Fan Theory Claims That ‘The Penguin’ Sets Up Part Two of the Riddler’s Plan Ahead of ‘The Batman’ Sequel
Batman may have taken down the Riddler in The Batman, but his chaotic influence still grips Gotham. After the devastating flood caused by Riddler, the city is struggling to recover. The lower-class neighborhoods were hit hardest, leaving many, like Victor Aguilar, grieving lost loved ones.
Even with Riddler locked in Arkham Asylum, his message of rebellion against Gotham’s corruption still inspires action. Citizens are frustrated with the city’s broken system, and Riddler’s words fuel their anger, keeping his movement alive.
In The Penguin, Gotham’s underworld faces both crisis and opportunity after Carmine Falcone’s death. Without Falcone, a major power vacuum opened up, drawing in ambitious figures hungry to take control.
By the end of the series, Oswald ‘Oz’ Cobblepot, known as the Penguin, secures his place at the top of Gotham’s criminal empire. Not stopping there, he begins to mingle with Gotham’s elite, using his newfound influence with politicians and businessmen.
This dangerous combination of street power and political sway sets the stage for even deeper corruption, possibly amplifying the Riddler’s impact as The Batman – Part II approaches, as ScreenRant’s theory states.
Riddler’s loyal followers remain a force, even without their leader. These individuals, drawn to his anti-elite rhetoric, act independently to spread his message. In The Penguin, graffiti-like ‘No more excuses’ and mysterious flyers with QR codes bearing Riddler-style question marks pop up across Gotham.
One flyer on the subway encourages people to uncover ‘Gotham’s true face,’ echoing Riddler’s ideology. His rebellion wasn’t just about the rich; it hit Gotham’s lower class the hardest, yet many still rally behind his cause, escalating tensions between the haves and have-nots.
The Riddler’s influence isn’t just on the streets. The show revisits rataalada.com, the interactive website from The Batman’s theatrical release. It teased cryptic messages from Riddler, hinting that his movement was far from over.
In The Penguin, the site was seized by Gotham police, but not before suggesting that chaos would continue. Oz’s rise to power hints at a brewing storm, as his shady deals with figures like Councilman Hady show his willingness to exploit political corruption.
Mayor Bella Reál is determined to clean up Gotham’s institutions, but Oz’s growing control could push the city deeper into turmoil. The divide between Gotham’s wealthy elite and struggling lower class continues to widen, primed to explode into chaos. If Riddler’s words continue to resonate, and Oz stirs the pot further, Gotham might face an all-out war before Batman’s next chapter begins.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!
