Danny DeVito shares fond memories of playing The Penguin

Danny DeVito's portrayal of The Penguin is considered iconic and he expresses his fondness for the character.

Danny DeVito reflects on playing The Penguin in Batman Returns

Danny DeVito's portrayal of The Penguin in Tim Burton's "Batman Returns" remains a highlight in superhero cinema. With the character recently gaining renewed attention due to Colin Farrell's reinterpretation in HBO Max's "The Penguin," DeVito's gothic, deeply layered version is often viewed as the classic representation of this villain. In Burton's film, DeVito crafted a Penguin who was both monstrous and sympathetic, cleverly juxtaposing savagery with a desire for affection. This performance set a benchmark for future depictions of the character in various media.

DeVito's portrayal of The Penguin offers critical insights into how complex villains can be in filmmaking. His performance blended darkness with humor, emphasizing that even the most sinister characters can have depth and vulnerability. This trend echoes in current superhero narratives where characters like Farrell's Penguin are explored in more realistic and gritty contexts. As filmmakers continue to reshape iconic characters, DeVito's Penguin serves as a foundational reference point, highlighting the evolution of character development in the genre.

Highlights

As superhero films evolve, classic performances like DeVito's Penguin continue to resonate.