with The penguin Ranked as one of Batman’s most iconic foes, it’s no surprise that the character has delivered many memorable quotes throughout his movie and television appearances. The Penguin has been a staple of Batman stories on both the page and screen for decades, and is an instantly recognizable character from the Dark Knight’s mythos. Many actors have played the Penguin in live-action, each bringing something different to the role in their respective incarnation of the infamous villain.
With so many unique names on the character being brought to life over the years, the penguin is represented in a variety of ways. Much like other Batman movie villain quotes, there have been a number of quirky, hilarious, or otherwise memorable lines uttered by the on-screen incarnations of the Penguin in both film and television adaptations. With that in mind, here are the 10 best Penguin quotes in DC movies and TV shows.
10
“No Habla Spain, fellas?”
Colin Farrell, The Batman (2022)
Although the penguin was a relatively small part of The BatmanThe cast of characters, Colin Farrell’s iteration of the villain was noteworthy for his place as part of Carmine Falcone’s organization. Although he was far from the avian-themed villain he is typically shown to be, his knowledge of broad subjects and Gotham’s criminal element proved especially useful for Batman. When he interrogates Penguin about the Riddler’s cryptic Spanish clue, the villain reveals that he understands Spanish, correcting Batman and Gordon’s perception of the mystery with the line: “No Habla Español, fellas?”
As it happens in such a tense investigation, This line feels like a hint of the spark that will make Penguin one of Gotham’s most significant figures.. It shows that he is deceptively intelligent and much less afraid of Batman than he otherwise thinks, subtly outlining the character of the Penguin in Matt Reeves. Batman Universe. Farrell’s delivery of the line is also excellent, communicating Penguin’s desperation and frustration all at once.
9
“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.”
Robin Lord Taylor, Gotham, Season 1, Episode 15, “The Scarecrow”
The penguin is one of Gothams best-represented villains, with the show taking extra care to develop its characters over the course of its 5-season run. Starting as an ambitious informant, Oswald Cobblepot gradually rises to the top of Gotham’s criminal underworld, establishing a complex relationship with Jim Gordon along the way. Early in the show’s run, Penguin tells Gordon that “Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.“
It’s a profound quote that encapsulates Penguin’s feelings about their tentative friendship. Paraphrased from a quote by Helen Keller, Penguin’s use of an inspirational line to visually assert control in his friendship with Gordon in an attempt to nurture corruption in the GCPD is an excellent indicator of his ruthlessness.. It’s a line that speaks to Penguin’s intelligence and ambition, and makes for an incredibly memorable moment for them Gotham Villain.
8
“I would never kidnap a fellow rogue out of a sick bed. It’s just not done.”
Paul Williams, Batman: The Animated Series, Season 3, Episode 2, “Second Chance”
Batman: The Animated Series Bringing the world of the Dark Knight to life with groundbreaking comic accuracy, offering a family-friendly adaptation of the Batman mythos. This was especially true of the show’s penguin, who was written to be difficult to stick to his bird-themed gimmick. One episode sees Batman trying to find the missing Two-Face, and when he asks Penguin if he’s responsible, the villain replies:I would never kidnap a fellow rogue from a sick bed. It just didn’t happen.“
This quote is an excellent indicator of what Penguin is into Batman: The Animated Series. He is a hardened criminal, but his own code of ethics is something he values ​​incredibly highlyAnd the idea of ​​honor among thieves is paramount to him. It is a quote that lays out the seductive depth of the character within The animated serieswho, despite his farmer’s record, did not hold himself above reproach.
7
“Remember, no politics. Issues confuse people.”
Burgess Meredith, Batman (1966), Season 2, Episode 17, “Hizzonner the Penguin”
For all its dated competence and wacky charm, the Batman TV series from the 1960s remains iconic in many ways. His depiction of the adventures of Batman and his villains was truly groundbreaking, and remains beloved for his witty and lighthearted approach to adapting a wealth of DC characters. One episode, which sees the Penguin running for mayor of Gotham City and discussing his campaign protocols, leads to the line: “Remember, no politics. Issues confuse people.“
This quote works so well, even decades after it was uttered. Burgess Meredith is able to inject dry comedy into the line, which perfectly captures the nonsensical nature of Penguin’s design. The ridiculousness of the moment cements Penguin as an underhanded character while also communicating the honorable spirit of fun with which the TV show approached its Batman stories. As such, it remains one of Penguin’s best quotes in his film and television history.
6
“Why is it always someone who brings eggs and tomatoes to a speech?”
Danny DeVito, Batman Returns (1992)
Another story in which the Penguin runs for mayor of Gotham takes a decidedly different approach to the character. Tim Burton cast Danny DeVito as the villain for the 1992 film Batman ReturnsEmbracing a more grotesque iteration of the penguin. During his speech, the crowd begins to turn on Penguin, pelting him with fruits and vegetables in anger. As he shielded himself from the projectiles, he remarked: “Why is it always someone who brings eggs and tomatoes to a speech?“
The line works perfectly with Danny DeVito’s comedic delivery, and it also matches the quirkiness of Burton’s Gotham City. It is a knowing observation of a common trope in film and televisionAnd it comes at a moment that makes the penguin seem marginally more human before he starts attacking civilians. The line is cleverly written and expertly delivered by DeVito, making it an unforgettable Penguin quote.
5
“When you know what a man loves, you know what can kill him.”
Robin Lord Taylor, Gotham, Season 1, Episode 7, “Penguin’s Umbrella”
Although GothamThe iterations of some Batman villains left much to be desired, the attention it afforded to Penguin’s story made him one of the most well-rounded characters. As part of his rise to the top of Gotham’s criminal hierarchy, Penguin is shown overcoming many obstacles through sheer ruthless ambition from very early on in the show. One such moment sees him explain to a fellow rogue:When you know what a man loves, you know what can kill him.“
The line was delivered at a moment when Penguin was at his weakest, with Frankie Carbone ready to kill him. However, the quote is a turning point for Penguin, who announces that Carbone’s love of money has allowed him to buy out Carbone’s henchmen. It is the frankness of the observation, combined with the deviousness of his design, that makes this quote an excellent embodiment of Gothams penguin.
4
“Gentlemen – and I use the term loosely – after you.”
Paul Williams, Batman: The Animated Series, Season 1, Episode 20, “I’ve Got Batman in My Basement”
As the penguin is one of the villains who Batman: The Animated Series Neild, it is unsurprising that many of the character’s quotes live as particularly excellent. In the episode “I’ve Got Batman in My Basement”, Penguin gestures his thugs out of the building. In doing so, he says:Gentlemen – and I use the term loosely – after you.“
This is a relatively sad quote, and continues to stand out as one of the finer touches to Penguin’s characterization in The animated series. The implications of the line help create the villain’s character, viz It subtly implies his distaste for the company he is forced to keep and got married. in a passing time, The animated series Is able to establish Penguin as a criminal with thoughts beyond his station, and builds the foundations of a truly excellent depiction of the villain.
3
“War is just politics by other means.”
Robin Lord Taylor, Gotham, Season 1, Episode 4, “Arkham”
throughout Gothams run, Penguin is undoubtedly one of the most important figures of the show. From its pilot episode, he played a major role in Gothams overall story, with his budding friendship with Jim Gordon quickly turn sour as Cobblepot continues to climb through the ranks of Gotham’s criminal network. In one particularly tense moment early in Penguin’s character arc, he tells Gordon: “War is just politics by any other means.“
Although Penguin explains that gang warfare is actually to help the mayor gain control of Arkham, the quote itself is originally from Prussian General Carl von Clausewitz. Penguin’s knowledge of somewhat obscure figures from European military history is quite in keeping with the character, and indicates the level of consideration he gives to the issues of Gotham’s criminal society. Not only does the quote perfectly convey Penguin’s point, but it establishes his intelligence In matters of tactics and philosophy.
2
“They wouldn’t put me on a pedestal, so I put them on a plate.”
Danny DeVito, Batman Returns (1992)
Batman ReturnsIncarnation of the Penguin moved away from the more traditional approach to the character taken by the comics, and made him a disfigured sociopath who considered himself more animal than human. This worked perfectly with Tim Burton’s vision for Gotham, and it also provided a unique spin on the villain, facilitating a story as touching as it was disturbing. After trying and failing to assimilate into society, Penguin announces: “They wouldn’t put me on a pedestal, so I’m putting them on a plate!“
The quote is as stark and haunting as DeVito’s iteration of The Penguin. Despite the villainy in the line, there is also a depth of vulnerability due to the rejection that shaped Burton’s take on the villain.. By announcing his violent intentions in such a way, DeVito delivers an instantly memorable line that immortalizes his version of the character.
1
“Ah, the direct approach, I admire that in a man with a mask.”
Danny DeVito, Batman Returns (1992)
In an exchange with Batman, Danny DeVito’s Penguin is also able to showcase his ability for quick-witted comedy. Not only is Batman Returns‘ Penguin animalistic and vicious, but he is also equipped with a rapier-sharp wit that is showcased on multiple occasions, showing the hypocrisy of those around him. After being questioned by Batman, he simply remarks: “Ah, the direct approach. I like that in a man with a mask.“
The line pokes fun at Batman while also establishing the Penguin as a villain unwilling to let the hero scare him into submission. The quote symbolizes an unspoken power struggle between the two characters, with Penguin asserting himself as someone who believes he can see through Batman to the man underneath. It’s a line that’s as funny as it is clever, which makes it one of the The penguins best quotes ever about his film and television appearances.
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