The Penguin's Missed Opportunity in Birds of Prey

In a recent interview, Margot Robbie revealed that the original draft of the 2020 film *Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)* featured Oswald Cobblepot, also known as the Penguin, as the main antagonist. This revelation came during a conversation with her co-star Colin Farrell, who portrayed the Penguin in *The Batman* (2022) and its upcoming spinoff series, *The Penguin*. Robbie explained that the initial script, written by Christina Hodson, included the Penguin as the villain until director Matt Reeves intervened, stating, “Don’t use the Penguin. I’m going to use him in my thing.” Consequently, the character was replaced by Black Mask, played by Ewan McGregor.

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Robbie's admission highlights a significant shift in the narrative landscape of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The decision to exclude the Penguin allowed Reeves to develop the character further in his own cinematic universe, which includes *The Batman* and the forthcoming *The Batman Part II*, set for release on October 1, 2027. Farrell's portrayal of the Penguin has garnered critical acclaim, earning him a Golden Globe award and an Emmy nomination for his performance in *The Penguin* series.

Variety Magazine

During their discussion, both actors expressed surprise that they had never previously discussed their characters' connections. Robbie noted, “We’ve done so much talking, and I don’t think we’ve ever [discussed that]. That’s so weird.” Farrell, intrigued by the original script, asked Robbie if she still had a copy, to which she responded that it was likely saved on her computer. She described Hodson's version of the Penguin as “amazing,” sparking Farrell's curiosity about the character's portrayal.

Entertainment Weekly

The future of Robbie's Harley Quinn in the new DC Universe remains uncertain. James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, has indicated that her potential return will be “revealed down the line.” Meanwhile, Farrell is set to reprise his role as the Penguin in *The Batman Part II*, continuing the character's development within Reeves' narrative framework.

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The decision to replace the Penguin with Black Mask in *Birds of Prey* illustrates the complexities of the DCEU's evolving landscape. While Robbie's Harley Quinn and Farrell's Penguin have yet to share the screen, their separate narratives continue to unfold in distinct cinematic universes. As both actors embark on new projects, fans remain eager to see how their paths may eventually converge in future DC films.

‘Birds of Prey’ Almost Included an Iconic Batman Villain