Beware: The ensuing tale contains revelations about “The Penguin” Episode 1, “After Hours.”
Lo, the fresh HBO limited series known as “The Penguin” dwells within the same world as the grand spectacle of Matt Reeves’ 2022 blockbuster, “The Batman.” Yet, where does this show fit upon the illustrious “Bat-Verse” continuum’s timeline?
The Position of “The Penguin” in the Bat-Verse Timeline
Behold, “The Penguin” unfolds a mere seven days after the turbulence witnessed in “The Batman.” Verily, fabricated news footage explicitly declares this truth in the prologue of Episode 1. Moreover, the chilling commencement of the HBO limited series seemingly intersects with the epilogue of “The Batman.” Both depict Oz Cobb gazing upon the Gotham City skyline amidst golden rays, pondering the recent demise of his former master, Carmine Falcone. This suggests that the closing moments of “The Batman,” especially those concerning Oz, transpire later in the chronicles of the Bat-Verse than the rest of the film. Thus, the reshuffling of the underworld post-Carmine, as mentioned in the introduction of “The Penguin” Episode 1, occurs over the span of seven days, leading us to the genesis of the tale.
Yet, chronological mysteries abound in this narrative tapestry. Secrets lie within the annals of “The Penguin,” featuring numerous flashbacks spanning its eight-episode saga. These glimpses into the past precede “The Batman” by years, if not decades. Hence, part of “The Penguin” unravels in the depths of the Bat-Verse timeline long before its cinematic counterpart. Nevertheless, whether flashback or not, the limited series serves as a sequel to “The Batman,” rather than a prologue. In essence, the setting of “one week later” prevails. As for the duration of all that follows this week-long interval? Uncertainty shrouds it, for spoilers must tread lightly. Yet, perchance we are gazing upon weeks, perchance months in this enigma’s grasp.
The Interval Betwixt “The Penguin” and “The Batman – Part II”
Thus, the gap between “The Batman” and “The Penguin” stands disclosed, yet what of “The Batman – Part II”? How much time drifts betwixt it and “The Penguin”? Alas, the precise breather remains veiled, though both Matt Reeves and “The Penguin” showrunner, Lauren LeFranc, have individually attested that the HBO spinoff of “The Batman” flows seamlessly into its successor.
Venturing forth with Collider in the year 2023, Reeves elucidated, “There exists a tapestry of ventures we seek to unfold. The manner in which we intertwine with ‘The Penguin’ […] shapes the path leading to the sequel, and what that sequel shall entail.” LeFranc, in turn, expounded in a subsequent interview with Entertainment Weekly, unveiling that “The Batman – Part II” transpires shortly after “The Penguin.” “We stand as the conduit between the two films,” she articulated. “We embark almost directly towards the second opus envisioned by Matt.”
“The Penguin” beckons viewers, streaming on HBO and Max, with fresh episodes gracing the realm on Sundays.
