The Penguin Star Teases Comeback as Iconic Batman Villain

Here we go again with the wild theories and speculative casting rumors from the ever-hazy world of Gotham. The Penguin spinoff just got another notch on the rumor mill, and this time it’s about Theo Rossi possibly gearing up as Scarecrow somewhere down the line in Matt Reeves' "Batman Epic Crime Saga Universe." Yes, you read that right—Scarecrow, but maybe not the Scarecrow you’re used to.

The Penguin: Spinning Up Some Seeds

If you’ve actually been watching The Penguin (and not just skimming through for Colin Farrell’s prosthetics), you probably caught a bunch of subtle hints that Theo Rossi’s Dr. Julian Rush is more than just your garden-variety Arkham doc. There’s a certain mask in his office, some distinctive gloves, and a general vibe that has ‘creepy Batman villain in the making’ written all over it. The gloves, by the way, look suspiciously like the type Scarecrow has rocked in some of the comics and animated adaptations. Fans definitely noticed.

Now, Rossi’s character isn’t Jonathan Crane—the standard Scarecrow in DC lore. But apparently, Matt Reeves’ version of Gotham isn’t interested in sticking to the greatest hits note-for-note. Giving Dr. Rush the Scarecrow upgrade would be one way to keep this Batman universe distinct from every other Batman universe (and there are too many at this point).

What’s Rossi Actually Saying?

So, is this just wishful thinking, or is there something to it? Theo Rossi addressed the rumors while chatting with The Direct at SXSW 2026. As for his next move, he was as coy as you’d expect, but his answer leaves that particular door very much ajar:

'Listen, there was a million different behind-the-scenes things… Who knows what will happen one day… But I’m so proud of that show and everyone involved, and it was an incredible show.'

He also dropped some love for Cristin Milioti (‘a f---ing G and one of the greatest actors,’ according to him) and name-dropped showrunner Lauren LeFranc and director Craig Zobel for putting the series together. Not that producers don’t always get a shoutout in these interviews, but the tone was especially appreciative—and maybe a little telling about how much groundwork was being laid behind the scenes.

So, Are Those Penguin Easter Eggs Actually Teasers?

• Mask and gloves in Dr. Rush’s office? Check. Fans were quick to connect those dots, and apparently, there are more cryptic details sprinkled through the season.
• His job at Arkham Asylum? That classic Gotham setup for future villainy.
• Rossi isn’t confirming a thing, but he’s clearly happy to let speculation simmer (which is exactly what you’d do too if there was even a chance you might get scarecrow-ed up soon).

What’s Next For Gotham’s Rogues’ Gallery?

Here’s the reality check part: Matt Reeves is off wrangling the sequel to The Batman, which is supposed to be in pre-production, and the status of The Penguin Season 2 is anyone’s guess—probably somewhere between ‘maybe’ and ‘let’s wait and see how this one does.’

Until there’s an official casting reveal or Scarecrow scarecrow-ing his way through Arkham on screen, it’s all speculation. But given the number of deliberate hints sprinkled throughout The Penguin, I wouldn’t count it out.

The Penguin is streaming right now on HBO Max, if you want to play ‘spot the Easter egg’ for yourself.