Penguins, Sober Secrets & Lust: Colin Farrell & Danny DeVito’s Wild Penguin Confession

by

Danny DeVito and Colin Farrell, longtime acquaintances, have both donned prosthetics to portray Batman’s ruthless adversary, The Penguin. In Tim Burton’s 1992 film “Batman Returns,” DeVito played Oswald Cobblepot; on the other hand, Farrell brought a grittier take on Oz Cobb in Matt Reeves’ 2022 movie “The Batman” and the current TV spinoff series “The Penguin.” Although it’s been years since he last took on the role, DeVito continues to embody shameless immorality, as he is set to appear as the lewd and insane Frank in the 17th season of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Danny DeVito: We met at my house. How old were you? 

Colin Farrell: I was 23 or 24. 

DeVito: What was the deal? This was you making the rounds? 

Farrell: I came for a free meal. Or beer, anyway. 

DeVito: We sat in the yard. 

Farrell: It was lovely. You were so welcoming. You really were, back then. 

Did you like doing the Penguin? 

DeVito: I did. 

Me (as a Fan): Gosh, that movie was my absolute favorite! And guess what? You were part of the cast. When they approached you for the role, was your answer an instant “Yes”?

DeVito: A simple yes. And just back up the truck, make a lot of money. 

Farrell: Did you undergo intense makeup routines like I did, since my appearance was equally dramatic? It was unique, yet equally dramatic and time-consuming to prepare every morning.

DeVito: The first time I saw yours, I said, “Oh my.” It was a total transformation. 

Farrell: Burial. 

DeVito: How long did it take to do the makeup? 

We conducted our initial makeup trial approximately six months before filming at the Warner Bros. studio. This session lasted around seven or eight hours, marking our first try. There was a sense of apprehension among everyone involved, and they had a team of 15 professionals to handle it. They managed to reduce the time required in the morning to about three hours for the first application.

DeVito: Just like Oswald, initially we had a makeup process that took around 5 to 6 hours, but it was gradually reduced. Each morning, I spent about 3.5 hours getting ready in the makeup chair.

Farrell: Did you mind it? I didn’t mind it. You have a coffee; you play some music. 

DeVito: Every day, I’d arrive early, usually around 4:30 or 5 a.m. I’d spend some time loitering, make myself a cup of tea, then head to the makeup room. The makeup artist would already be there, waiting with…

or

DeVito: I used to start my day at the studio around 4:30 or 5 a.m. I’d saunter in, grab some tea, and then make my way to the makeup room where the makeup artist would be waiting with…

Farrell: The glue?

DeVito: … the thing of glue. 

Farrell: That was a bit depressing, that first paintbrush touching your skin. 

DeVito: She’s always prepared, with her paintbrush as her weapon. I’ll wait until the last moment with my cup. She quickly moved forward to apply the large prosthetic, since it needed to be applied.

Farrell: That was the anchor. 

DeVito: After you managed to get past the first hurdle and they attached the prosthesis, did it become smoother sailing for you? What was your experience like?

Farrell: Essentially, I’ve been maintaining the same routine. Each morning, I prefer to show up in my pajamas instead of jeans, as I haven’t quite made that fashion commitment yet. The music is playing, and the coffee is ready for me. I take care of my tasks, ensuring a smooth start to the day. It’s also a nice opportunity for catching up.

DeVito: So how long was the day? 

They didn’t schedule me to work back-to-back days due to my makeup issues, as my skin was having breakouts. Typically, I worked for 16, 17, or even 18 hours most weeks.

DeVito: It was a breeze since I was there for 66 consecutive days. Spending my afternoons in makeup, preparing pasta, eating meals, and making meatballs. During a scene set in the Penguin’s hideout, this fantastic colleague of mine would often come over to me. He navigated through various passageways; I’d call him over and ask, “Could you stir the sauce?” He had to return to our trailer to attend to the tomato sauce.

Farrell: I want to know about working with penguins. 

In a different setting: I visited the San Diego zoo and was granted access behind the scenes to spend time with the majestic king penguins.

Farrell: I love the serious actor — you research. 

DeVito: Wrapped up tightly, I walked inside and it was unbearably smelly. They seem not to care if they soil everything around them.

Farrell: Tell me about Philadelphia. It’s always sunny. 

DeVito: What a transition!

Farrell: Fuck “The Penguin”! I want to hear about when you started it. 

DeVito: We’ve been together for 20 years. 

I’ve had a glimpse since our conversation, as I knew I was speaking with you. It’s possible that I’ve caught some of the highlights from Danny DeVito’s career.

DeVito: You’re a good boy.

It suits you wonderfully, yet it has a striking boldness. It’s unconventional, playful, and allows you the freedom to explore as you please.

DeVito: You’ve got quite a bit of freedom. You can travel wherever you desire. It’s fantastic! However, it’s not identical to what you did with The Penguin, or what I did with Oswald. With Oswald, I strictly followed the script. There was no improvising.

Farrell: “It’s Always Sunny.” It’s just about the chaos and the madness of being a human. 

DeVito: I always looked at it as “I Love Lucy” on acid. You could do anything you wanted. 

This job seems to be one of the most enjoyable ones due to its flexibility, creative freedom, and absence of rigidity. I mean this as a positive aspect. By the way, it’s filmed in Philadelphia, correct?

DeVito: No, it’s all here. It’s in California, where we should make more movies and television.

Farrell: Currently, I’m involved in a series titled “Sugar.” The majority of our original crew from the first season is still with us. They’re all sharing tales about the challenges they’ve faced and the hardships they’ve endured. The appreciation from people is heartwarming.

DeVito: Let’s bring the business back to L.A., and every once in a while go to Tahiti. 

Farrell: Nice. 

DeVito: Are you still fire-blowing? I do it in my backyard.

Farrell: Juggling, unicycle …

DeVito: I’m going to stay off the unicycle. Balance isn’t what it used to be. 

Farrell: That’s because you’re 60 now. 

DeVito: Who was your Catwoman? 

Farrell: Zoë Kravitz. I did a couple of scenes with Zoë. Only briefly. She was wonderful. 

As a film enthusiast, let me tell you, having Michelle Pfeiffer on set was nothing short of divine. Mind you, I’m not trying to make comparisons here, but she was simply breathtaking, an ethereal presence. If I had known she was going to be in a scene that day, I might have been even more starstruck!

Farrell: Did you brush your teeth that morning? 

DeVito: I became quite red. I had to apply more makeup – “I need a lot more makeup.” It was challenging.

Farrell: I’m going to watch “Scarface” tonight. How’s it to work with her? 

DeVito: Just so wonderful. And I lusted after her. 

Farrell: We’re moving on from your lust. Just tell me what form did the lust take, behaviorally?

DeVito: It was Oswald that was lustful. 

Was she anxious when collaborating with you? Did she summon assistance from security? Did she instruct someone to tell you to cease meddling with the sauce?

DeVito: I kind of feel like she liked it. She liked Oswald. 

Who plays your mom? 

Farrell: Deirdre [O’Connell]. Dee Dee. She’s brilliant, wasn’t she? 

DeVito: One of my most cherished scenes from the series – there are plenty to choose from – is when you join her in bed. To clarify, she’s lying in bed at that time.

Farrell: I get on bed with her. Let’s make it clear. 

DeVito: You’re a mama’s boy, and she just says, “Get off.” It was
so priceless.

Farrell: The rejection cut deep. Somewhat toxic between Mama and her little Penguino. 

Would you do the Penguin again if there was a revisitation? If Tim called you up? 

DeVito: Absolutely. 

Farrell: What do you like about the character? 

DeVito: What I adored about it was the sense of liberation it provided, not just for me but for you as well. It allowed room for exploration, even if it meant veering off course with something. The operatic aspect of Tim Burton’s “Batman Returns” really resonated with me – the music, sets, and overall production. It was like a Shakespearean play – “Life is a stage.” I found Oswald’s domain, his penguins, his followers, and his fervor incredibly captivating. That’s what I loved most about it.

Character: Did you ever bring it back here after taking it with you? If the character I’m portraying has such intense thoughts, feelings, or actions, it never seems to return.

DeVito: No, I go home to Rhea [Perlman] and the kids.

Farrell: Lovely, lovely. The line is clear. 

DeVito: I played some really despicable characters; you’ve got to shed that. 

Farrell found a certain ugliness in both Oswald and Oz that they possessed, a crude, grotesque quality. However, by the finale, The Penguin’s Oz was so dark it felt exhausting. Despite this, Farrell remained thankful for the experience; he vividly remembers watching you from Dublin at 13 years old. At six, he recalls enjoying Burgess Meredith’s portrayal as well (“Quack, quack, quack”). He never forgot how fortunate he was. But by the end, he was relieved it had ended. He felt completely consumed, with nothing left of himself.

DeVito’s suggestion: Combine elements from “In Bruges” and “The Penguin” for a unique blend that stands apart.

“Visiting Bruges was fantastic with 460 varieties of beer available, but it was a downer for me as I had been sober for about 14 months. I thought, ‘I wish I’d come here a year and a half ago.’ All I could do was buy chocolates and linen.

DeVito: If I don’t drink, I’m in great shape. So I’ve been cutting way, way back on the booze. 

Farrell: Wine?

DeVito: I’ll just have a little wine, but I prefer martinis with gin and cigars. However, as I’m currently focused on my health, I’m abstaining from alcohol.

Farrell: Do you miss it? The booze? 

DeVito: No. Don’t. 

Farrell: Me neither. 

DeVito: I’m feeling significantly improved. I sleep more soundly. I get the idea of completely avoiding it, and indeed I do comprehend.

Farrell: For me, it was a very particular thing. 

DeVito: It’s quite crucial if it needs to be done. I get that. By the way, I used to craft my own limoncello.

Farrell: Oh, limoncello. 

DeVito: Are you ever calm? Are you ever relaxed? 

Farrell: Yeah.

DeVito: Tell me how you relax. 

Farrell: I watch films. I read. I sauna. I started running a few years ago. 

DeVito: You’re in great shape. 

I’m generally fit, but I also take time to unwind. Occasionally, I can become quite tense or restless, almost like I have too much energy due to anxiety.

What does Batman mean to your Penguin? 

DeVito: Who was your Batman? 

Farrell: Robert Pattinson. 

DeVito: And I had the great Michael Keaton, who was trying to kill me. 

Farrell: Robert, it was quite fascinating to be part of this. I found him exceptional and incredibly unique. The way Matt Reeves portrayed the world in the movie was stunning. Batman was known, yet not fully established as a cornerstone of Gotham’s society. My Penguin was aware of him because Oswald is aiming for greatness; he’s a very ambitious character. So, Batman symbolizes his aspirations. There’s a hint of envy, but also respect.

DeVito: It’s clear he had the penthouse while you didn’t. From what I can tell, Oswald craved power, aspiring to be the dominant figure.

Farrell: Yours is more operatic, and my fella is more in the gangster genre.

DeVito: You’re looking for a real palatial place to live.

I’m trying to find what you once possessed. It was like an empire of yours. The underground sewer, it seemed, was a fortress – a symbol of authority and control.

DeVito: I’d be quite happy living in my sewer, if only Catwoman dropped by occasionally: Oh, my dear Penguin, how my heart flutters!

Production: BAUIE+RAD; Production Design: Francisco Vargas

Read More

2025-06-02 18:19