The Penguin allows viewers to see a new side of the universe in The Batman. This series, which is currently on HBO, shows the depths of crime and power struggles in Gotham City after the events of the film.
However, one notable actor from the movie did not return for this HBO series. John Turturro, who played Carmine Falcone, one of Gotham’s biggest criminals, chose not to reprise his role.
Instead, the character of Falcone is now portrayed by Mark Strong in the spin-off series. This change has sparked conversations among fans and critics alike.
John Turturro’s Decision Not to Return
In a recent interview with Variety, Turturro explained his reasons for not coming back for The Penguin. He stated, “I did what I wanted to with the role. In the show, there was a lot of violence towards women, and that’s not my thing.”
Turturro’s decision highlights a significant aspect of his character choices and artistic integrity. He is known for selecting roles that resonate with his personal values.
Carmine Falcone is a character that embodies crime and violence, and Turturro felt he had fully shown this role in The Batman. By stepping away from the spin-off, he maintains his standards regarding the types of stories he wants to be a part of.
Still from The Penguin (Credit: HBO)
This sentiment reflects a broader trend among actors who are increasingly selective about the roles they take on, especially when it comes to sensitive subjects such as violence and morality.
The Penguin: What It’s About
The Penguin picks up the story of Oz Cobb, played by Colin Farrell, right after the events of The Batman. The narrative follows Oz as he attempts to rise to power during a chaotic time in Gotham City. After the death of Carmine Falcone, a power vacuum emerges in the city’s criminal underworld.
Oz sees this as an opportunity to grab the spotlight and establish himself as a significant player in Gotham’s crime scene. However, his plans are complicated when Sofia Falcone, played by Cristin Milioti, is released from prison.
The tension in the story escalates as Sofia returns to reclaim her position in the family business, leading to a power struggle that propels the plot forward. Her character adds layers of complexity to the series. As a woman in a male-dominated crime environment, Sofia’s return disrupts the status quo and introduces new dynamics to the already chaotic criminal scene in Gotham.
The Relationship Between Oz and Victor
Oz Cobb does not show the treacherous waters of Gotham alone. He recruits Victor Aguilar, played by Rhenzy Feliz, to help him in his quest for power. Victor is a young man with a troubled past, and his character brings a fresh perspective to the series. Together, Oz and Victor must learn to survive in a city that is often unforgiving and brutal.
The bond between Oz and Victor is central to the storyline. Their relationship shows themes of friendship, loyalty, and the harsh realities of their environment.
Victor’s troubled background provides depth to his character and allows viewers to see the complexities of growing up in a world filled with crime. This dynamic offers a rich layer to the series as it develops, giving audiences a chance to connect with the characters on a personal level.
Gotham City: A Character in Itself
In The Penguin, Gotham City serves as more than just a backdrop; it acts as a character in its own right. The city is depicted as dark, gritty, and full of dangers lurking in every corner. After the chaos caused by The Riddler’s attacks, Gotham is a place where the stakes are high, and survival is not guaranteed.
The series shows the impact of crime on the city and its residents. The power struggles among criminals affect not only those involved in the underworld but also innocent people trying to live their lives amidst the chaos. This focus on the broader implications of crime and violence in Gotham adds a layer of social commentary to the narrative.
What Lies Ahead for Bruce Wayne
As The Penguin sets the stage for the next chapter in Bruce Wayne’s story, fans eagerly anticipate what will come next. The series acts as a bridge to the upcoming film, The Batman: Part II, directed by Matt Reeves. This sequel is highly anticipated as it will continue the story of Bruce Wayne, played by Robert Pattinson, as he shows the complex world of Gotham.
The potential fallout from The Riddler’s attacks could be a central theme in the sequel. The audience may see how these events have affected the city and its characters. New challenges may emerge for the beloved vigilante as he continues his fight against crime and corruption.
John Turturro’s Recent Work
After his role as Carmine Falcone in The Batman, John Turturro has continued to work on various projects. He appeared as Damian Cunningham in The Room Next Door, a Spanish drama directed by the renowned Pedro Almodóvar. This film tells the story of Martha, played by Tilda Swinton, and Ingrid, played by Julianne Moore. The two women were once friends in their youth, but after many years apart, they find themselves reunited under unusual circumstances.
Turturro also lent his voice to Dottore in Guillermo Del Toro’s adaptation of Pinocchio. This animated film has received much attention and praise for its artistic style and storytelling. Turturro’s work in these projects showcases his versatility as an actor, as he takes on roles that differ significantly from his portrayal of Falcone.
The Future of The Batman Franchise
As The Penguin progresses, fans are left wondering what lies ahead for the franchise. The connections between the series and the films create excitement for what is to come. Will other characters from The Batman make appearances in the series or future films?
The potential for new characters adds intrigue to the storyline. Audiences may see familiar faces played by different actors, just as Mark Strong took over the role of Falcone. This change can bring fresh perspectives to established characters, allowing the franchise to evolve and grow.
The Importance of Storytelling
Ultimately, The Penguin and its connection to The Batman highlight the importance of storytelling in the superhero genre. The series goes into the complexities of crime, morality, and the human experience in a world often depicted in black and white.
By focusing on characters like Oz Cobb and Victor Aguilar, the series provides a nuanced look at the choices individuals make and the consequences of those choices.
Still from The Penguin (Credit: HBO)
John Turturro’s decision to step away from the role of Falcone emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s values with the stories being told. As audiences engage with these narratives, they are invited to reflect on broader societal issues and the implications of the stories being presented.
Conclusion
The Penguin is shaping up to be a significant addition to the Batman universe, offering viewers a fresh perspective on Gotham City and its inhabitants.
As the series unfolds, audiences are treated to a blend of crime drama, character development, and social commentary. John Turturro’s departure from the role of Falcone speaks volumes about the actor’s dedication to meaningful storytelling.
With a powerful narrative and strong character dynamics, The Penguin promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as it leads into the next chapter of Bruce Wayne’s story.
The scheme of power, violence, and the struggle for survival in Gotham City makes this series a compelling watch for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.
Venom: The Last Dance is the last adventure for Eddie Brock, played by Tom Hardy, and his symbiotic partner. They go on a road trip across the United States and fight against the symbiote god Knull along the way.
Even though this is the final chapter, there are two extra scenes—one at the end and another in the middle—that tease what might happen next in the Venom series. Fans of the first two movies, Venom and Venom: Let There Be Carnage, will find plenty to enjoy and will likely want more.
What Is Venom: The Last Dance About?
Venom: The Last Dance continues right after Venom: Let There Be Carnage. Eddie and the Venom symbiote return to their own world after a short visit to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They do not have a moment to relax because many law enforcement agencies are after them.
One of these agencies is led by General Rex Strickland, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor. He works with scientist Teddy Payne, played by Juno Temple, to capture symbiotes.
While trying to escape, Eddie and Venom meet both familiar and new characters. They run into Ms. Chen, a convenience store owner played by Peggy Lu. Ms. Chen has been a friend to Eddie and Venom in the past. They also encounter Martin, played by Rhys Ifans.
Martin is known for his love of aliens and was previously in The Amazing Spider-Man as the Lizard. These meetings add depth to the story and remind viewers of the connections Eddie has in his life.
The main focus of the movie is the battle against Knull, a powerful symbiote god. Knull is a strong and evil figure who wants to take over and destroy. Eddie and Venom must work together to stop Knull and protect the world from his dark plans. Their road trip becomes not just a physical journey but also a test of their partnership and strength.
Eddie and Venom’s Dynamic
Eddie and Venom have a unique relationship. Eddie is a journalist who once faced many challenges in his life. He struggled with his career and his personal relationships.
Still from Venom The Last Dance (Credit: Sony)
When Venom, the symbiote, joined him, everything changed. Venom is not just a suit that Eddie wears; he is a living being with his own personality and desires. They argue, bicker, and often disagree, but they also rely on each other.
This dynamic adds a lot to the story. Eddie is not just trying to survive; he is trying to find balance in his life with Venom. They share a bond that is both complicated and powerful. As they face new challenges together, their relationship grows. Eddie learns more about himself, and Venom becomes more than just a partner; he becomes a true friend.
The Importance of Humor
One of the most enjoyable parts of the Venom movies is the humor. The writers include funny moments that lighten the mood.
Eddie and Venom’s conversations often lead to comedic scenes. Their arguments can be hilarious, especially when Venom tries to convince Eddie to do something wild or dangerous. This humor helps make the darker moments in the film feel less heavy.
For example, during their road trip, Eddie finds himself in strange situations that lead to laughter. Whether it’s dealing with odd characters or strange locations, the humor adds a fun element to the movie. This makes it more accessible to a wide audience, from children to adults.
Fans of the Venom movies are curious about the future of the franchise. The trailer for Venom: The Last Dance hints that either Eddie or the Venom symbiote may face serious danger.
This leaves viewers wondering if there will be more stories to tell. Writer and director Kelly Marcel has teased the return of Knull in future projects. She mentioned this during a Sony Pictures panel at New York Comic Con.
Tom Hardy, who plays Eddie, was also present at the panel. He shared his feelings about leaving the character behind. “It’s been seven years this day…It’s like I started the day seven years ago and now it’s nighttime.
It’s time to go to sleep. I’ve absolutely loved playing Eddie and Venom… It’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life, so it’ll be sad to see him go.” His words show how much he cares for the character.
Even though he says goodbye to Eddie, fans should not count him out yet. In recent years, other actors have returned to their famous roles, like Michael Keaton as Batman and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. This gives hope that Tom Hardy might don the Venom symbiote again someday.
The Multiverse Connection
There are exciting possibilities for the future of the Venom franchise, especially with the upcoming Marvel movies. Titles like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars are set to show the multiverse.
In the original Secret Wars storyline, Spider-Man first gets the symbiote suit. This means there could be a chance for Tom Holland’s Spider-Man and Hardy’s Venom to meet on screen.
The idea of seeing these two characters together excites many fans. The interaction between Spider-Man and Venom has always been a significant part of comic book history. If the Venom franchise continues to grow, there is a strong possibility of crossovers that fans would love to see.
Sony’s Success with the Venom Franchise
The Venom franchise has been a big success for Sony Pictures. The first Venom movie earned a lot of money at the box office. It showed that there was a strong interest in the character and story. Following this success, Venom: Let There Be Carnage also did well during its theatrical run.
Sony has tried to recreate this success with other Spider-Man-related characters, such as Madame Web and Morbius. However, none of these films have done as well as the Venom movies. Part of the reason for this success is Tom Hardy’s creative involvement.
He has been a producer and helped develop the stories for both Let There Be Carnage and The Last Dance. His passion for the character shines through, making the films more enjoyable for fans.
The End of an Era
As Venom: The Last Dance closes out the trilogy, it does so with a mix of excitement and sadness. Fans who have followed Eddie and Venom through their journeys have become attached to the characters. This final movie brings many elements together, giving viewers a sense of closure while still leaving the door open for new adventures.
The film shows how Eddie has grown and changed over the years. He is no longer just a troubled journalist; he is now a hero who fights for what is right. Venom, too, has evolved. He started as a dark and chaotic force but has become more than just a monster. Together, they make a strong team that has faced many challenges.
The Future of the Venom Franchise
While Venom: The Last Dance might mark the end of this chapter, it also hints at what could come next. Fans are left wondering about the potential stories that could be told in the future. The bond between Eddie and Venom remains strong, and their adventures are far from over.
Still from Venom The Last Dance (Credit: Sony)
As the superhero movie continues to evolve, there are many paths the Venom franchise could take. Whether it leads to new characters, crossovers, or fresh stories, fans will be eagerly waiting for the next announcement.
Conclusion
Venom: The Last Dance provides an exciting and emotional conclusion to Eddie and Venom’s story. It balances action, humor, and character development, creating a memorable experience for fans. While this may be the last dance for Eddie Brock and Venom, their legacy will continue. The hints at future stories leave audiences hopeful for more adventures in the Venom universe.
