The Penguin’s Sofia Falcone Character Inspired by an Unexpected Real-Life Figure

Editor’s Note: This article includes spoilers for Episode 4 of The Penguin

Key Insights

The character of Sofia Falcone draws inspiration from Rosemary Kennedy, enriching her emotional depth.
The Penguin offers a grounded take on comic book figures, making them more relatable.
The narrative seamlessly blends fiction with reality, enhancing the plausibility of its characters and increasing audience connection.

Since its debut on HBO Max, The Penguin has garnered accolades from both fans and critics for its distinctive approach. Although based on a notorious Batman antagonist, the series has carved out a unique identity that allows Oswald Cobblepot, now dubbed Oz Cobb, to resonate with viewers on a sympathetic level. He isn’t the sole character to evoke this kind of sympathy.

Actress Cristin Milioti’s portrayal of Sofia Falcone has resonated with many fans, thanks largely to the character’s thoughtful development by Lauren LeFranc. For some, Sofia’s complexities and relatable struggles make her even more appealing than the titular character. Significantly, a key aspect of her appeal stems from her real-world counterpart, who also faced public sympathy and a compelling narrative.

The Overlooked Kennedy

While elements from the comic book Sofia Falcone are present, the adaptation has transformed her character in notable ways. Although she retains the nickname The Hangman among some of the Falcone associates, this label does not define her true nature. In *The Penguin*, she is depicted as an innocent woman wrongfully implicated in a series of murders that served as a shield for her father’s actions.

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The Penguin | Mid-Season Weeks Ahead Trailer | Max (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtWkqWJzmLA)

Rather than presenting Sofia Falcone as a malicious figure, the narrative positions her as an unfortunate victim embroiled in a tragic family legacy, inspired by a deeply personal connection to a real-life figure. Lauren LeFranc suggests that Sofia’s character is loosely inspired by Rosemary Kennedy, often referred to as “the forgotten Kennedy.”

Creator/Showrunner	Lauren LeFranc
Stars	Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz
Number of Episodes	8
Air Dates	September 19, 2024–November 10, 2024
Streaming On	HBO Max

Rosemary, the eldest sister of former President John F. Kennedy, has often been overlooked in the extensive narrative surrounding the Kennedy family. This was largely orchestrated by the family’s patriarch, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. As Rosemary matured, her father labeled her as a challenge. Instead of seeking conventional help, he took drastic measures, opting for a lobotomy when she was 23, a decision that resulted in her long-term incapacitation and institutionalization that spanned over six decades. While Sofia’s time in Arkham may not extend for as long, the parallels in their stories are notable, with both characters suffering under the weight of their family histories.

The Elements That Elevate The Penguin

Creators like Matt Reeves have expressed a desire to present a more realistic portrayal of larger-than-life characters in *The Batman* and *The Penguin*. Abandoning the flamboyant comic book depictions, such as the Riddler in traditional vibrant attire, these adaptations opt for a portrayal that is more rooted in reality. This approach allows characters like Sofia Falcone to resonate with the audience on a deeper emotional level because they feel like genuine individuals who could exist in everyday life.

In a recent discussion with IndieWire, Lauren LeFranc outlined, “Matt never aimed for a straightforward comic book adaptation; those tales are wonderful, yet I sought to craft new narratives and canon.”

As LeFranc crafted the narrative for Sofia Falcone, she drew from real-life parallels that evoked a sense of empathy in her storytelling approach. Though different in specifics, the blend of Rosemary’s and Sofia’s stories allows the series to maintain authenticity.

LeFranc noted, “Rosemary was institutionalized and subjected to a lobotomy, after which her voice faded from the narrative; I’ve always found that both fascinating and heartbreaking.” This allowed her to differentiate Sofia Falcone from her real-life prototype while retaining core themes that resonate.

It’s evident that *The Penguin* intentionally avoids presenting a direct replica of Rosemary Kennedy. Instead, it crafts characters grounded in experiences that audience members can connect with, making the series more impactful. However, it’s crucial for viewers to recognize that Sofia Falcone may not embody heroic qualities any longer, nor does Oz Cobb.

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