Matt Reeves' 2022 superhero film, “The Batman,” is another reinvention of the character, this time as dark as anything seen on the big screen. “The Batman” was closer in tone to David Fincher’s 1995 serial killer thriller “Seven” than anything by Christopher Nolan or Tim Burton. However, Reeves' film includes many familiar faces and employs the same rogues gallery as Leslie Martinson's seminal 1966 “Batman.” Zoë Kravitz stars as Catwoman, this time as an apartment thief who becomes deeply involved with the gang. . Paul Dano plays the Riddler, a Zodiac-like serial killer who likes to leave clues at crime scenes. Barry Keoghan has a brief mid-credits cameo as the Joker, who has already been imprisoned for a previous prank.
The most visible penguin, played by Colin Farrell with impressive and elaborate makeup. In “The Batman,” Penguin is a mid-level mobster known to the Gotham City police, but protected by a network of crime and corruption. The bird's nickname derives from its stocky build, pointed nose, and penchant for tuxedos. Well known to the police, and the de facto leader of most of the city's criminal activities, was crime lord Carmine Falcone, played by John Turturro. At the end of the 176-minute film, the true extent of Falcone's hugely corrupt enterprise is revealed, and he proves to be the story's central villain.
Penguin, while only a supporting player, was colorful enough to warrant his own spin-off series. Farrell reprized his role in the new HBO series, simply “The Penguin,” in September 2024. The series is ambitious and expensive and seeks to explore the depths of crime and evil in Gotham City, but Batman doesn't see it.
You would think that Carmine Falcone would appear in such a series through flashbacks (since he died in “The Batman”), but Turturro isn't interested. He was replaced by Mark Strong in the role. In a new interview with Variety, Turturro revealed why he did not want to participate in “The Penguin.” He mainly opposed the depiction of violence against women.
John Turturro did not like the representation of violence against women in 'The Penguin'
Turturro admitted that he explored Carmine Falcone to the extent of his interest and that he did not feel the need to return to the character. He simply said:
“I played the role I wanted. […] The show has a lot of violence against women, which is not my thing.
Turturro also admitted that he was offered other projects and had already filled his schedule with more interesting roles while “The Penguin” was still in production. “You can't do everything you want,” he noted. Turturro, after all, has always been a busy and in-demand actor, fascinating for his talent, personality and range.
Variety noted that Turturro's objections to violence against women are a bit unfair, as many women are brutalized by Falcone or his henchmen throughout “The Batman.” Turturro noted that the violence is implied and not actually seen on screen, adding, “It happens off screen,” adding, “It's very scary.” It is not necessary to witness violence to be surprised by its effects.
Mark Strong is, of course, a talented actor and there is no doubt that he will deliver a brave performance as Carmine Falcone. Meanwhile, Turturro will soon appear in Pedro Almodóvar's upcoming film “The Room Next Door” and the boxing drama “The Cut.” He also stars in one of the lead roles in the Apple TV+ series “Severance” and recently directed an episode of “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” This is in addition to occasional performances on stage. It is noted that Turturro did not have time to appear in “El Pingüino”.
