Oz Cobb, also known as Oswald “Oz” Cobb or The Penguin, is a disfigured criminal mastermind in The Penguin television series. Played by Colin Farrell, Oz was once the chief lieutenant of the deceased crime boss Carmine Falcone. The series explores his rise to power in Gotham City’s criminal underworld after Falcone’s death. A spin-off from The Batman (2022), the character is based on the iconic DC Comics villain, Penguin, and reveals the complexity of Oz’s ambitions, struggles, and villainy as he strives to become a feared mobster.

Trivia/Facts

• Oz Cobb, also known as Oswald “Oz” Cobb, is portrayed by Colin Farrell in The Penguin television series. He was the former chief lieutenant of Carmine Falcone, a crime boss who has since passed away. The series explores Oz’s rise to power in Gotham City’s criminal underworld. It is a spin-off from the film The Batman (2022), with Oz’s character being based on the DC Comics character Penguin.
• Oz Cobb’s journey begins after the assassination of Carmine Falcone and the destruction of Gotham City’s seawall. He is caught by Carmine’s son, Alberto Falcone, while recovering a stash of valuables from the Iceberg Lounge. Alberto shares his plans to modernize the family’s drug operation, but Oz has his own ambitions. Feeling mocked by Alberto, Oz impulsively shoots him and tries to dispose of his body.

Colin Farrell in The Penguin (2024)

• Oz Cobb faces several challenges after Alberto’s death, including his encounter with Sofia Falcone, Alberto’s sister. Sofia was recently released from Arkham Asylum and plans to take control of the family business. Oz initially considers leaving Gotham but changes his mind after his mother, Francis, encourages him to stay. Oz then begins to form alliances, visiting Salvatore Maroni in prison to offer his help in regaining control of the drug trade.
• Oz Cobb’s alliance with Maroni strengthens after he returns a ring that Carmine had taken from Maroni. However, his rise to power is complicated when Sofia captures and tortures him. Oz is later released when the recovery of Alberto’s body, staged by Victor Aguilar, distracts Sofia. Oz starts to plot with Victor to take over the Falcone crime family and establish himself as a criminal kingpin in Gotham.

Colin Farrell in The Penguin (2024)

Oz Cobb’s Relationship with Other Characters

• Sofia Falcone: Sofia Falcone, played by Cristin Milioti, is the daughter of Carmine Falcone and a dangerous psychopathic serial killer. After being released from Arkham Asylum, she fights with Oz for control of Gotham City’s criminal underworld. Their relationship is filled with tension and rivalry as both want power. Sofia tries to defeat Oz, but he constantly plots to stay ahead of her.
• Victor “Vic” Aguilar: Vic, portrayed by Rhenzy Feliz, is a homeless teenager who becomes Oz’s driver and personal enforcer. Oz first encounters Vic when he scares off a group of delinquents trying to steal from him. Instead of punishing him, Oz makes Vic help with his plans, and the two form a working relationship. Vic becomes loyal to Oz and helps him in his rise to power.

Colin Farrell in The Penguin (2024)

• Francis Cobb: Francis Cobb, played by Deirdre O’Connell, is Oz’s mother who suffers from early-onset dementia. Despite her illness, she has a strong influence on Oz and is one of the reasons he chooses to stay in Gotham. Oz deeply cares for his mother and listens to her advice, which motivates him to fight for his place in the criminal world. Their bond is one of the few emotional connections in Oz’s life.
• Eve Karlo: Eve Karlo, portrayed by Carmen Ejogo, is a sex worker and Oz’s mistress. Their relationship is complex, with Eve being both a lover and someone Oz keeps close for personal comfort. Despite being involved with Eve, Oz’s focus remains on gaining power. Eve’s presence offers him a break from the brutal world of crime but doesn’t distract him from his ambitions.

Colin Farrell in The Penguin (2024)

• Salvatore Maroni: Oz forms a complex alliance with Salvatore Maroni, a rival crime boss who is imprisoned. Although Maroni is initially reluctant, Oz manages to gain his trust by returning a stolen ring. Their partnership is built on mutual interest, as Oz seeks to strengthen his position by helping Maroni reclaim the drug operation that once belonged to him.
• Alberto Falcone: Oz’s relationship with Alberto Falcone, Carmine’s son, is marked by tension and betrayal. Initially, Alberto sees Oz as an underling and mocks his ambitions. This mocking triggers a moment of impulsive rage in Oz, leading him to kill Alberto. This act signifies Oz’s break from the Falcone family and sets him on a dangerous path to power.