Gotham isn’t taking a breather. While most superhero sequels leap ahead by years, The Batman – Part II refuses to skip a beat.
According to actor Colin Farrell, who plays Oswald “Oz” Cobb in HBO Max’s The Penguin, the next film in Matt Reeves’ gritty Gotham saga will pick up only “a few weeks after” the end of the spin-off series. (Deadline)
That means no time for healing, no soft resets, and no “new era” tagline — Gotham will still be drenched, broken, and full of warlords clawing for power. Reeves’ world is continuing almost in real-time, and that’s something superhero cinema rarely dares to do.
From Flood to Fallout — Gotham’s Continuous Chaos
Let’s rewind. The Batman (2022) ended with Gotham drowning after the Riddler’s twisted plan turned the city into a flooded wasteland. One week later, The Penguin series picked up the pieces — showing how Oz Cobb seized the throne left empty by Carmine Falcone’s death. (Wikipedia)
Throughout the series, viewers watched Oz evolve from a low-level mobster into the new kingpin of Gotham, taking on rival factions like the Maronis and the Falcone family’s surviving daughter, Sofia.
Matt Reeves confirmed the show’s events unfold across November and early December, keeping the world locked in the same brutal winter vibe that began with The Batman’s Halloween-night opener.
So, when The Batman – Part II kicks off, it’s not a clean slate. Gotham will still be trembling from the chaos of its flood, bruised by gang wars, and newly ruled by Penguin’s iron fist.
A Few Weeks That Change Everything
Colin Farrell’s “few weeks” remark isn’t just trivia — it’s storytelling gold. It means every scar, every betrayal, every gunshot fired in The Penguin directly bleeds into the film.
Reeves is crafting what he calls an “epic narrative” that spans across screen formats:
“It’s taking place within the same world… If you do watch the whole thing, it’s an epic meditation on corruption and why Gotham is the way it is.”
— Matt Reeves to Entertainment Weekly
So yes, The Penguin isn’t just a companion piece — it’s essential viewing. The show ends with the Bat-Signal lighting the night sky, a beacon calling Bruce Wayne back into action. Expect The Batman – Part II to open on that same moment, with Gotham begging for its guardian again.
Batman’s Next War — The Crime Saga Continues
Here’s what this short time jump likely means for the story:
- Bruce Wayne’s mindset: He’s still early in his crusade — obsessive, raw, and relentless. There’s no decade-long gap to mellow him out.
- Penguin’s rise: Oz’s newfound empire is still unstable. His throne isn’t secure; rival factions are plotting already.
- Selina Kyle’s absence: Catwoman’s departure to Blüdhaven remains fresh. Batman might feel her loss more deeply than ever.
- Gotham’s new balance: The old mob structure is gone. Expect new names and darker corners to emerge.
Reeves’ Gotham is evolving organically, not by time skips but by consequences. Every move feels earned, every scene heavy with continuity.
What About The Penguin Season 2?
Farrell admitted he doesn’t yet know if The Penguin will return for a second season, but the timeline opens fascinating possibilities.
If it happens, the new season could either:
- Run parallel to The Batman – Part II, showing Oz’s empire during Batman’s next crusade.
- Or, follow immediately after, exploring the aftermath of the movie’s events.
If the sequel wraps up Penguin’s arc neatly, Reeves might shift focus to another villain — maybe Mr. Freeze, Two-Face, or even Hush. Because in Gotham, the rogues’ gallery never runs dry.
Reeves’ Vision — A Living Gotham
Matt Reeves isn’t building a superhero universe in the traditional DC sense; he’s building a cinematic crime saga — a city that breathes, bleeds, and refuses to sleep. Everything connects. Everything matters.
“Oz becomes one of the entry points into the movie.”
— Matt Reeves via EW
This isn’t about big crossovers or multiverse chaos. It’s about legacy — one crime wave leading into the next, one villain’s fall birthing another’s rise. In Gotham, time barely passes, because the fight never ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long after The Penguin does The Batman – Part II take place?
According to Colin Farrell, the film begins only “a few weeks” after the series ends.
Q2. Do I need to watch The Penguin before Part II?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended. Matt Reeves confirms both are part of one ongoing story.
Q3. When does The Penguin series take place?
About one week after the events of The Batman (2022).
Q4. Who’s directing The Batman – Part II?
Matt Reeves returns as writer-director, continuing his “grounded detective noir” approach.
Q5. Will Catwoman appear in the sequel?
Not confirmed yet, but given the short gap, she might still be away in Blüdhaven.
Q6. What’s Penguin’s status in the movie?
Now Gotham’s top crime lord, his actions in the series will directly influence the sequel’s power structure.
Q7. Could there be a Penguin Season 2?
Discussions are reportedly ongoing, but nothing official yet.
Q8. How does this fit into DC Studios’ new universe?
Reeves’ saga exists under DC’s “Elseworlds” label, separate from James Gunn’s mainline DC Universe.
Q9. When will The Batman – Part II release?
Currently scheduled for October 1, 2027.
Q10. Will the movie follow the same noir tone?
Absolutely. Reeves’ Gotham is built on rain, corruption, and consequence — and that won’t change anytime soon.
Final Verdict — Gotham Never Sleeps
So yes, it’s true. The Batman – Part II picks up mere weeks after The Penguin ends. This isn’t a reboot or a retelling — it’s a continuation of the same nightmare. Gotham’s still drowning, Penguin’s still scheming, and Batman’s still answering the call.
Matt Reeves is doing what few directors dare: crafting a continuous saga where time barely moves, but tension always does. The city may be broken — but its story? Just getting started.
The Batman – Part II hits theaters on October 1, 2027.
Sources:
Deadline |
Entertainment Weekly |
Wikipedia – The Penguin (TV Series) |
Forbes
