Colin Farrell's 'The Penguin' captivates audiences and critics alike

"The Penguin" on Max has outpaced major premieres such as the final season of "Succession" and the second season of "The White Lotus". Critics can't stop praising it, either.

Variety reports these impressive figures, adding that "The Penguin" was only surpassed by another highly anticipated production: "True Detective: Night Country," starring Jodie Foster as an investigator in Alaska. The TV continuation of events from the 2022 film "The Batman" tells the story of a gangster who dreams of reaching the heights of power in a corrupt city.

Oz Cobb wants to take advantage of the death of mobster Carmine Falcone and seize control of the city. He schemes, lies, murders, and curries favour only to betray in the next moment. The character, masterfully portrayed by Colin Farrell, has little of the appealing dignity and masculinity seen in other on-screen gangsters.

Much has already been written about Farrell's characterisation, which will undoubtedly go down in history. Prosthetics, costume, and makeup transform the star into a repulsive creature while still allowing him to deliver a stellar performance. If Colin Farrell doesn't get an Emmy nomination next season, there is no justice in this world. He is brilliant as the Penguin, note the critics.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the title has as much as 94% positive reviews from critics. "The Penguin" will have eight episodes, with the finale airing in November. Can viewers already count on a second season? It seems unlikely. First, the production is referred to as a miniseries, which typically indicates no plans for a continuation, and second, Farrell himself has stated he would never again don the repulsive Penguin costume.