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The Penguin, a crime drama miniseries from HBO, dives into the gritty underworld of Gotham City, expanding on the story of Oswald Cobblepot (Colin Farrell), the iconic villain from The Batman (2022). With a stellar ensemble cast, the series introduces several intriguing characters, including Dr. Pierre Chang, played by veteran actor François Chau.
Known for roles in Lost, The Expanse, and Birds of Prey, François Chau brings depth to The Penguin's criminal world. His portrayal of Dr. Pierre Chang adds to the show's rich narrative. With a career spanning decades, Chau, born in Cambodia and later moved to the U.S., has shown versatility across various genres and platforms.
Everything to Know About François Chau, the actor playing Dr. Pierre Chang in The Penguin
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François Chau was born in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and has Chinese and Vietnamese heritage. His family’s journey took them from Cambodia to Saigon, and then to France due to the Vietnam War, before finally settling in Washington, D.C. in the United States when he was just seven years old.
Chau grew up in D.C. and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career, where he continues to live with his wife and daughter.
Chau’s acting career has been marked by a wide range of roles, often showcasing his talent for playing diverse characters of different ethnicities and backgrounds. Early in his career, Chau took on smaller roles in TV shows like Stargate SG-1, 24, and The X-Files. He also voiced characters in animated series and video games, such as Quick Kick in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero and Sensei Ishikawa in Ghost of Tsushima.
Chau's breakout role came when he played Dr. Pierre Chang in the critically acclaimed series Lost. His performance earned him recognition and established him as a credible actor for complex roles. He later took on the character of Jules-Pierre Mao in The Expanse, where he portrayed a powerful and morally ambiguous businessman.
In recent years, Chau has also featured in DC adaptations, like Birds of Prey, where he portrayed the mob boss Mr. Keo. Chau's extensive background in portraying multifaceted characters with mysterious motives makes him a perfect fit for The Penguin, where his character, Dr. Pierre Chang, will likely play a pivotal role in the evolving story of Gotham’s crime scene.
More details on The Penguin
The Penguin, created by Lauren LeFranc for HBO, is an American crime drama series that explores the power dynamics and criminal activities within Gotham City. The show is a spin-off of The Batman (2022) and delves into the character of Oswald Cobblepot, also known as the Penguin, as he rises through the ranks of Gotham’s criminal underworld.
Colin Farrell reprises his role as the Penguin, offering a gritty, immersive performance that highlights the complexities of one of DC’s most iconic villains. With a narrative focused on power struggles, betrayal, and ambition, The Penguin aims to build upon the dark, noir-like atmosphere established in The Batman.
The series features a strong ensemble cast, including Cristin Milioti, Clancy Brown, and Shohreh Aghdashloo, which enhances its complex portrayal of Gotham City. Directed by Craig Zobel and produced by DC Studios with Warner Bros. Television, it combines high-stakes crime drama with the rich world-building fans expect from the DC universe.
The eight-episode miniseries premiered on HBO on September 19, 2024, and will air weekly until November 10, providing viewers with ongoing intrigue from Gotham's underworld.
Filming for the show began in March 2023 in New York City but faced interruptions due to the Hollywood labor disputes. Despite these setbacks, production resumed later in the year, and the series was able to wrap up filming by February 2024.
With Matt Reeves, the director of The Batman, involved in supervising the writing and creative team, The Penguin maintains a cohesive connection to the film, ensuring continuity in storytelling and tone.
Interested viewers can watch The Penguin on HBO Max.
