Danny DeVito wants to reprise his now-iconic role as The Penguin from Batman Returns. DeVito is a Hollywood legend with decades of experience under his belt and numerous beloved performances. Most recently, audiences have seen him in films such as It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Tim Burton’s Batman redefined the comic book movie genre when it debuted in 1989 and created one of the most dominant franchises in all of cinema at the time. From there, Burton received a blank check to go even darker and stranger with his follow-up. The result was 1992’s Batman Returns, which saw Michael Keaton’s Batman go toe-to-toe with Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman and Batman Forever.
Though Batman Returns did not receive quite as warm of a welcome as its predecessor at the time of its release, it has been reclaimed by many fans in the years since its initial debut. Now, DeVito has opened up about the legacy of the film and expressed his own interest in reprising the role. Speaking with Forbes, the actor noted that he would return to the role if Burton wanted to return to the Batman world and finish his DC vision. DeVito said:
I feel like it’s not out of the question that The Penguin will return someday, but this is all up to Tim, whether or not Tim wants to do this. I would say that could be in the cards because we ain’t dead yet (laughs). We could do a continuation of what we had in the past because that was truly a brilliant movie. They afforded me that opportunity and I feel very grateful and would I like to revisit it? Why not! It was a really great moment in time for me.
Of course, it’s worth ing that The Penguin did not fully die with DeVito’s portrayal. The character is set to make a return The Batman. However, that incarnation looks considerably different than DeVito’s version of the villain from the Burton world – offering up a grittier gangster in line with his comic book origins. DeVito’s remarks make it seem like he would want to reprise his role on the condition that Burton returns, which could allow two versions of the character to exist simultaneously: one grounded, and one heightened.
There are currently no confirmed plans to bring DeVito back as Penguin, but there will always be a possibility. With Keaton set to return as Batman in Spider-Man: No Way Home, so bringing back Penguin could serve as DC’s response.
Source: Forbes
