BREAKING NEWS: New revelations from actress and producer Margot Robbie confirm that the iconic villain the Penguin nearly appeared in the 2020 film Birds of Prey. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Robbie disclosed that early drafts of the script featured the Penguin as the main antagonist, but this was swiftly changed at the request of Matt Reeves, who insisted on keeping the character for his upcoming project, The Batman.
Robbie explained that Reeves intervened, saying, “Don’t use the Penguin. I’m going to use him in my thing.” This pivotal decision ultimately led to Ewan McGregor taking on the role of Black Mask instead. The impact of this swap is significant; had the Penguin been included, it could have altered the trajectory of the DC Universe and potentially affected Warner Bros. Discovery’s awards prospects.
The urgency of these revelations grows as Colin Farrell, who portrayed the Penguin in Reeves’ film released in March 2022, expressed shock during the interview. He stated that he had never previously discussed the character’s near inclusion in Birds of Prey with Robbie. Farrell even requested a copy of that early script, highlighting the intrigue surrounding this behind-the-scenes decision.
The Penguin’s role has since expanded, especially with the success of the award-winning HBO spinoff series, which further emphasizes his importance within the DC franchise. The anticipation for Farrell’s return as the Penguin is palpable, with The Batman Part II set for release in October 2027, promising to explore the character’s narrative further.
As for Robbie’s future as Harley Quinn, the prospect remains uncertain, pending decisions from DC Studios President James Gunn, who has not made any official announcements regarding her return.
This latest development not only sheds light on the creative decisions that shape the DC Universe but also ignites excitement among fans eager to see how these characters will evolve. Stay tuned for more updates on this story as it develops in the coming days.
