In Light of Colin Farrell’s Penguin Role, It’s Worth Noting That Jonah Hill Was Initially Offered the Part

The Penguin is the latest addition to Matt Reeves’ Batman Epic Crime Saga, set approximately one week after the events of The Batman: Part I. The series follows Oswald Cobb as he navigates the power vacuum left by Carmine Falcone’s death.

So far, the show has received acclaim as one of the greatest DC series of all time, featuring an exceptional cast and standout performances from all involved, particularly Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone and Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobb.

When Colin Farrell was first announced as The Penguin, many fans were skeptical about the casting choice, pointing out that he didn’t resemble the character. However, thanks to the incredible work of the prosthetics team, Farrell is almost unrecognizable, embodying the role with a hunched back, a noticeable limp, and strikingly grotesque facial features, including baldness.

This transformation is truly remarkable, despite Farrell frequently expressing his discomfort with the costume. His dedication has paid off, as the show has garnered record viewership and widespread acclaim.

However, before Farrell was confirmed for the role, another notable actor was reportedly considered. According to industry insiders, Jonah Hill was offered the part of either Riddler or Penguin for The Batman: Part I, as reported by Variety.

Five years ago, it was revealed that Hill declined the role and distanced himself from the project, although the specific reasons for his decision and which character he was offered remain unclear.

Given Jonah Hill’s physical attributes, he was likely considered for the role of Oswald Cobblepot. While it’s impossible to determine how he would have performed in the role, Hill is an acclaimed actor with a strong portfolio of notable performances.

He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the eccentric and morally ambiguous business partner to Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in The Wolf of Wall Street, showcasing his capability in dramatic roles.

Ultimately, things worked out for the best. The latest episode of The Penguin drew 1.7 million cross-platform viewers across Max and HBO in the U.S., reflecting a 21.43% increase from the 1.4 million viewers during the series premiere on September 19.

This episode also surpassed Episode 2’s viewership of 1.6 million, achieving impressive numbers even while competing against NFL Sunday Night Football and the MLB National League Championship Series.

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