Appearing on ITV’s This Morning in the UK today (Nov. 11) to promote his new film The Slightest Touch, Farrell was asked about returning as The Penguin, and he didn’t play coy about wanting more:
“So, the Batman film, they’re doing the sequel to THE BATMAN, and I did two scenes in that. Just that. In and out. It was a bit tasty to do it. I was kind of moaning about the makeup again, but I do love the character and I’m very protective of the character. And there’s definitely a conversation to be had about doing a second season.”
Asked directly about a second season of THE PENGUIN, Farrell added: “I’d love to. I’d love to do a second season.”
A couple of things worth noting. First, Farrell confirmed he read the full THE BATMAN PART II script back in June — and BOF readers will remember he called it a “contemporary genre masterpiece” at the time. Second, as for that small role in PART II, two scenes, in and out. Oz’s story in this film is a supporting one, which jibes with what we’ve heard about the sequel’s focus.
Now, before anyone starts carving “Season 2 confirmed!” in stone — it isn’t. THE PENGUIN was built as a limited series, and Farrell himself has been consistent about the bar a follow-up would have to clear. Back in June, he told PEOPLE that a second season “would have to justify itself” given how strong the first season was, and that the conversations still needed to happen. Nothing has been announced by HBO or Warner Bros., and as of today, nothing has changed on that front.
But the man who plays Oz wants back in the makeup chair…well, he’s like to play Oz again. And in a week when the future of THE BATMAN EPIC CRIME SAGA is being debated everywhere, a little enthusiasm from inside it doesn’t hurt. Enthusiasm — well, mainly optimism — from yours truly about the SAGA continuing in any fashion after PART II is about as low as a flat tire. – Bill “Jett” Ramey