A surprising revelation has emerged regarding the development of the film Birds of Prey: the original villain choice. Margot Robbie, during an interview with Colin Farrell for their upcoming movie, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, disclosed that the Penguin was initially considered for the antagonist role. This news clearly took Farrell, who later portrayed the iconic character in Matt Reeves’ The Batman and the subsequent HBO series The Penguin, by surprise.
Penguin’s Near Miss in Birds of Prey
The casting of villains is a crucial decision in superhero films, often shaping the narrative and tone of the entire project. Robbie’s disclosure highlights the behind-the-scenes decision-making processes that significantly impact the final product. According to Entertainment Weekly’s report on the interview, the initial plan to include the Penguin was altered when Matt Reeves expressed interest in using the character for his own vision within the DC universe. This ultimately led to the Penguin’s exclusion from Birds of Prey, paving the way for other villains to take center stage.
Matt Reeves’ Influence
Matt Reeves’ involvement proved pivotal in redirecting the Penguin’s trajectory. As reported by Variety, Reeves had specific plans for the character within his iteration of Gotham City. Recognizing the Penguin’s potential, Reeves opted to reserve the character for The Batman and the subsequent HBO Max series, now simply titled The Penguin. This decision underscores the interconnectedness of the DC Extended Universe and the collaborative efforts among different filmmakers.
Colin Farrell’s Reaction
Colin Farrell’s genuine surprise upon hearing this news adds an intriguing layer to the story. Having immersed himself in the role of the Penguin for Reeves’ projects, Farrell’s reaction highlights the dedication and passion actors bring to these iconic characters. The News International covered the interview, emphasizing Farrell’s enthusiasm for the role and his dedication to bringing a unique interpretation to the Penguin. The fact that he was unaware of the initial plans for Birds of Prey suggests a degree of separation between different DC projects during their development phases.
The Evolution of Birds of Prey
The journey of Birds of Prey from initial concept to final release involved several key decisions that shaped its identity. The choice of villain is one such decision, reflecting the creative direction and overall vision for the film. While the Penguin was initially considered, the filmmakers ultimately opted for a different antagonist, allowing for a unique dynamic within the narrative.
Harley Quinn’s Perspective
Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn is central to Birds of Prey. As both the star and a producer of the film, Robbie played a significant role in shaping the film’s direction. Her insight into the initial plans for the Penguin sheds light on the early stages of development and the various possibilities explored before settling on the final storyline. According to Entertainment Weekly, Robbie was instrumental in ensuring that Birds of Prey maintained a distinct tone and style, separate from other DC films.
Impact on the DC Universe
The decision to exclude the Penguin from Birds of Prey ultimately had a ripple effect on the broader DC Universe. By reserving the character for Matt Reeves’ projects, Warner Bros. allowed for a more cohesive and interconnected narrative. This strategic approach demonstrates a long-term vision for the DC franchise, with filmmakers collaborating to ensure that characters are used in a way that best serves the overall storyline. Variety reported on Warner Bros.’ commitment to building a cohesive DC Universe, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and collaboration among filmmakers.
Alternate Villainous Paths
The initial consideration of the Penguin as a villain in Birds of Prey opens up interesting possibilities regarding what the film could have been. Exploring alternate villainous paths can provide insights into the creative process and the challenges of adapting comic book stories for the big screen.
What Could Have Been
Had the Penguin been chosen as the villain, Birds of Prey might have taken a significantly different direction. The dynamic between Harley Quinn and the Penguin could have offered a unique blend of humor and darkness, potentially altering the film’s overall tone. The News International speculated on the potential interactions between Harley Quinn and the Penguin, suggesting that their contrasting personalities could have created a compelling on-screen dynamic.
The Final Villain Choice
Ultimately, the filmmakers opted for a different antagonist, one that better suited the narrative and themes of Birds of Prey. This decision reflects the importance of selecting a villain that complements the protagonist’s journey and contributes to the overall storyline. Entertainment Weekly highlighted the filmmakers’ decision to choose a villain that would challenge Harley Quinn and the Birds of Prey in a meaningful way, ultimately enhancing the film’s impact.
Conclusion
The revelation that the Penguin was initially considered for Birds of Prey provides a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes decision-making processes of superhero filmmaking. Margot Robbie’s disclosure, which stunned Colin Farrell, underscores the interconnectedness of the DC Universe and the collaborative efforts among different filmmakers. The strategic decision to reserve the Penguin for Matt Reeves’ projects ultimately shaped the character’s trajectory, leaving fans eager to see Farrell’s portrayal in The Penguin series.
