HBO’sThe Batmanspinoff seriesThe Penguinclaims a higher Rotten Tomatoes score than its big-screen predecessor, raising expectations for future installments in itsDCElseworldsfranchise.HBO’sThe Penguinseries starring Colin Farrellis the first follow-up to Matt Reeves’The Batman, which is set to complete a movie trilogy with2025’sThe Batman - Part IIandThe Batman - Part III. Reeves’The Batmanoriginally led to three spinoff shows, with aGotham PDand anArkham Asylumseries accompanyingThe Penguin. However, the former two spinoffs were canceled in July 2024.
OnX,Rotten TomatoesrevealsThe Penguin’s debut Critics Score: a"Certified Fresh at 91% on the Tomatometer, with 32 reviews"on September 12th, 2024, one week ahead of its wide release. WhenThe Batmanreleased debuted in 2022, it received an 89% Critics Score on its first day.Check out Rotten Tomatoes' post below:
91%
85%
87%
The Future Looks Bright For The Batman’s Spinoffs And Sequels
Only two installments in,The Batmanfranchise is gearing up to be a top-rated superhero franchise.WhileChristopher Nolan’sThe Dark Knighttrilogyremains the most consistently praised comic book adaptation,Batman Beginsholds an 85% Critics Score — six points lower thanThe Penguinand four belowThe Batman. Following this trend,The Batman - Part IIandThe Batman - Part IIIhave the chance to surpassThe Dark KnightandThe Dark Knight Risesto become the highest-rated superhero movie and TV franchise of all time.
IfThe Penguin’s Critics Score remains around 91% and its Audience Score lands a similar number, then it could be possible forThe Batmanfranchise to bring theGotham PDandArkham Asylumspinoff series back to active development. Although the DCU’s Batman is expected to star in more installments than Robert Pattinson’s more self-contained Dark Knight, there’s a chance Pattinson’s Batman could have some extra appearances, if not in solo movies after the trilogy’s conclusion, perhaps in other shows.
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The Batmanfranchise could also spawn new spinoffs starring other Gotham characters without having to include Robert Pattinson’s Batman. Villains such as Paul Dano’s Riddler, Barry Keoghan’s Joker, Zoe Kravitz’s Catwoman, andThe Batman - Part II’s main villaincould star in their own series similarly to Colin Farrell’s Oswald Cobblepot inThe Penguin. But even ifThe Batmanfranchise doesn’t greenlight another project,The Penguin’s success is clear proof of its quality.
