Matt Reeves Explains Why Batman Is Absent from The Penguin

Essential Insights from The Penguin Finale

Matt Reeves clarified Batman’s non-appearance in The Penguin’s season finale to avoid forced cameos.
The series maintained its independence from Robert Pattinson’s Batman, refraining from unnecessary crossover moments.
Hints about future plots for The Batman 2 were woven into the finale, though fans should expect some surprises.

The Penguin finale has effectively laid the groundwork for Matt Reeves’ upcoming film, The Batman Part 2. However, the anticipated appearance of Robert Pattinson’s Dark Knight did not materialize, which has left some fans pondering the reasons behind this decision.

The season culminated with Colin Farrell’s Oswald “Oz”Cobblepot solidifying his status as Gotham City’s new crime lord following a fierce gang conflict. This concluding episode featured references to the original The Batman film, including a cameo by Jayme Lawson as Mayor Bella Reál, and a poignant moment where Cristin Milioti’s Sofia Falcone receives a letter from Zoë Kravitz’s Selina Kyle / Catwoman. While some viewers may have anticipated a more direct connection to Pattinson’s Batman, the show’s final scene only offered a fleeting glimpse of the Bat Signal illuminating the distant skyline.

In a discussion with Entertainment Weekly, Matt Reeves, who is also an executive producer on the HBO series, elaborated on the omission of Batman from the finale. Although there were initial conversations about him making an appearance, those concepts ultimately fell flat:

“Throughout the season’s writing process, we debated whether a crossover could fit seamlessly. We explored several ideas conceptually, but nothing ever felt like a natural fit.”

One of the ideas considered was a scene with Bruce Wayne alongside Oz’s confidant, Vic. However, this was eventually discarded as it seemed to disrupt the show’s core narrative. Showrunner Lauren LeFranc emphasized their focus on The Penguin’s central characters, wishing to maintain clarity without diverting attention to unnecessary cameos. Nevertheless, they concluded the series with the Bat Signal to signal the upcoming The Batman Part 2.

LeFranc stated, “I loved the notion of Batman directly challenging the twisted reality that Oz crafted for himself, undermining his triumph and suggesting that he might not have achieved what he believes.”

While some fans may express disappointment over Batman’s lack of presence in The Penguin, this choice could ultimately enhance the series’ integrity. The inclusion of forced cameos is often critiqued in superhero films and series, as they can feel like mere marketing gimmicks. Maintaining the show’s narrative strength has garnered positive feedback, and inserting Pattinson’s Batman, even momentarily, might have detracted from its overall success.

Looking ahead, even the elements from The Penguin finale that seem to set the stage for storylines in The Batman 2 may not unfold as anticipated. The direction for Sofia Falcone remains uncertain, as Reeves did not signal a definitive path for her character’s development post-finale. Thus, fans will need to wait until October 2, 2026, to see how Pattinson’s Batman reemerges and whether or not the story of Sofia Falcone will continue.

The Penguin series is currently available for streaming on Max.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

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