Colin Farrell’s Unexpected Escape Plan from His Intense Penguin Character

The world of Batman is characterized by a somber tone, vividly represented by Colin Farrell’s performance as Oswald Cobblepot, or the Penguin, in The Batman (2022). To unwind after portraying this infamous criminal, Farrell turned to an unexpected source: Pixar films.

In a recent discussion, Farrell shared that while working on The Penguin—a gritty HBO Max series that follows shortly after The Batman—he sought ways to shift back to a more upbeat mindset. “This is a really almost borderline nihilistic piece of drama,” he noted. As a remedy, he indulged in light-hearted films like Toy Story.

The Penguin series, which debuted this month to rave reviews (currently boasting a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), explores the depths of Gotham’s criminal activities with Farrell revisiting his role as Oz Cobblepot. It’s a raw and gritty exploration of power struggles within the city’s criminal underbelly.

Despite the dark themes, Farrell managed to maintain his balance by enjoying Pixar’s enchanting and uplifting films. He mentioned, “I watched Toy Story…just to have something light and beautiful,” highlighting how Pixar’s joyful stories served as a perfect counterpoint to the grim narratives of The Penguin.

As Farrell prepares to reprise his role in The Batman 2, scheduled for 2025, it’s intriguing to realize that actors also seek respite from the heavy characters they portray. For Farrell, Pixar has provided that much-needed escape, underscoring that even the most formidable villains from Gotham can benefit from a dose of lightness.