Who is Sroka? Penguin's new little-known Batman villain explained

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS from episode 4 of The Penguin

An obscure DC Comics villain appears unexpectedly in Penguinwho adapts it Batman realistic universe scenery. Just two parts of Matt Reeves Batman The universe has already featured several famous DC Comics villains. Batman introduced the Riddler, the Penguin, Catwoman, the Joker and Carmine Falcone. Meanwhile, Penguin introduced Sofia Falcone, as well as Carmine Falcone's rival, Sal Maroni. Before Batman – Part IIedition for 2026–2027, Penguin continues the series' world-building by delving into Gotham's underworld.

After Oz Cobb's betrayal, Penguin end of episode 3The series explores Sofia Falcone's story through flashbacks. According to Penguin Revelations from episode 4 The real executioner is Carmine Falcone, who blames his daughter Sofia for the murders. Sofia Falcone was wrongfully sent to Arkham, where she was forced to use violence to defend herself. Since Arkham is usually full of famous DC villains, Sofia Falcone met a character who fought Batman and the Bat-family in the comics: Magpie.

DC Magpie Comics History Explained

Magpie has battled big names throughout her DC Comics history

Margaret Pye, also known as Magpie, debuted in DC Comics in 1986 Man of Steel #3where he leads Superman and Batman to their first meeting (in this particular Post-crisis continuity). Much like the early encounters of the two title characters in the DCEU in Batman v Superman: Dawn of JusticeBatman warns Superman that interfering with the Dark Knight's crime-fighting efforts could end badly, but the World's Finest team up to stop Magpie. In recent years, Magpie joins the Secret Society of Super Villains, escapes from Arkham and is sent to Belle Reeve, and joins the Suicide Squad.

Magpie has battled Batman, Superman, Flash, Batgirl, Catwoman and Spectre over the years.

According to her first origin story, Magpie was obsessed with stealing expensive items and became an experienced thief and forger. Magpie started his own crime team and expanded his reach, but was unlucky enough to catch Batman's eye while Superman was following him. Magpie has made a name for herself with more ferocious allies and greater enemies. Magpie, however, died shortly after joining the Suicide Squad and was briefly resurrected using a Black Lantern ring during D.C. The blackest night plot.

How a penguin changes a magpie

The Penguin gives Magpie some of the characteristics of Harley Quinn

Penguin Episode 4's flashbacks to Sofia Falcone's story reveal that the first person Sofia met in Arkham was Magpie. At this point, Magpie has apparently spent a lot of time in Arkham, which coincides with her first appearance in DC New 52 continuity, where he debuts in Arkham after being captured by Batman. It is unknown whether Robert Pattinson's Batman sent Magpie to Arkham some time before the events of 2013 Penguinbut it's probable. PenguinMagpie is much more sociable, and at the same time much more naive and less brutal than her comic book counterpart.

Penguin Episode 4: 11 Easter eggs and DC references

The fourth episode of Penguin includes a collection of exciting Easter eggs and references that bring Sofia Falcone's past in Arkham to full disclosure.

PenguinThe Magpie version exhibits characteristics similar to most versions of Harley Quinn. Unlike its comic book counterpart, PenguinMagpie seems to be very detached from reality, ignores dangerous situations and becomes friends with Sofia anyway. The mortal disgrace of Sofia's executioner. Magpie's naivety leads to her death when Sofia snaps and beats her to death. While Magpie died a sudden death at the hands of fellow Suicide Squad villain Thylacine in the comics, DC's original Magpie likely defended herself against Sofia in the source material.

Who plays Magpie in Penguin

Marié Botha plays Magpie in flashbacks from episode four of “Penguin.”

Actress Marié Botha takes off her glasses

PenguinThe version of Margaret Pye, aka Magpie, was brought to life by Marié Botha. Botha starred in a 2018 short film I love Dead Cat and a 2019 short film Zosia. She played Mary Bowles in one episode of the 2021 series Dickinsonand appeared in 2021 Highway number one as Anna. Botha played Viva in the 2022 short film (Manic)quinand it looks like her breakout role will be Magpie Penguindespite the villain's limited screen time.

Magpie's most famous appearance outside of the comics is in the animated series
Watch out for Batman
where “Magpie” is Margaret Sorrow's split personality.

Penguin is not the first DC project to adapt Magpie into a live-action version. Sarah Schenkkan played Magpie in 2019 Gotham episode “13 Stitches”. Interestingly, it is none other than Penguin who tracks down and kills Magpie Gothamwhen Magpie's kleptomania led her to a vault belonging to Oswald Cobblepot. Rachel Matthews played Magpie in 2019 Batwoman episode “Who Are You”, in which Batwoman thwarts Magpie's attempt to steal Martha Wayne's iconic pearl necklace and sends her to Blackgate Prison.