The Penguin had a notable absence throughout the series, but after the showrunner’s comments on the matter, I’m way more excited for The Batman Part II. Just prior to the birth of the DCU, Matt Reeves was handed the keys to telling a new Batman story for DC. This led to the release of The Batman in 2022, and an expanded universe of stories focusing on Gotham with Matt Reeves at the head.

Now, The Batman and the ᴀssociated Batverse exists as a prominent part of DC Elseworlds, and the recently released The Penguin proved why this is some of DC’s best work in years. And shockingly, it managed to deliver an outstanding story without the appearance of The Dark Knight. But despite Robert Pattinson’s lack of involvement, Batman is still working behind the scenes in Gotham, according to Reeves.

The Penguin Showrunner’s Explanation Of Why Batman Is Missing After The Batman Makes The Stakes For The Sequel Higher

Batman Was Surprisingly Absent From The Penguin

Lauren Lefranc, the showrunner for The Penguin, was recently interviewed by Empire Magazine about the series. During the course of that discussion, Lefranc clarifies why exactly Batman doesn’t show up by referencing some clarifying discussions she had with Matt Reeves, who is over the entire shared universe of stories. These comments provide some interesting insights about the show, and indeed the state of Gotham as a whole.

“What Matt reiterated to me early on is that it’s a big city and Batman can’t be everywhere. He doesn’t have a Spidey-sense that tingles. But just because we don’t see Batman in our show doesn’t mean he’s unaware or uncaring.”

The truth is, Batman is just elsewhere. Yes, Penguin is causing quite a stir within the drug industry in Gotham, and he is raising hell among the criminal classes, but Batman is tending to other matters. Unlike characters like Spider-Man, who can swing from one end of New York to the other in relatively little time, Batman has limitations, and his lack of a spider-sense means he tends to go where the sirens are blaring, aiding police and listening in on scanners.

The Batman 2 Exploring The Original Movie & The Penguin’s Ending Is Already Set To Up The Stakes For The Sequel Whatever Happens

The Batman Part II Will Need To Address A Lot Of Developments Throughout Gotham

Now, the impact of what Oz Cobb did throughout The Penguin is sure to make waves that ripple through Gotham, but much of his efforts took place in the shadows. The fallout from his takeover of the drug trade, and his new status as a kingpin of crime, will be sure to put him on Batman’s radar once again, but there was also a major catastrophe that struck Gotham at the end of The Batman.

After the Riddler is captured, his true plan comes into effect, with his army of loyal followers flooding a large portion of the city. Batman may have a hankering for fighting criminals, but as a hero, he is also always looking for ways to help and serve the city he is fighting to protect. While Batman was well-equipped to take down the Riddler, the fact is, Bruce Wayne and his billions may have been much better suited for helping to bring the city back to working order.

I’m Convinced The Batman 2 Could Be The Franchise’s Best Release Yet Because Of How It Can Explore The Hero’s Limits

Batman Is Not An Average Superhero

Batman may be a hero, but he is not super. Batman operates at a high level, pushing his body to the limits, using his vast wealth to buy and design high-tech equipment, but after all is said and done, he is still just a man. He is also someone who prefers to work alone, and avoids letting other people into his circle of trust. As such, Batman needs to get creative to overcome barriers to his heroism, and The Batman Part II can explore this idea in new and exciting ways.

The movie could address his struggles with being burdened with so much bad in one city. It could look at how both Bruce Wayne and Batman have a part to play in saving Gotham. It can even look at how Batman failed to see Penguin rise to power. All of these may appear as weaknesses, but Batman’s ability to keep moving forward undeterred is his real superpower. The Batman Part II is perfectly positioned to explore just that, and make it one of the best Batman stories ever told.