The Batman was released this past weekend with fans and critics raving about the Robert Pattinson-led (Twilight, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) film. According to Deadline, director Matt Reeves (War for the Planet of the Apes, 10 Cloverfield Lane) confirmed that the previously announced GCPD prequel series is not moving forward.
The series was announced back in July 2020, which would have been inspired by the film Prince of the City. The series would have focused on a cop who is battling for his soul and is reawakened by a rising Gotham City vigilante who turns out to be the Batman.
Reeves spoke with the Hero Nation podcast about the series where the director said he was encouraged to embrace some of the more popular characters in the Batman franchise.
“There’s a great Penguin story that’s an American Dream-Scarface story of a guy who is underestimated; how nobody thinks he’s capable of doing anything, who believes in himself with a visceral violence,” Reeves told Hero Nation.
The Penguin series, likely to feature Colin Farrell in the titular role (The Gentlemen, Total Recall), is currently in the pilot stage written by Lauren LeFranc (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Impulse). The series will likely feature other characters from The Batman, and the series itself will tie into a possible sequel. The first season is currently being mapped.
Reeves hopes to revisit the Gotham City Police Department. The Batman explored the corruption within the police department and Gotham’s other government entities.
The Batman reached theaters on March 4 and is expected to make over $340 million worldwide.