Danny DeVito’s statement leaves us wondering what the Penguin’s return from Batman Returns will be like.
In a shock and surprise for fans of the Batman movie adaptation, Danny DeVito has revealed that he is willing to reprise the iconic role of the Penguin, but on one non-negotiable condition: Tim Burton must be the director. After his memorable performance at the Oscars alongside the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Michael Keaton, this aspiration lit up the web with fan speculation and dreams.
“If Tim Burton directed it, I’d be there in a second,” DeVito admitted to ScreenRant, when asked about the possibility of returning to a Batman villain or another character from the DC Universe. The actor, who immersed himself in the character of Oswald Cobblepot on the advice of Jack Nicholson, made his debut in 2010.
Unforgettable penguin
DeVito’s interpretation marked a before and after in the representation of this character in cinema. Burton reinvented the Penguin, moving him away from the comical, nosy boss of the comics to a cripple with evil plans for Gotham’s firstborn. This transformation, combined with a secret make-up that DeVito kept hidden even from his family, created a version of the Penguin that still resonates in collective memory.
Despite its success, Batman Returns faced criticism for its dark tone, which led to controversies such as McDonald’s pulling a promotion associated with the film. But this work holds a special place for DeVito and fans alike: the actor’s return to the DC universe will be in 2021, penning a short about the Penguins’ Gotham City villains.
In “Bird Cat Love,” DeVito explores an unrequited attraction to Selina Kyle/Catwoman, the penguin played by Michelle Pfeiffer. The project allowed DeVito to combine his admiration for the characters with his personal love for Pfeiffer, which touched heart and renewed interest in his portrayal of the character.
The return of the DeVito-Burton duo?
The possibility of a reunion between Danny DeVito and Tim Burton in the Batman universe is not only a fan dream, but also an opportunity to renew and expand a unique cinematic legacy. The scene set by DeVito shows not only the respect and admiration for Burton, but also the desire of fans to see a new collaboration that captures the magic of their previous works.
The legacy of Batman Returns and DeVito’s iconic performance as The Penguin lives on in popular culture. With DeVito open to reprising the role under Burton’s direction, fans can only wait and dream about what could be an amazing integration into the Batman universe. The ball is now in Burton and Studios’ court: will you answer the call?
In addition to the return of Danny DeVito as the Penguin, fans of Tim Burton’s Batman are full of characters they’ll want to see again. Of particular note is the Joker, played by Jack Nicholson in the 1989 film. Nicholson’s performance was so iconic that it defined the character of the Joker for generations of fans. Another memorable villain is Catwoman, who Michelle Pfeiffer brought to life in Batman Returns with a mix of passion and menace that continues to be a benchmark.
The possibility of these characters returning, perhaps in cameos or more prominent roles, will fuel the hopes and anticipation of fans of these films. The return of these villains under Burton’s direction could be a historic cinematic event, reviving the unique atmosphere that only this director knows how to create.