16 July 2025
HBO Max’s gritty Batman spinoff series The Penguin has soared with fans and critics alike, earning a massive 24 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series — but will we be getting a Season 2? The answer: maybe.
Casey Bloys, content chairman and CEO of HBO and Max, gave fans a cautiously hopeful update in a recent interview with Variety. While nothing is officially greenlit, Bloys confirmed that a second season is “definitely possible,” but hinges on two big factors: Matt Reeves’ schedule and, crucially, Colin Farrell’s willingness to return.
“The number one thing right now that Matt [Reeves] is dealing with is getting the movie [The Batman 2] going. I believe they’re making progress there,” Bloys said.
Reeves, the visionary behind The Batman universe, and Penguin showrunner Lauren LeFranc have reportedly tossed around a few ideas that could work alongside the upcoming film. However, the focus remains on getting the sequel to Robert Pattinson’s The Batman off the ground first.
“Could another chapter be in the future? Definitely possible,” Bloys added. “I just don’t know at this point.”
But perhaps the biggest wildcard is Colin Farrell himself. The Emmy-nominated actor underwent an intense transformation — including hours in the makeup chair daily — to portray Gotham’s most ruthless and complex crime boss.
“His buy-in is essential,” Bloys said. “He’s the one that has to play that dark character and sit in the makeup chair for several hours a day.”
Earlier this year, Farrell himself shared mixed feelings about returning for more.
“I don’t want it. I don’t not want it,” he told Variety. “We all left it in the ring in those eight hours… I would hate to, just because of a quote-unquote success, have to go again and for it to be a diluted version.”
For now, fans hoping for more of Gotham’s underworld intrigue will have to wait. There’s no timeline or announcement yet, but the door is clearly open.
The Penguin, set in the aftermath of The Batman (2022), explores Oswald Cobblepot’s rise to power in Gotham’s criminal hierarchy. It stars Cristin Milioti and Deirdre O’Connell, both of whom were also recognized with Emmy nominations.
Until an official decision is made, HBO is keeping its cards close — but The Penguin’s massive critical acclaim and awards buzz might just be enough to bring Gotham’s crime lord back for another reign.
