Matt Reeves Explains Why Batman Ignores The Penguin

In 2023, few series have generated as much excitement as The Penguin. This HBO production garnered widespread praise throughout its airing, managing to capture the hearts of both loyal DC Comics enthusiasts and casual viewers. However, one burning question remained unanswered throughout its eight-episode run: Where’s Batman?

Colin Farrell’s Oz Cobb stirs up plenty of chaos in The Penguin, yet his criminal ventures seem to go unnoticed by Bruce Wayne, portrayed by Robert Pattinson. This absence has left some of the show’s most devoted fans befuddled. As a result, many are eager to hear from Matt Reeves, the director of The Batman and executive producer of The Penguin, regarding the elusive Dark Knight’s lack of presence in the series.

In a conversation with Digital Spy, Reeves shared insights on Batman’s absence. He explained that the hero is deeply involved in addressing the fallout from The Riddler’s mayhem at the conclusion of The Batman. “This was a time of great turmoil in the city, literally just after the events,” Reeves stated. “Much of Gotham is in disarray, police cannot cover all areas, and crime is rampant. [Batman’s] focused on grappling with the aftermath of the chaos, which he feels a degree of responsibility for.”

While some fans of The Penguin might find this explanation unconvincing—especially given that Oz’s conflicts with Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti) lead to chaos, gunfights, and even a bomb incident—Reeves presents a solid rationale. The Batman concludes with the title character deciding to play a more proactive role in promoting healing in Gotham following its challenges. In this context, it makes sense that his initial focus would be on restoring order in the city before getting involved in the activities of Oz Cobb.

Although we don’t see Batman in The Penguin, the series wraps up with an impactful shot of the Bat Signal shining near Oz’s new penthouse. This imagery suggests that Oz hasn’t completely evaded Batman’s notice, hinting that his actions throughout the series may have provoked a reaction from the caped crusader. Fans can anticipate seeing Batman’s response to Oz’s ascendance when The Batman Part II hits theaters in 2026.

The Penguin is currently available for streaming on Max. The Batman Part II is scheduled for release on October 2, 2026.