The Penguin season 2 may be more possible than ever on HBO. The HBO series served as the second installment in the world of Matt Reeves' The Batman universe, picking up one week after the Robert Pattinson-led hit. Colin Farrell returned to lead the show's cast, exploring Oz Cobb's rise to becoming the titular comic book kingpin.
Developed by Lauren LeFranc under the supervision of Reeves, The Penguin was a smash hit upon its September 2024 premiere, garnering near universal acclaim and netting 24 Primetime Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. However, with it being early days for Reeves' universe, questions have swirled about its season 2 chances.
In a new report from Variety, The Penguin showrunner Lauren LeFranc has signed a two-year overall deal with HBO and HBO Max, with the creative launching her own production banner, Acid and Tender Productions. Her new deal comes after The Penguin season 1 earned 24 Emmy nominations, including "Outstanding Writing" for LeFranc.
At the time of this story's publication, a formal greenlight for The Penguin season 2 has not been formally announced by HBO, as Farrell will be back to reprise the DC villain in 2027's The Batman 2. LeFranc shared the following statement about her next chapter with HBO:
I am thrilled to continue my creative partnership with HBO. They have been unwavering in their support of my work on The Penguin, and beyond. My company, Acid and Tender Productions, comes from a sincere desire to shepherd bold stories and perspectives from singular voices and artists I love. I came up in writers rooms and when they’re working, there’s nothing better. My hope is for Acid and Tender to become that kind of haven for writers and filmmakers who seek to tell authentic, off-kilter, character-driven stories, no matter the genre.
What Lauren Lefranc's New Deal Means
While The Batman 2 will be where fans see Penguin next, it's not a shock that HBO is staying in business with LeFranc after the DC TV show's massive success. To this point, both Warner Bros. and HBO have been very cryptic about whether or not The Penguin season 2 is happening.
In a July 2025 interview, HBO and HBO Max boss Casey Bloys certainly left the door open for The Penguin season 2 to happen, confirming talks have occurred between Reeves and LeFranc, something WBTV President Channing Dungey echoed a month later. However, they both acknowledged being uncertain of it happening, citing Reeves' dedication to making The Batman Part II as his priority.
One of the key things that both have indicated in their prior answers is that season 2 would have to coexist narratively with The Batman Part II. While The Penguin season 1 may have ended with the surprise death of Rhenzy Feliz's Victor, it also ended with Sofia Falcone arrested and sent to Arkham Asylum, just as her grand scheme for revenge nearly ended in her death.
Given the HBO show also ended with a tease of Farrell's Penguin coming back into conflict with Pattinson's Dark Knight in The Batman Part II, season 2 would also need to explore the fallout of said sequel. It's possible this new confrontation results in Cobb being knocked down from his newfound power, or put in a precarious new position season 2 could expand upon.
Our Take On Lauren LeFranc's New Deal
While it is great to see an incredible talent like LeFranc landing a huge deal like this, time will tell if The Penguin season 2 will be part of her immediate future. Following The Penguin episodes, if season 1 ends up being the only installment for the show, LeFranc could always look at new The Batman TV spinoffs.
With the many characters that already exist in The Batman universe, as well as other DC players who may be introduced in movie sequels, the possibilities are endless, regardless of whether season 2 happens or not. But following LeFranc's new deal, more clarity on The Penguin season 2 will hopefully emerge sooner rather than later.
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