With the iconic Bat-Signal lighting up The Penguin’s final episode, fans have become keenly attuned to the show’s striking settings. The meticulous craftsmanship of DC’s universe makes even the smallest details worth noticing.
From the atmospheric Gothic structures of Gotham to the charmingly moody architecture reminiscent of British design, let’s explore some of the intriguing filming locations utilized in The Penguin, primarily set against the vivid backdrop of New York City.
1. 2335 12th Avenue, West Harlem
Serving as the infamous Iceberg Lounge, this location is where Gotham’s elite gather, and where Oz Cobblepot weaves his intricate web of schemes and alliances.
This pivotal venue, featuring the dramatic metal arches of Riverside Drive, artfully captures the essence of West Harlem at 2335 12th Avenue.
2. 27th Street, Between Sixth and Seventh Avenues
Transforming into Gotham’s opulent Diamond District, this stretch of 27th Street portrays the lavish wealth and influence of Oz Cobblepot.
In the backdrop of Oz’s luxurious apartment towers stands the legendary Williamsburg Bridge, enhancing the area’s grand appeal.
3. La Selva, Upper Brookville
No venue epitomizes shade and power like the Falcone mansion, a crucial symbol of Gotham’s most notorious crime family.
La Selva, an expansive estate located in Upper Brookville, mirrors the splendor of classic tales like The Great Gatsby, making it a brilliant choice by designer Kalina Ivanov.
4. Chinatown, South Bronx, and Yonkers
Crown Point emerges as one of Gotham’s bleakest regions, a desolate area reflecting the city’s forgotten souls.
For Crown Point, the production team utilized various authentic locations around New York City, showcasing the unfiltered reality of Gotham’s slums.
5. Hawksmoor NYC
Hawksmoor, situated in Gramercy Park, serves as an upscale gathering spot for Gotham’s criminal elite.
Combining historical elegance with a regal aesthetic, this location captures Gotham’s dark allure, adding an air of sophistication entwined with lingering suspicion.
6. Hewes Street Subway Station
The lifeblood of Gotham pulses through its streets, with the Hewes Street subway station reimagined as Buddy’s Corner Mart.
This gritty venue, frequented by Oz and his associates, encapsulates the spirit of Gotham’s working-class districts, illustrating the social classes that define the city.
7. Kew Gardens Train Station
Kew Gardens Train Station effectively embodies the eerie atmosphere of Gotham’s metro, transformed into Irving Grove Station.
The combination of classic architecture and dim lighting creates a tense environment, intensifying the anticipation surrounding each train’s arrival and departure.
8. Seneca Avenue BMT Station
Seneca Avenue serves as Eve’s residence in the narrative, perfectly capturing the ominous feel characteristic of Gotham neighborhoods.
This location contributes significantly to the show’s eerie ambiance, showcasing Gotham’s darker side with remarkable precision.
9. Silvercup Studios North
Silvercup Studios North in Queens stands as a hub for mob discussions and clandestine dealings, vividly recreating Gotham’s essence.
From Oz’s power moves as he evolves into the Penguin to tense mob confrontations, these sets host some of the series’ most riveting moments.
Final Thoughts
The winding alleys and grand mansions of New York provide the perfect setting for the dark narrative of The Penguin, ending with surprising twists that leave viewers captivated.
It’s intriguing to ponder the reality of Gotham—could it possibly exist beyond the pages of comic books?
About The Penguin
The Penguin is a miniseries developed by Lauren LeFranc for HBO, delving into the life of the Penguin, a character from DC Comics. The series is a spin-off from the successful film The Batman (2022), exploring Cobblepot’s ascent in Gotham City’s underworld.
Featuring Colin Farrell as the Penguin, the cast includes notable names such as Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, and Michael Zegen. With development starting in September 2021, HBO Max greenlit the project in March 2022 following the film’s success. Filming began in March 2023 in New York but faced interruptions due to labor disputes. Production resumed late in 2023, wrapping up in February 2024. The series transitioned to HBO in July 2024. Craig Zobel directed the initial three episodes.
The show premiered on HBO on September 19, 2024, and is projected to run for eight episodes until November 10.
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