Colin Farrell Recalls The First Time He Saw What The Penguin’s Oz Would Look Like, And An F-Bomb Was Involved

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In the world of Batman and its offshoot series The Penguin, the captivating character portrayed by Colin Farrell, known as Oz, stands out as one of the most memorable faces to ever appear on screen. Yet, it’s quite astonishing to remember that beneath all those layers of makeup and prosthetics is simply Colin Farrell. Farrell has openly expressed his struggles with the grueling transformation process into this character, but his dedication is evident through his 2025 Emmy nomination. Now, Farrell recounts his initial reaction upon seeing Matt Reeves’ original depiction of Oz.

In creating the realm of “The Batman”, director and producer Matt Reeves aimed to establish a world rooted in the comics yet distinctively its own. Unlike the comic book Penguin’s gentleman gangster persona or Tim Burton’s grotesque, avian portrayal, Reeves’ interpretation deviates somewhat. Actor Colin Farrell, at an HBO Max event for Deadline Contenders, shared that upon seeing Reeves and prosthetics expert Mike Marino’s version of Oz, he was so impressed he humorously exclaimed with a profanity.

I’ll always remember that moment. As he flipped open his laptop, there was Oz from the movie on the screen. And I exclaimed, “Wow, what’s this? Really?” He replied, “Yes, yes, yes. Marino claimed he could pull it off. He can do it daily. It will be interactive and genuine, offering you freedom.” Hearing that instantly ignited my enthusiasm for its potential.

Appreciating that the Irish actor is infamous for using strong language at times, I’m genuinely thrilled he used a swear word when he first saw the Penguin’s design. I can almost imagine him saying it, and I might have reacted similarly upon seeing Matt Reeves and Mike Marino’s creation. As the Oscar nominee himself stated, however, he was also “excited,” and during his interview, he went on to explain the reasons behind his enthusiasm.

The unique quality about it was captivating. Recognizing yourself in a particular light and gazing into the mirror to find this reflected image was profound. You haven’t encountered anything similar before. Interestingly, its impact on me differed from what I expected. It turned out to be an incredibly liberating experience, fortunate because Lauren crafted such a complex and psychologically nuanced character. It allowed for a broad exploration of psychological dimensions. I immersed myself in it willingly, feeling completely engrossed.

More on The Penguin

Colin Farrell revealed he wore a ‘penguin prosthetic’ during his portrayal of the character The Penguin. However, we won’t get to see it as it was strategically covered up in the movie.

In the second trailer for The Batman, I vividly recall my first impression of Oz Cobb, played by Colin Farrell. To my surprise, he was barely recognizable in this role, with a transformed physical appearance and distinct accent and mannerisms. From the moment he spoke to the Dark Knight as “take it easy, sweetheart,” it became clear that fans were in store for something extraordinary, and I wasn’t wrong. It’s exciting to learn that Farrell found this role liberating as an actor, and he undeniably makes the most of every second on screen when portraying Oz.

It’s uncertain at this moment whether actor Farrell will get another chance to portray Cobb in the next season of The Penguin. Matt Reeves and his team are keeping tight-lipped about it, but if a compelling idea for the role arises, Farrell has expressed readiness to reprise it. In the absence of such an idea, fans might have to wait until The Batman: Part II to see Farrell in the role again.

As a cinephile who appreciates Gotham City adventures, I highly recommend checking out HBO Max! For just $9.99 per month, you can stream The Penguin, The Batman, and countless other fantastic titles.

Their Ad-supported plan offers an affordable way to immerse yourself in your favorite movies and series. And if you’re looking for more flexibility or a smoother viewing experience, consider opting for one of their higher tiers. Plus, by pre-paying annually, you can save up to 20%! So why wait? Jump on board this streaming adventure today! View Deal

Moving ahead, I continue to be in awe of Oz Cobb’s creation – from the perspective of both prosthetics and acting. I can’t wait to discover if Matt Reeves and Mike Marino come up with concepts for more character designs that are heavy on makeup and cause quite a stir upon their introduction. For now, don’t miss out on Colin Farrell’s intriguing character by streaming all eight episodes of The Penguin as well as The Batman, which are available through an HBO Max subscription.

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2025-08-21 05:38