Why did Mark Strong replace John Turturro in The Penguin series?

The actor who plays Carmine Falcone changes between The Batman and its spin-off series.

While Colin Farrell was keen to blend into the Penguin costume, undergoing hours of makeup to be difficult to recognize as the big baddie of Gotham City, when it came to changing the actor for Carmine Falcone, the team decided to keep it simple. In The Batmanby Matt Reeves, this mafia character well known to DC comics readers was played by John Turturroone of the Coen brothers' favorite actors (The Big Lebowski, O'Brother…). Problem, when it came to filming this spin-off series, still supervised by the same director but no longer featuring Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman, the actor found himself stuck on another project.

John Turturro: “At 50, I almost gave up everything to go to medicine!”

His daughter Sofia Falcone, played by Cristin Milioti, being a key character in the series, it was important for the story that Carmine return, even briefly, for a few flashbacks. Surprise, now that the first episodes have arrived on Max, it is no longer John Turturro who plays him, but Mark Strongan actor equally appreciated for his remarkable supporting roles, Kick-Ass has Cruella.

Lauren LeFranc hired as showrunner of The Penguintells in IGN why the team didn't try to erase Carmine Falcone's scenes, or bring back John Turturro digitally.

“John just wasn't available at that time, she explains. We had a tight schedule and he couldn't come back, but honestly, I'm glad we got Mark Strong back. Personally, I think he's really good. Of course, the first time they see him, the fans of The Batman will be able to say: 'Oh. I was used to John Turturro.', and it's true that he's a great actor, but at the same time, Mark brings a gravity to this character, something different. He did something special, so I hope that at the end of the episode, it works and the audience just says: 'Okay, it's Carmine Falcone.', and that we are ready to accept what he offers us.”

The Penguin is currently airing on Max, but the series is not expected to have a second season, as Colin Farrell does not want to not re-enlisted for this role which requires a lot of makeup. Here is its latest trailer:

The Penguin Avoids a Squawk Thanks to Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti (review)