Notice! This post contains SPOILERS for The PenguinThere are several ways in which The Penguin more than likely sets up the events of Batman – Part II. Taking place just days after the events of 2022 BatmanThis new DC series set in the same continuity follows Colin Farrell’s Oz Cobb as he seeks to become Gotham’s new kingpin. To that end, the stage is set for the next chapter of Batman trilogy.
Streaming on Max, The Penguin consists of eight episodes in total, as Oz Cobb and more of Gotham’s criminals attempt to take advantage of the considerable power vacuum that was created when Riddler murdered Carmine Falcone in Batmanthe head of Gotham’s largest crime family. As Oz comes into conflict with the likes of Salvatore Maroni (Clancy Brown) and Carmine’s daughter Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti), The Penguin provides several setup points for the future at the end of the final episode. To that end, here are 10 specific ways we The Penguin It’s more than likely been set up Batman – Part II.
10
The Bat Signal Is a Clear Signal for Batman’s Return
Where has the Dark Knight been?
One of the most obvious configuration points for Batman – Part II comes at the very end The Penguin episode 8. Living in a penthouse as he always promised his mother he would one day, Oz dances with his girlfriend Eve Karlo, who tells Cobb that nothing is in his way. Ironically, this occurs right before the camera pans away from Gotham, just as the Bat Signal activates.. As such, the Bat-Signal feels like a big shining sign that Batman will come after Penguin in the future, a very exciting way to end. The Penguin while also provoking the future.
The Bat-Signal also raises the question of where the Dark Knight was throughout this new DC series, as Oz pitted various gangs against each other before collective sight was placed on Cobb himself, resulting in several murders and, finally, in the destruction of an entire block. That said, there are some compelling theories and clues The Penguin and its promotional material that suggests Batman has been missing since the events of Batmanand that its absence goes far beyond simple negligence. If this is the case, one can imagine that Batman – Part II will provide the answers.
9
Penguin is Gotham’s new king of crime
Oz Cobb got what he wanted (no matter the cost)
Just as he always dreamed, Penguin’s cold, uncompromising ambition earned him the throne of Gotham’s criminal underworld. The Maronis and Falcones no longer exist thanks to Oz, which means he is now one of the biggest powers and voices in Gotham, legitimately or not. To that end, one can imagine that The Penguin will be well and truly established as Gotham’s Kingpin when Batman – Part II releases. Maybe he’ll build a whole new Iceberg Lounge where he can conduct his business. With that in mind, it’s certainly possible that the Penguin himself is the main villain of Batman – Part II.
8
A more unified criminal underworld in Gotham
Former MPs as new Penguin loyal bosses
One of the main reasons why Oz Cobb was able to get the upper hand against Sofia Falcone when The Penguin The end was due to secret alliances made with other Gotham gangs and their representatives. Offering them shots to eliminate the current leaders and take command for themselves, The Penguin has created an impressive alliance with all the city’s gangstheir new leader expressing loyalty to him as the man who convinced them to take a chance and take a piece of Gotham’s underworld for themselves, just as Oz had been doing throughout the DC series.
7
Bella Reál is preparing an anti-corruption initiative
The elected mayor means business
It is also confirmed in The Penguin Mayor-elect Bella Reál (Jayme Lawson) has big plans for Gotham City. Despite being shot by Riddler’s followers at the end of BatmanReál intends to move forward with a major anti-corruption initiative, wanting to change Gotham for the better, from the inside out. To this end, Reál makes a brief appearance in The Penguin finale when Oz visits City Hall, which seemingly suggests that she may come into conflict with Oz and his future plans, which will likely be revealed in Batman – Part II.
6
Penguin is making friends in important places with Gotham’s elite
Especially Councilman Hady
At the end of The Penguin, Oz Cobb gained a new ally in the form of Councilman Hady. Accepting Oz’s proposed narrative, Hady publicly blames many of the Penguin’s crimes on Sofia Falcone/Giant, the perfect scapegoat who makes Hady look good to the public, and Oz appears cleaner than he actually is from here on out. As such, it stands to reason that Oz and Hady will continue their alliance going forward, especially given Oz’s interest in meeting more of Hady’s friends among Gotham’s elite. Likewise, it’s also worth noting that Hady is a character from the original DC Comics, one of Gotham’s many corrupt mayors.
5
The Penguin Ending Teases a Future Team-Up Between Sofia and Catwoman
Selina sent a letter to the couch
Instead of killing her at the end of The Penguin In the end, Oz leaves Sofia to be arrested by the GCPD. To that end, Sofia is later placed back in Arkham State Hospital. While in Arkham, Sofia receives a letter from none other than Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman.
Although the specific contents of the letter are not revealed, one can imagine that Selina’s words were supportive of Sofia. In the end, Selina and Sofia are half-sisters whose respective mothers were murdered by their common father, Carmine Falcone. To that end, this seems like an excellent setup piece for a future Catwoman/Giant Sofia team-up in the future, whether in Batman – Part II or even in a new spin-off series.
4
The penguin has some potential owl hacking configuration
A shadowy cabal of Gotham’s elite
One of the biggest theories is that Batman’s absence could be due to the Court of Owls, an anonymous elite conspiracy that secretly runs Gotham from the shadows. Likewise, it’s quite notable that Oz is so interested in befriending more of Hady’s connections among the city’s rich and elite. Maybe this will put Oz on the Court’s radarwhich could be equally good or bad depending on how the Court feels about the new king of Gotham’s criminal underworld.
3
The Riddler is still present in Gotham
Your followers are still out there
All over The Penguin, It is confirmed that Gotham City is still being tormented by Edward Nashton’s Riddler rhetoric. Despite being locked in Arkham and flooding the city, the Riddler still has his followers. Not only are there several signs and graffiti of his signature question marks, but some of the Riddler’s followers are even shown handing out flyers with QR codes on trains.
Naturally, the code can be scanned by viewers who direct to rataalada.comthe same promotional website used during the launch of Batman which featured Nashton sending riddles and messages to his followers. To that end, these new messages come from Nashton followers who are still gathering and protesting. As such, it’s certainly possible that Riddler could have some sort of ongoing role in the Batman – Part II.
2
Julian Rush is back to work on Arkham
Sofia will have more control
It’s also worth noting that Julian Rush apparently returned to work at Arkahm following Sofia’s reinstatement.. Having been her original doctor during her first visit, Julian developed feelings for Sofia and left Arkham when she did, offering his help and services as he sought to take control of his family’s criminal empire and seek revenge on Oz Cobb. However, the fact that he’s back in Arkham will likely remain close to Sofia.
Julian being back in Arkham suggests that Sofia might have an easier time, as Arkham potentially gets closer to the inmates running the asylum. It’s also possible that Julian is planning to break Sofia out of Arkham at some point. The Penguin consequences. This would allow her to potentially have a role in future stories like Batman – Part II.
1
The Penguin’s only relationship is super problematic
Keeping Eve around could easily be bad for Oz
At the end of The Penguin finale, Oz’s mother, Francis, was left in a vegetative state. Likewise, Penguin made the brutal decision to kill his right-hand man, Victor Aguilar (Rhenzy Feliz), as the pair had gotten too close (and Oz couldn’t afford any weaknesses). As such, this means that Oz’s only real relationship left is with Eva, who is shown dressed as Francis and speaking to him as if she were his mother (presumably at Oz’s request).
While this dynamic is incredibly problematic and disturbing in its own right, it’s also important to note that Oz never found out that it was Eva who sold him and his mother to Sofia. As such, it’s possible that this relationship will have some significant consequences in the future for both Oz and Eva. Likewise, there’s nothing to say that Eva won’t betray Oz again if circumstances demand it, and Oz will likely kill her if he finds out that she reported him. As such, perhaps the likely implosion of the Penguin’s last surviving relationship could occur within Batman – Part II.
All episodes of The Penguin they are now streaming on Max. Batman – Part II is set to be released in theaters on October 2, 2026.
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