Batman: All 7 Penguin actors ranked from worst to best

1. Danny DeVito

In what was undoubtedly one of the most genius casting choices in Hollywood history, Tim Burton cast Danny DeVito as Oswald Cobblepot in his 1992 sequel Batman Returns. On the surface, it may have been an obvious choice because DeVito’s comedic brilliance would have complemented a traditionally comedic role like The Penguin – but this was far from the traditional Penguin, and that’s what made it so brilliant.

As Burton had a lot more creative control over this one than he did with 1989’s Batman, he reinvented the character’s origins and ultimately delivered something that was much more in-line with what you’d expect from a Tim Burton villain. As a result, the mob boss villain that just so happened to contain bird-like features and waddled and quacked just because he could became something a lot more sinister.

Abandoned by his parents, this version of Oswald was raised by the penguins, the outcasts and misfits of the Gotham City circus while in the sewers. Though he had the long nose, the monocle and the sense of fashion, he also long stringy hair, Gothic black eyes and flipper-like fingers.

In spite of DeVito’s penchant for comedy, he was nothing short of terrifying as The Penguin, turning what could have been perceived as a cartoonish character into a mesmerizing and powerful monster. Moreover, he commanded the screen with his larger-than-life personality and even managed to weave sinister undertones into the occasional comedic moments.

A show-stealing performance if there were ever one, this was a Penguin for a new generation – one that would inspire countless versions of the character to come after it.

Which Penguin was your favorite? Were you a fan of The Batman‘s version of the character? How have you been celebrating Batman Day month?