**The Penguin: Batman’s Falcone actor criticises HBO spin-off show – The Independent**
John Turturro, who played Carmine Falcone in “The Batman,” has voiced his disapproval of HBO’s spin-off show, “The Penguin.” The crime drama features Colin Farrell reprising his role as Oz Cobb, originally seen in Matt Reeves’ 2022 film. The series, developed by Lauren LeFranc and produced by Reeves, picks up two weeks after the events of “The Batman,” with Cobb manipulating the Falcone and Maroni families in the aftermath of Carmine Falcone’s demise.
Carmine Falcone, portrayed by John Turturro in the movie, makes a cameo in “The Penguin,” now portrayed by Mark Strong. Turturro, however, declined the opportunity to return for the spin-off due to the show’s depiction of violence against women. He explained to Variety that while he was comfortable portraying Carmine in “The Batman” since his violent acts happened off-screen, the level of violence in “The Penguin” didn’t align with his personal values.
Additionally, Turturro hinted at his potential departure from the show “Severance,” where he stars in the upcoming second season. The actor praised showrunner Ben Stiller but admitted feeling unsettled by the lighting on set. Despite appreciating his experience with the series, he hinted at concluding his involvement.
“Severance” is currently streaming on Apple TV+, while “The Batman,” featuring an ensemble cast including Cristin Milioti and Michael Kelly, is available on NOW in the UK.
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In this article, actor John Turturro’s principled stance against the portrayal of violence against women in HBO’s “The Penguin” spin-off show, contrasting with his role in “The Batman,” sheds light on the ethical considerations faced by actors in choosing their roles. Turturro’s frankness in discussing his discomfort with certain aspects of his projects underscores the importance of personal values in one’s professional decisions. This highlights the ongoing conversation surrounding representation and depictions of sensitive topics in the entertainment industry, prompting reflection on the responsibilities of creators and performers in shaping narratives that align with societal values and expectations.