Explaining When ‘The Penguin’ Fits into ‘The Batman’ Timeline

• HBO’s “The Penguin” connects to Matt Reeves’ “The Batman.”
• It chronicles Oz Cobb’s (Colin Farrell) efforts to dominate Gotham’s criminal landscape.
• The series occurs shortly after the timeline of “The Batman.”

The new HBO series “The Penguin” follows Oz Cobb, played by Colin Farrell, as he navigates the chaotic criminal underworld of Gotham City. The story picks up after the assassination of mob leader Carmine Falcone, portrayed by John Turturro, which shakes the foundations of organized crime in the city.

Cobb, an ambitious gangster, seeks to carve out his own space in the vacuum created by Falcone’s fall from power. The series deepens the exploration of Gotham’s criminal factions introduced in Matt Reeves’ 2021 film “The Batman.”

Director Matt Reeves shared insights about the show, describing it as a stepping stone into “The Batman 2,” slated to begin filming in 2025 and expected to hit theaters in 2026. “There are details that connect right into the way the next movie begins, and the way that Oz enters that world as we hand the baton back to Batman, who is on another case,” Reeves explained. This connection hints at a seamless narrative flow between the series and the upcoming film.

Set one week after the events depicted in “The Batman,” the timeline is crucial for understanding the unfolding story. The movie begins on Halloween with the Riddler, played by Paul Dano, initiating his scheme by killing Mayor Don Mitchell Jr., portrayed by Rupert Penry-Jones, as part of his campaign against city corruption.

Batman, played by Robert Pattinson, embarks on an investigation that unveils the Riddler’s sinister plans throughout the week. The film’s gripping climax occurs on November 5, when the Riddler executes a devastating plan involving explosive devices that flood the city. Batman finds himself engaged in fierce battles with the Riddler’s henchmen, who wreak havoc on the city’s citizens at Gotham Square Garden.

On the morning of November 6, following the chaos, Batman assists authorities in evacuating civilians from the impacted areas. Meanwhile, Cobb contemplates the future of Gotham from the ruins left in Falcone’s private lounge, setting the stage for his aspirations.

The series kicks off with Cobb making a bold move to cement his dominance over the Falcone empire by assassinating Carmine’s son, Alberto Falcone, played by Michael Zegen. Notably, the funeral for Alberto falls on November 13, 2022, indicating that “The Penguin” unfolds directly after the tumultuous events of “The Batman.”

This timing allows the series to delve into the evolving landscape of Gotham and how the repercussions of Falcone’s demise and the Riddler’s chaos impact its citizens. Gotham is left in a state of uncertainty, and Cobb’s efforts to seize power will unfold against this backdrop of change.

“The Penguin” promises to expand on the rich tapestry of Gotham’s underbelly, showcasing the ambitions and conflicts of those vying for control in its darkest corners. The series not only aims to explore the immediate aftermath of the film but also the long-lasting effects those events will have on the characters and the city itself.

As the narrative progresses, audiences are likely to witness how the criminal elements react to the shifting tides of power in Gotham, along with Cobb’s rise or fall in the intricate game he plays.

With its strong connection to “The Batman,” “The Penguin” is expected to provide fans deeper insights into the characters, plotlines, and the complex web of crime that defines Gotham City.

Source: Business Insider