Colin Farrell says The Batman 2 script is terrifying
Colin Farrell says Penguin takes a back seat in The Batman Part 2, with less screen time than fans expect — but Matt Reeves’ sequel script still left him terrified.
If you were hoping to see Colin Farrell waddling about causing chaos all through 'The Batman Part 2', temper those expectations. In classic fashion, Farrell himself has spelled out just how much Penguin we’ll actually get—and it’s barely more than a cameo.
Colin Farrell Speaks: Blink and You’ll Miss Him
During a chat with ScreenRant, Farrell didn’t mince his words about Penguin’s involvement in Matt Reeves’s next foray into Gotham. Turns out, Oz Cobb will turn up in exactly two scenes. Yes, two. So if you’re expecting a grand Penguin arc after that Emmy-loaded spinoff on HBO, you’ll have to keep dreaming.
Still, there’s no hard feelings on Farrell’s part. He’s clearly thrilled about what Reeves and co-writer Mattson Tomlin have cooked up, having read the entire script already. And he’s not stingy with the compliments. Here’s how he put it:
'I just think Matt Reeves is brilliant and he wrote, not only tonally, a really kind of dark and at times terrifying piece, and not only psychologically weighty and nuanced, but really feeling. I’m only in two scenes, which is great because it means I can enjoy the rest of the film. I’m so excited about it. I’m so excited for Matt and Dylan and Robert and the whole team.'
From Lead Villain to Glorified Guest Star
Let’s be honest, it’s a bit of a whiplash. Farrell dug deep into Penguin for 2022’s 'The Batman' alongside Robert Pattinson, then headlined his own HBO series—one that racked up 24 Emmy nods and nine wins, no less. Now, he’s basically dropping by the sequel just to tip his hat. That’s Hollywood for you.
What’s Happening in Gotham This Time?
The shifting focus is down to a serious roster shakeup. Expect several fresh faces as well as plenty of Dent family drama. Here’s a quick breakdown of who’s in and rumoured roles:
- Sebastian Stan: widely tipped as Harvey Dent (Two-Face)
- Scarlett Johansson: reportedly playing Gilda Dent
- Charles Dance: said to be Christopher Dent
- Brian Tyree Henry and Sebastian Koch: also among the newcomers, though no word yet on their characters
Pattinson’s returning as the broodiest Bruce Wayne we’ve had in years, with Jeffrey Wright back as Jim Gordon and Andy Serkis as Alfred. Jayme Lawson and Gil Perez-Abraham are both on board again, too.
Release Date and What to Expect
'The Batman Part 2' is set to hit cinemas on 1 October 2027. With a new villain line-up and a hefty serving of psychological grit (if Farrell’s take on the script is anything to go by), looks like Gotham will be doing just fine—even if Penguin hardly leaves the iceberg lounge this time around.