The Penguin: Cobblepot to Cobb Name Change Explained

The Penguin showrunner made a bold creative move. Gotham villain Oswald Cobblepot now goes by “Oswald Cobb.” This change is part of the upcoming Max series.

The Penguin’s Fresh Identity in Gotham

The change was first spotted by sharp-eyed viewers in early promotional material. It marks a big departure from the character’s traditional depiction. For decades, Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot has been a mainstay in DC Comics and on-screen. He is known for his aristocratic undertones and calculated villainy.

Showrunner Lauren LeFranc addressed the reasoning in a recent interview, saying,

“In the comics, he has often come from a wealthy family. We changed his name to ‘Cobb’ because ‘Cobblepot’ always suggested wealth and prestige.”

This change reflects the grounded, gritty tone of The Penguin. The series shares continuity with Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Colin Farrell returns as the titular antihero.

How The Penguin Reimagines Oswald Cobb

In this version of Gotham’s underworld, Oswald Cobb is no longer the eccentric, upper-class crime lord many remember. Instead, he is a street-smart, blue-collar mobster struggling to seize power in the aftermath of Carmine Falcone’s death. By removing the “old money” connotations of the Cobblepot surname, the creative team reinforces a more authentic rise-from-the-gutter narrative.

Lauren LeFranc’s vision primarily aims to ground the character’s journey in survival, ambition, and calculated moves rather than inherited influence. Consequently, the result is a more relatable, yet still dangerous, figure within Gotham’s crime hierarchy. Moreover, this approach adds depth and realism to the character’s development.

Fan Reactions to The Penguin’s New Direction

The decision to alter such an iconic name has drawn mixed reactions. On one hand, many long-time fans feel that “Oswald Cobblepot” carries the same iconic weight as “Bruce Wayne” or “Selina Kyle.” On the other hand, others see the change as a bold move that aligns closely with the series’ commitment to realism and reinvention. Furthermore, this shift highlights the show’s willingness to take creative risks.

While some viewers remain skeptical, the creative shift may ultimately prove beneficial for character development. Furthermore, by distancing The Penguin from his comic book aristocracy, the show can effectively explore deeper emotional and psychological layers of Gotham’s most cunning survivor. In addition, this change allows for a fresh perspective that challenges traditional expectations. Consequently, it opens up new storytelling possibilities within the Gotham universe.

No matter what people think of the name change, The Penguin was a major hit and proved the creative gamble paid off. The series won several prestigious awards, including Best Limited Series at the Critics Choice Super Awards, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series for Colin Farrell at the Emmys, and Best Cinematography in a Streaming Series at the ASC Awards. With its bold storytelling, gritty atmosphere, and award-winning performances, The Penguin stands as a powerful success that solidified its place in the DC Elseworlds slate.