The new HBO series The Penguin, inspired by comic books, has taken off with a bang, receiving rave reviews and attracting over 5 million viewers for its premiere episode.
This spin-off from The Batman film features Colin Farrell reprising his role as the titular character, alongside Robert Pattinson’s Batman.
The narrative continues where the film left off, with Farrell’s character starting to rise in Gotham’s criminal underworld, a place where Batman is conveniently unable to intervene.
Rumours are circulating that more similar series could be in the pipeline to bridge the gap between sequels directed by Matt Reeves.
But which other villains are worthy of their own TV series? This includes at least one character not necessarily found within Batman comics.
Colin Farrell takes the lead in The Penguin (Image: HBO)
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Victor Zsasz
Victor Zsasz, also known as Mister Zsasz, like The Penguin, is another infamous character from Batman’s rogue’s gallery who could easily have a series centred around his wrongdoings.
While HBO’s Penguin takes inspiration from the mobster genre, a Zsasz series could borrow elements from crime or police procedurals. Imagine Dexter but with an even more deranged killer on the loose.
Zsasz is a serial killer who often arranges his victims in poses after slitting their throats. He is notorious for marking his skin after each crime as a keepsake.
He views himself as freeing others from their meaningless existence and he could easily operate outside of Batman’s influence, at least temporarily.
Anthony Carrigan, known for his role in the Gotham television series, could potentially delve into the backstory of his character Zsasz in a solo show. The narrative could explore Zsasz’s journey from being one of Gotham’s wealthiest citizens to losing his parents in an accident, falling into depression and subsequently leading a life of crime.
Robert Downey Jr. is starring as Dr Doom (Image: Getty)
In the original comic book storyline, Zsasz loses everything to The Penguin, which could pave the way for crossover opportunities. There is also speculation that Victor Aguilar, introduced in the HBO series, might be a stand-in for Zsasz.
Dr Doom
Moving away from Batman villains, Dr Doom is a popular choice among Marvel fans for a villain deserving their own spin-off, either as a film or TV series.
Primarily known as a nemesis for the Fantastic Four, Doom has also faced off against Spider-Man and the Avengers.
Earlier this year, MCU fans were taken aback when it was announced that Robert Downey Jr., previously seen as Iron Man, would portray the character in upcoming Avengers films.
It remains uncertain how the franchise will handle having its former hero become a villain, but there are several comic book storylines that could serve as inspiration.
Regardless of the approach, Doom could be gradually introduced into the MCU, similar to Thanos, suggesting that a spin-off series developing his story could be an ideal next step.
RDJ previously played Tony Stark (Image: Getty)
A fan has taken to social media, stirring excitement by suggesting that Doctor Doom’s complexity mirrors the appeal of Robert Downey Jrs iconic Marvel characters, adding fuel to calls for a dedicated spin-off show. They expressed: “Doctor Doom is easily a character where a franchise could be built around the fact that, although arrogant, he’s an honourable guy and even though he does bad things there’s logic behind his actions.”
Deathstroke
Another comic book baddie known for clashing with Batman and other superheroes, Deathstroke is another popular choice among fans.
One posting online noted: “Deathstroke can actually work… because he’s not exactly so committed to a single hero. Neither so single minded as Joker, Lex [Luthor] or Sinestro are. I cannot imagine [a] Lex film without Superman, or Joker without Batman, or Sinestro without Hal (Green Lantern).”
Known as Slade Wilson, Deathstroke underwent a transformation similar to Captain America to become a super soldier but subsequently ventured down a darker road.
Rather than standing for truth and justice, Wilson opted for a life as a formidable mercenary and assassin, marked by the iconic orange and black mask he wears to conceal the loss of his right eye.
He made an on screen appearance in the finale of Zack Snyder’s Justice League that had fans buzzing about a potential role in The Batman but these projects were ultimately axed. Now, there’s chatter about a brand new film that might focus on this enigmatic figure along with fellow villain Bane although studio boss James Gunn has yet to give the official nod.
Enthusiasm is palpable among fans for this concept, with one expressing their eagerness: “A bloody, gory show of him doing contracts, getting paid and maybe even the main enemy of the show could be a hero trying to stop him.”