repetition of past storylines.

A Penguin Show Origin Story Would've Been Too Close To Gotham

While a miniseries centered on Reeves' iteration of the Penguin is an enticing and captivating idea, there was a concern that it would bear too much resemblance to the recent TV series, Batman: Gotham. This particular series delved into James Gordon's early days at the GCPD following the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne. Set prior to Bruce Wayne becoming Batman, Gotham narrated the origin stories of the Dark Knight's notorious rogues gallery, including Oswald Cobblepot. Within Gotham, Cobblepot was depicted as a ruthless criminal determined to dominate the criminal underworld of Gotham, exploring his ascent to power.

Cobblepot played a significant role as an antagonist in Gotham, leaving a lasting impression not only due to Taylor's performance but also because, unlike other live-action adaptations, the Penguin seldom takes center stage. The Penguin has previously had minor parts in previous live-action adaptations of Batman's universe, such as the 1960s Batman TV series and Tim Burton's Batman Returns. While he was a main character in the latter, his backstory was briefly addressed, but he was not the primary focus of the narrative. There was a risk of the Penguin becoming a mere imitation of what Gotham accomplished with its portrayal of the title character. However, fortunately, this was averted by avoiding an origin story approach.

How The Penguin Show Leading Into The Batman 2 Helps The Franchise

The Penguin, set one week after the events of The Batman, chronicles the city's arduous journey of reconstruction following the devastating flood caused by the Riddler's heinous act of planting explosives throughout Gotham. With the demise of Carmine Falcone, the narrative delves into Cobblepot's ascent in the criminal underworld, pitting him against Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti) in a fierce battle for control.

The Batman concluded with Gotham submerged by a flood, as Batman actively assisted in the recovery efforts. Meanwhile, Selina Kyle departed the city, and the Riddler formed an unlikely alliance with the Joker (Barry Keoghan) at Arkham State Hospital. Despite limited knowledge regarding the plot of The Batman 2, it is improbable that the sequel will immediately pick up where its predecessor left off, given its scheduled release three years later. However, the presence of the Penguin, situated between the Batman films and leading into the sequel, will help alleviate the anticipation and ensure a seamless transition by filling in the gaps left unaddressed by The Batman 2. The Penguin's omission as an origin story within the universe of The Batman is advantageous, as his unique presentation in the initial installment enhances the intrigue surrounding his current narrative and future developments.