Colin Farrell Opens Up About His Transformative Role as The Penguin
Sunday, 1 June 2025, 11:30, UK
Colin Farrell has built a reputation for taking on diverse and complex characters throughout his career. From his portrayal of James ‘Sonny’ Crockett in the big-screen adaptation of TV’s Miami Vice to his role as Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 2012 remake of Total Recall, Farrell has consistently demonstrated his versatility as an actor. His original creations, such as Ray from In Bruges and P L Travers’ dad in Saving Mr. Banks, showcase his impressive range. However, his recent role as Oz ‘The Penguin’ Cobb in Matt Reeves’ The Batman (2022) and the subsequent HBO TV series has catapulted him to new heights, earning him a ‘Best Actor’ prize at the Golden Globes.
According to an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, which was cited by Far Out Magazine, Farrell revealed that transforming into The Penguin was a grueling process that forced him to adopt method acting techniques. The extensive prosthetics and make-up used to transform Farrell into Cobb were widely praised, with the team behind them winning a gong at the 2025 Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards. As noted by Far Out Magazine, Farrell’s experience was marked by a sense of discomfort and awareness, which he overcame by staying in character. "My hand was forced, in a way. If you put your hands over your face and push onto your face — that’s what it felt like all day. So I was constantly aware of that, and the only way to accept that awareness to the point where I became unaware was to do a version of staying in character," he explained.
Far Out Magazine reported that talking in his own accent felt like a greater effort and artifice for Farrell, who became deeply invested in the role. "That felt more natural, and I became very obsessed by the role. It was so dark," he revealed. As noted by the publication, Farrell’s version of The Penguin, inspired by a character from The Godfather, is one of the most unsettling on-screen interpretations of the character to date. "If you come out of watching a film for two hours, and it’s a horrific film, and if you’ve seen cruelty take place that’s disturbed you, you’ll come out and your mood will be affected," he explained. "So if you’re going into something as an actor and it’s really well designed and you feel connected to it, it can affect your mood — of course, you’re doing it 14 fucking hours a day!"
As highlighted by Far Out Magazine, the role of The Penguin has introduced Farrell to a new audience and cemented his association with the character. Prior to Farrell’s portrayal, Danny DeVito’s iconic performance in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns remains a fan favourite. Fans of a certain age will also recall Burgess Meredith’s lighter take on the character from the Adam West ‘Batman’ TV show and movie. While playing The Penguin has undoubtedly elevated Farrell’s profile, it’s clear that preparing for the role was an arduous and immersive experience.
Far Out Magazine also noted that Farrell’s commitment to the role has earned him widespread critical acclaim, including his recent Golden Globes win. The publication previously reported on Farrell’s transformative performance, highlighting his ability to fully inhabit the character of The Penguin.
In conclusion, Colin Farrell’s portrayal of The Penguin has marked a new chapter in his career, showcasing his impressive range and dedication to his craft. As reported by Far Out Magazine, Farrell’s experience playing the complex and dark character has been a transformative one, forcing him to adopt method acting techniques and immerse himself in the role. As the actor continues to navigate the complexities of his craft, one thing is certain — his performance as The Penguin will be remembered for years to come.
The impact of Farrell’s performance as The Penguin is undeniable, and it will be interesting to see how he continues to evolve as an actor in the future. With his recent Golden Globes win, it’s clear that Farrell’s hard work and dedication have paid off, and he will undoubtedly continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of acting.
