The Penguin Might Be Hiding Batman: Part II Villain in Plain Sight

The Penguin Might Be Hiding Batman: Part II Villain in Plain Sight

As a film critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the introduction of the Court of Owls in “The Batman: Part II” is a masterstroke by Matt Reeves. The intricate web of corruption and deceit that this ancient cabal represents aligns perfectly with Reeves’ vision for deeper exploration of Gotham’s underbelly.


In the last episode of “The Penguin,” there might be a notable Easter egg that suggests who the main villain could be in “Batman: Part II.” Keen-eyed viewers noticed odd, owl-like designs on the courtroom curtains during crucial scenes, possibly foreshadowing the appearance of the notorious Court of Owls in Matt Reeves’ version of Gotham City.

In this specific instance, Oswald Cobblepot (Colin Farrell) pays a visit to Gotham City’s courthouse to encounter corrupt councilman Sebastian Hady (Rhys Coiro), who once worked for Carmine Falcone but now serves under The Penguin. During the meeting, Oswald subtly lies to Sebastian about Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti), implying she’ll be in trouble if the councilman helps Oz manipulate the press narrative he desires. This scene is memorable as it showcases how Oswald blends crime with politics, solidifying his character as “The Penguin” from Batman legend. It also underscores the pervasive corruption in Gotham’s system, a key aspect of the Court of Owls narrative.

Gotham’s Ancient Secret Society

Anyone else notice the owls in this scene?
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Introduced by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo in 2011 during DC’s New 52 reboot, the Court of Owls became one of Batman’s toughest enemies. This hidden society of Gotham’s richest and most powerful families has been secretly governing the city since its establishment in the 1600s. Their existence was often dismissed as a scary tale used to scare children, like this nursery rhyme: “Take care, beware the Court of Owls, they watch over us from hidden spots, ruling Gotham from shadowed heights, behind stone and lime.

The organization’s impact is so profound that even Batman initially thought its existence was just an urban myth. As a kid, Bruce Wayne believed the Court might have been behind his parents’ murder. However, he couldn’t find any concrete evidence in his investigation – an unusual setback for the World’s Greatest Detective. This oversight would later come back to haunt Batman, as it was indeed linked to several misfortunes in the Wayne family history, including the murder of Bruce’s great-grandfather, Alan Wayne.

In the narrative of the New 52 series, it’s revealed that Bruce Wayne has a personal link to the Court of Owls through his forebears. For example, Alan Wayne established a trust to enhance Gotham’s infrastructure via numerous construction projects, such as the renowned Wayne Tower and many other skyscrapers. However, the Court subtly influenced these developments, embedding hidden chambers and passages within the city’s most prominent buildings. These concealed areas, referred to as “Owl’s Nests,” were constructed between the 13th floors of Gotham’s skyscrapers, a level symbolizing death and misfortune in various cultures.

The Deadly Talons of the Court of Owls

The Penguin Might Be Hiding Batman: Part II Villain in Plain Sight

The Court’s deadliest assets are its Talons, stealthy assassins who are unwaveringly loyal to the organization. These Talons are usually chosen from their early years, often from among circus performers and acrobats for their exceptional physical abilities. They undergo rigorous training in combat and infiltration techniques to become virtually invisible killers, a fact that remains unknown to most people.

In the comics, the method by which someone turns into a Talon strays from the usual realistic narrative. The transformation into a Talon requires an intricate chemical treatment involving a scarcely found metal named Electrum, containing bits of Dionesium, a material known for its regenerative abilities. This process significantly changes their physiology, bestowing them with increased strength, speed, and crucially, a form of everlasting life.

Eagles possess an extraordinary resilience, able to endure wounds that would prove lethal to most humans, including decapitation, and persist in combat afterwards. Their primary vulnerability lies in extreme cold, which can momentarily nullify their healing abilities. It seems unlikely that Reeves will incorporate immortal warriors into his cinematic universe. Nevertheless, a team of expert assassins could challenge Robert Pattinson’s Batman significantly. Given the actor’s suggestion that the Court of Owls might suit the sequel, it’s challenging to dispute this notion.

The Court of Owls Is a Perfect Fit for Reeves’ Gotham

The Penguin Might Be Hiding Batman: Part II Villain in Plain Sight

In his clear words, Reeves confirmed that the sequel, titled Batman: Part II , will delve deeper into a broader tale of corruption, exploring aspects unforeseen in the first installment. This trajectory aligns with the storyline of the Court of Owls, following the events of The Penguin. The series has highlighted how Gotham’s elite exploit crucial services such as electricity distribution, channeling power away from vulnerable districts like Crown Point towards affluent neighborhoods.

In a different phrasing, “The Court of Owls might symbolize the peak of corruption in the city. It would demonstrate that eliminating corrupt officials or criminal groups alone won’t solve the city’s issues. Instead, The Batman: Part II could delve into how a secretive, ancient organization has manipulated Gotham’s disasters to maintain their power, while the populace continues to endure.

In the movie “The Batman”, the relationship between Martha Wayne is used as a new starting point for the Court of Owls storyline. The initial film revealed Martha’s difficult past, including her struggles with mental illness and ties to the Arkham family. In the comic books, the Court of Owls story introduces Lincoln March, who claims to be Thomas and Martha Wayne’s second son, supposedly born in Willowwood Home for Children (a hidden Arkham institution) and left there when Martha’s mental health declined. This connection could enable Reeves to delve deeper into the dark past of the Wayne family while preserving the gritty detective aspects that made “The Batman” a hit.

Connecting Arkham Asylum with the Court of Owls for “The Batman: Part II” could potentially compel Bruce Wayne to confront the distressing truth of his time in the mental institution, a crucial phase in his transformation into a more effective guardian. Moreover, any plot involving Arkham provides an ideal opportunity to reintroduce Sofia, particularly following the hints about her relationship with Selina Kyle (Zoë Kravitz) in “The Penguin”.

Right now, you can watch “The Penguin” on Max. On September 30th, 2026, “The Batman: Part II” is scheduled to be released in cinemas.

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2024-11-22 00:09