Speaking with Variety after winning the Best Actor Golden Globe for his portrayal of Oz Cobb in The Penguin, Farrell addressed joining The Dark Knight‘s Heath Ledger and Joker star Joaquin Phoenix on the list of Batman antagonists to win the prestigious accolade. Farrell revealed how awed he was by both men’s performances and how honored he was to be mentioned in the same breath as them.
“You mentioned two actors who are, I think, for my money, two of the most extraordinarily talented and gifted and just brilliant artists in films that I’ve ever had the fortune to observe and be affected by,” he said. “What Heath did in Chris Nolan’s Dark Knight was extraordinary, and will live on for future generations. And what [Phoenix] did with the Joker was, as exemplified by all the awards that he won, in the Oscars. It was extraordinary.”
It was so special, both of them.
While Farrell feels humbled to be in such esteemed company, he doesn’t feel his performance as Oz is on the level of his compatriots, despite his latest achievement. “It was so special, both of them,” he added. “So, to have your name just uttered in the same sentence as those performances, honestly, it’s lovely, but still I’m more of just a fan of it all! I don’t feel like I’m part of that pantheon. Joaquin and Heath, just two extraordinary and honest great actors.”
Critics widely praised Farrell’s portrayal of the eponymous Gotham crime boss in The Penguin, with the actor offering a unique take on the longtime Batman antagonist. Though Farrell struggled with the rigorous preparation for the lead role, he enjoyed his work on The Penguin, helping the series become a big hit ratings-wise for HBO and earn three Golden Globe nominations.
The Penguin Might Get a Second Season
Because The Penguin exceeded expectations, calls for a second season of The Batman spinoffs keep growing. Showrunner Lauren LeFranc hasn’t ruled out the possibility of renewal, suggesting after the Golden Globes that she’d do it if the right ideas emerged. Meanwhile, The Batman franchise director and The Penguin producer Matt Reeves previously claimed there have been behind-the-scenes talks with HBO regarding a renewal.
Farrell will reprise his role as Oz in The Batman Part II, though he’s looking to take a break from playing the character before getting back into the Bat-verse. Part II‘s release date has been delayed by another year, until 2027, as Reeves completes the script. However, production on the DC sequel is expected to commence this year.
Fans can stream The Penguin via Max. The series will also become available via home video on Mar. 18.
