Hold Up! The Penguin Almost Waddled into Birds of Prey?!
Imagine Harley Quinn, fresh off her breakup with the Joker, facing off not against Roman Sionis, but against Oswald Cobblepot, aka the Penguin. Sounds crazy, right? Well, it almost happened! This little nugget of news has the internet buzzing, and we’re here to break it down for you.
The Batman Connection: Matt Reeves and Margot Robbie
So, how did this near-miss villain swap even come about? Apparently, The Batman director, Matt Reeves, had a chat with Margot Robbie, the powerhouse behind Harley Quinn and producer of Birds of Prey. He suggested that the Penguin, who Reeves was developing for his own film, might be a better fit for the Birds of Prey story.
Now, picture this: the elegant, slightly unhinged, and utterly ruthless Penguin trying to manipulate Harley and her crew. It would have been a completely different dynamic than the flamboyant chaos of Roman Sionis, wouldn’t it?
A Different Kind of Villain, a Different Kind of Movie
Think about the Penguin’s strengths. He’s a master manipulator, a shrewd businessman, and deeply connected to Gotham’s underworld. His presence in Birds of Prey could have shifted the entire tone of the film. Instead of a vibrant, explosive showdown, we might have seen a more intricate game of cat and mouse, with betrayals and double-crosses galore. Would Harley have been able to outsmart him? That’s a question that now lingers tantalizingly unanswered.
What Could Have Been: The Penguin’s Potential Impact
A darker Gotham: The Penguin’s presence could have brought a grimier, more grounded feel to Birds of Prey, aligning it more closely with the darker corners of Gotham City.
A focus on power plays: Instead of a purely physical confrontation, the conflict could have revolved around territory, resources, and underworld influence. Imagine Harley navigating the complex web of alliances and rivalries within the Penguin’s criminal empire.
A different set of challenges for the Birds of Prey: The team would have needed to rely more on their wits and street smarts to outmaneuver the Penguin, perhaps even forcing them to form uneasy alliances with other villains.
Why the Change? Speculation and Theories
While we don’t have all the details, it’s likely that Reeves wanted to keep the Penguin exclusively for The Batman to ensure a fresh, unique story for his own film. Can you imagine two Penguin portrayals hitting the big screen around the same time? It might have been a bit much, even for the most die-hard Batman fans.
Plus, Roman Sionis, also known as Black Mask, brought a unique brand of flamboyant villainy to Birds of Prey. His theatrical nature contrasted perfectly with Harley’s chaotic energy, creating a dynamic that was both entertaining and unsettling. Perhaps the filmmakers felt that this particular clash of personalities was a better fit for the story they wanted to tell.
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
It’s always fun to imagine the “what ifs” in the world of movies. This little glimpse behind the curtain reminds us that filmmaking is a complex process, and sometimes, the most exciting ideas end up on the cutting room floor.
What do you think? Would you have liked to see the Penguin waddle his way into Birds of Prey, or was Black Mask the right choice for the film? Let us know in the comments!