If you had asked any of us early on what Matt Reeves, Lauren LeFranc, and the team behind The Batman Epic Crime Saga were trying to achieve with The Penguin, none of us could have answered. But now, seven weeks and seven episodes later, we can say the creators have cooked up a storm in Gotham, bringing Oz Cobb, the crime boss, into the spotlight in his standalone series. The show dives into the lives of those around him as he sets out to become Gotham’s new crime lord after the death of Carmine Falcone. Led by Colin Farrell, it’s become one of the most popular series this month and could end up as one of the year’s best when its season finale begins streaming on JioCinema tomorrow.

Few expected The Penguin to be such a thrilling ride, making Batman's absence a strength rather than a gap, and building drama that’s so captivating no one misses the Caped Crusader. What began as a misfit’s journey to the top soon introduced a fierce competitor: Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone/Gigante, who has turned the entire game upside down. The series has built her relationship with Oz from the beginning to this climactic point where only one can win—or survive. 

With everything on the line and each move crucial, fans are equally invested in the showdown between Penguin and Sofia, each ready to go to extreme lengths. In recent weeks, online theorists have speculated on how The Penguin might end. Here are the top four theories.

The Penguin Finale Theories

1. Oz Wins Despite the Odds

If there’s one thing we know about Oz Cobb, it’s that he always finds a way to survive and reclaim his place as Gotham’s top criminal. No matter what Sofia or Maroni’s crew throw at him, he finds a way to emerge unscathed. Now, with Sofia holding his mother, Francis, hostage, she could inflict immense damage on him. But Colin Farrell and Matt Reeves have confirmed that Penguin will survive as a bridge between The Batman 1 and 2, and he’ll appear in the Robert Pattinson-led sequel. So, while his survival seems certain, there’s a chance he might even come out on top.

2. Sofia Falcone’s Ultimate Betrayal

For several episodes, before she kidnapped Francis, Sofia was focused on finding Oz’s weakness. No one knew what would break him, as he appeared to be an unfeeling orphan. But with Francis in her control, Sofia has a powerful trump card. For Oz, the worst pain isn’t dying; it’s losing his mother. Rather than killing them, Sofia might do something more devastating: reveal to Francis that her sons’ deaths weren’t accidental but orchestrated by Oz. This could destroy their bond, leaving Oz with no family and no one to trust.

3. Penguin Kills His Mother

One of the series’ most intriguing dynamics is the relationship between Oz and his mother, Francis, who is battling dementia. Despite his ruthless nature, Oz shares a uniquely vulnerable connection with her, expecting nothing in return. However, in episode six, he hints at a darker possibility, saying he would put an end to her suffering as her condition deteriorates. Could he go through with it? The season might conclude with Oz killing Francis, especially if Sofia reveals the truth and Francis chooses to distance herself from him.

4. A Surprise Appearance from Batman

There’s also speculation that Robert Pattinson’s Batman could appear in the season finale, though Matt Reeves has previously dismissed this possibility. However, surprises aren’t unheard of, so fans remain hopeful.

The Penguin premiered on September 20, 2024, with its eight-episode season releasing weekly. The finale will drop on Monday at 6:30 am on JioCinema in India, available in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Marathi. Stay tuned to Mobile Masala for more information on this and everything else from the world of streaming and films.