Matt Reeves’ forthcoming The Batman spinoff, The Penguin, has found its female lead, Cristin Milioti.
According to Deadline, the How I Met Your Mother star has been cast as Sofia Falcone in the upcoming HBO Max series. Milioti will appear opposite Colin Farrell, who will be back as Penguin. She has also played Hazel Green in the critically acclaimed show, Made For Love (2021-22).
Sofia Falcone is the daughter of Carmine Falcone, one of the most powerful mob bosses in Gotham City. The character first appeared in the 1996-97 Batman: The Long Halloween comic book series by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale. She aided her father in unearthing the real identity of the “Holiday Killer”, who was none other than her brother, Alberto Falcone.
The character made her live-action debut (portrayed by Crystal Reed) in the television series Gotham (2014-19), produced by Warner Bros Television. Additionally, Laila Berzins voiced the character in the DC animated film, Batman: The Long Halloween Part 2.
Both Reeves and Farrell are very tight-lipped about The Penguin’s plot. But we do know that the series will take place right after the events of Robert Pattinson’s The Batman, released in March this year. The show will chart Oswald Cobblepot’s rise to power in Gotham’s criminal underworld. The Riddler (Paul Dano) wreaked havoc and flooded the city by planting bombs on the city’s seawalls. Selina (Zoe Kravitz) thought that there was no point in saving Gotham. On the other hand, Bruce vowed to inspire the city and the people residing in it.
This scenario is perfect for Oz to become Gotham’s ultimate mob boss. Also, Carmine (John Turturro) is dead, thanks to Riddler! There is no one left to challenge Penguin except Sofia Falcone. We may see her trying hard to take her father’s place in the series. And Oz is a big obstacle for her. Also, there is Selina, who happens to be Carmine’s illegitimate child (if you remember The Batman film). Will we see an epic showdown between these two beautiful and deadly ladies in the series? Only time will tell us.
HBO Max first announced The Penguin in September last year, with Colin Farrell joining the series that December. The actor will executively produce the show with Reeves, Dylan Clark, Lauren LeFranc, and Craig Zobel. LeFranc will also serve as the showrunner. The streaming service is yet to announce a premiere date for The Batman spinoff. Stay tuned for more updates.