The Name Change of The Penguin: A Fresh Take on a Classic Character
Matt Reeves, the director behind the 2022 film The Batman, believed that the original name of The Penguin, Oswald Cobblepot, was overly whimsical. He approached DC with a request to modify it. For decades, Oswald Cobblepot has been the iconic name associated with this character. However, in the more serious tone of The Batman, such a name might seem incongruent, despite the film’s premise involving a man in bat-inspired attire.
To create a more accessible identity, the character’s name was adapted to Oswald Cobb, or simply Oz Cobb. This adjustment received adequate praise for eliminating the silliness that surrounded Cobblepot’s name. In a recent conversation with SFX Magazine, producer Dylan Clark provided insight into this pivotal decision.
Clark explained, "Unlike the transformation of the Riddler’s name from Edward Nigma to Edward Nashton—where a fantastical name was exchanged for something more plausible—the Penguin’s name has remained unchanged in the comics. This grounded approach made for richer character development."
He continued, "Throughout our discussions with DC Comics and Jim Lee, their president and chief creative officer, we explored the idea of altering the name. While it had been considered before, it had never been executed. Matt posed the question, ‘Can I refer to our character as Oz Cobb?’ to which Jim responded positively, giving us the green light. This minor tweak allowed us to approach the character from a more realistic perspective."
Lauren LeFranc, the writer and showrunner of The Penguin, further elaborated on Reeves’ vision for Batman, stating, "Matt has forged new canon in his film, and I am similarly expanding the canon within this series. Familiar characters are being reinterpreted. In the Gotham City that Matt envisioned, Cobblepot felt less like a genuine individual, whereas Cobb provides a more authentic last name. As a gangster, it just aligns better."
Now, over two years after The Batman graced theaters, the Penguin series is set to premiere this Thursday on HBO. Following its initial release, it will transition to the platform Max, with episodes scheduled to air weekly on Sundays thereafter. This new interpretation promises to delve deeper into the complexities of a beloved character while maintaining realism and depth.