Michael Marino inspired by Fredo from The Godfather and injured birds for Colin Farrell’s look in The Penguin

The first episode of The Penguin will air on September 19, 2024, on HBO and Max. Michael Marino's makeup played a key role in enhancing its intricate story and stunning visuals. Marino was inspired by both John Cazale's Fredo in The Godfather and injured birds. This combination gave Colin Farrell's Oz Cobblepot a distinctive look, giving way to its dark and gritty atmosphere.

Marino combined these inspirations to create a unique and haunting look. Fredo's vulnerability and tragic downfall influenced Oz's complex personality, while the wounded birds reflected Cobblepot's duality, adding fragility and menace. These elements, combined with Marino's skill, gave the character a fresh, memorable look, setting the series' tone.

Following Carmine Falcone's death, Cobblepot rises to power in Gotham's criminal underworld in The Penguin series. With Farrell as Cobblepot, this eight-part Max Original series explores Gotham's power struggles and dark alliances.

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Colin Farrell's visual transformation in The Penguin

Colin Farrell's transformation in The Penguin by Michael Marino was a highlight of SDCC 2024. During the San Diego Comic-Con 2024 discussion, Marino revealed that his process combined Fredo's tragedy and the haunting image of injured birds to create Oz Cobblepot's look.

Marino's reference to Fredo from The Godfather emphasizes Cobblepot's character arc's vulnerability and betrayal. Cobblepot's struggle for power and respect in Gotham's treacherous landscape mirrors Fredo's weakness and betrayal.

Colbblepot's physical and psychological scars are heightened by injured birds, making him a pitiful and fearful figure. Marino spoke to the audience at the San Diego Comic-Con 2024 on Saturday, saying:

"I looked at injured birds and older, grizzled penguins, and they had these chipped beaks and all this stuff. So on one side of his face in silhouette, you have this curved, scarred face on the side, but if you line it up with a photo of a bird, it mimics the mouth of a bird."

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The plot of The Penguin

The Penguin series begins one week after The Batman, when the city is reeling from the Riddler's flood and Carmine Falcone's death. As Gotham's underworld collapses, Oz Cobblepot sees an opportunity to rule. He navigates Gotham's criminal hierarchy with betrayal, violence, and cunning in the series.

The show explores Cobblepot's complicated relationship with Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti). Sofia, fresh from Arkham, challenges Cobblepot's ambitions. As they fight for control, their tensions and unresolved conflicts boil over. The series revolves around this dynamic, combining past grievances and present power struggles.

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Cast of the series

Colin Farrell leads The Penguin cast as Oswald Cobblepot, who navigates Gotham's underworld. Cristin Milioti plays Sofia Falcone, a powerful foe from Arkham. Adding depth to the story is Rhenzy Feliz as Victor Aguilar. The cast also includes Myles Humphus as Dom Gigante, Hunter Emery as Leo, Kenzie Grey as Gia Viti, Berto Colon as Castillo, Owen Asztalos as Adam, and Alex Anagnostidis as Ray.

Sofia Falcone's introduction adds a new layer of complexity to the series. Her time in Arkham and the mysterious events that transpired between her and Cobblepot provide a rich backstory that enhances the current power struggle.

Their interactions are a highlight of the series, with both characters exhibiting a blend of mutual respect and deep-seated animosity. This relationship is pivotal, driving much of the conflict and drama that unfold throughout the series.

At San Diego Comic-Con 2024 on Saturday, Colin Farrell commented on the focus of the series, saying:

“They have a shared history that goes back. When we meet them in the present tense we may get a bit of a flashback. Something happened between the two of them. At a certain stage in the eight hours, certain things happen that make it clear they’re very different people.”

The Penguin promises a dark and thrilling look at Gotham's criminal underworld. The series will be available on Max during the fall of 2024.