Danny DeVito on His Condition To Return as the Penguin in ‘Batman’ Movies: “I’d Be There in a Second”
Danny DeVito’s portrayal of Oswald Cobblepot / The Penguin in the 1992 film ‘Batman Returns’ is considered one of his most memorable performances. He underwent a significant physical transformation for the role and demonstrated a strong commitment to the character. DeVito brought both menace and humor to the character, earning him critical acclaim and recognition as one of the standout performances in the movie. Alongside Michael Keaton, who reprised his role as Batman in the 2023 film ‘The Flash,’ DeVito’s performance stood out.
Despite ‘Batman Returns’ being a commercial and critical disappointment, Keaton’s return to the role received widespread praise, sparking speculation about DeVito potentially reprising his role as well, this time within the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). In an interview with Screenrant, DeVito expressed his willingness to return to the role under one condition: if Tim Burton were to direct the film.
If Tim Burton was directing it, I’d be there in a second. Oswald Cobblepot is my favorite. I had a good time. Its operatic. I like every once in a while going big [Laughs], and so I’d do that in a second. We had a ball doing that.
Tim Burton’s Batman movies are certainly memorable, but his tenure with the franchise ended on a sour note. Initially reluctant to create a sequel to the successful Batman movie due to feeling creatively stifled by Warner Bros’ expectations, Burton agreed to return under the condition of significant creative control. This included replacing the original writer, Sam Hamm, with Daniel Waters, and bringing in many of his past collaborators. Waters’ script focused heavily on character development rather than a complex plot, with Wesley Strick later adding elements such as a master plan for the Penguin in an uncredited rewrite.
After the lukewarm reception of ‘Batman Returns,’ Burton was replaced as director for the third film, ‘Batman Forever,’ by Joel Schumacher, aiming for a more family-friendly direction. Michael Keaton chose not to return as Batman due to disagreements with Schumacher’s vision. Despite ‘Batman Forever’ and its sequel, ‘Batman & Robin,’ being financial successes, they received mixed critical reviews. However, over time, ‘Batman Returns’ has been reevaluated as one of the best Batman films, with its portrayals of Catwoman and Penguin considered iconic. Got something to add? Share your thoughts in the comments below!