Colin Farrell reveals why he avoided weight gain for Penguin role
Farrell used prosthetics, not weight gain, for Penguin role due to health issues
Colin Farrell has opened up about why he chose not to gain weight for his role as The Penguin. Farrell portrays the infamous gangster and DC Comics villain in HBO’s gritty new series.
Those who watched 2022’s “The Batman” will remember Farrell’s virtually unrecognizable look as The Penguin, thanks to extensive prosthetics. He also ditches his well-known Irish accent for a thick, Robert De Niro-style New York accent.
Farrell discussed the transformation process, which involved spending about three hours in the make-up chair each morning before filming. This lengthy routine has made him hesitant to don the suit again.
Colin Farrell on #ThePenguin
"It's really dark and really heavy … It's incredibly violent. It's one man's rise to what he's always dreamed of inhabiting … power " pic.twitter.com/R13BLtHUwN
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) March 24, 2024
Despite the inconvenience, the suit offered some perks. Farrell noted that he barely felt the beatings his character endured during the series. He recounted a scene where Clancy Brown’s character uses a golf club on him. Brown was concerned about hitting him, but Farrell assured him, stating, “I’m not even here. I’m miles beneath what you see,” allowing Brown to go all out.
Given the extensive hours spent in make-up, Farrell was asked if he considered gaining weight for the role, similar to Christian Bale’s transformation for “American Hustle.” However, Farrell had already experienced health issues after gaining weight for his role in “The North Water,” so this wasn’t an option.
“I didn’t consider it,” he explained. “I’d just finished filming ‘The North Water,’ where I’d put on a significant amount of weight. When I met Matt Reeves for ‘The Batman,’ he loved my look but I had to lose the weight due to health concerns like gout.”
Farrell even proposed the idea of a skinny Penguin to Reeves, who didn’t agree. Thankfully, advanced technology and skilled designers created a bodysuit, sparing him from having to gain more weight.
The first two episodes of “The Penguin” are now available on Sky and streaming service NOW in the UK, with new episodes released every Monday. In the US, the series streams on HBO and Max, with new episodes dropping every Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why didn’t Colin Farrell gain weight for his role as The Penguin?
Farrell had health issues from gaining weight for a previous role and needed to get healthy.
How long did it take for Colin Farrell to transform into The Penguin each day?
It took around three hours in the make-up chair each morning.
Did Colin Farrell retain his Irish accent for his role as The Penguin?
No, he replaced it with a thick, Robert De Niro-esque New York accent.
Did Colin Farrell consider a skinny version of The Penguin?
Yes, Farrell suggested it, but the idea was not accepted by director Matt Reeves.
Where can you watch The Penguin series?
In the UK, it’s available on Sky and NOW; in the US, it’s on HBO and Max.
