Meet the Actress Playing Magpie in The Penguin Series: All You Need to Know

The Penguin series, a captivating spin-off from Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe, unveils a rich array of both familiar and lesser-known figures from DC Comics. Among the latest intriguing characters introduced is Magpie, a villain whose story unfolds through flashbacks set in the emblematic Arkham Asylum.

The role of this complex character is portrayed by Marié Botha, a talented actress born in South Africa, who captivates audiences in episode 4 of The Penguin series.

Within this series, Magpie enhances the narrative surrounding Gotham’s underscore world of crime. With a robust background in theater, including performances in productions like Dickinson, Botha effectively infuses depth and nuance into this DC antagonist.

Diving Deeper into Marié Botha’s Role as Magpie in The Penguin

Hailing from Pretoria, South Africa, Marié Botha takes on the iconic role of Magpie. Her transition to international fame began when she left Johannesburg at 18 to chase her acting aspirations in New York.

Completing her BFA at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, she further refined her craft with an MFA from the esteemed Yale School of Drama, recognized as one of the elite acting programs globally.

During her time at Yale, Botha engaged in a plethora of performances, earning accolades in plays such as Titus Andronicus, Slave Play, and Blood Wedding.

Botha’s experience is deeply entrenched in theater, showcasing her skills in Off-Broadway productions and regional stages. Among her significant performances are roles in Alice in Wonderland and Blasted.

This talented actress’s adaptability has garnered attention, ultimately leading to her casting in The Penguin as Magpie—a significant milestone in her television journey, despite prior appearances in shows like Dickinson.

Insights into Marié Botha from The Penguin

Despite her rising fame on an international scale, Botha cherishes her roots in South Africa. In a discussion with Glamour South Africa, she revealed how she maintains a connection to her South African heritage while residing in New York for the past 14 years. She articulates how both locales have profoundly influenced her identity, highlighting a dual sense of belonging.

Securing the role of Magpie in The Penguin was a turning point for Botha. She recounted the auditioning process as particularly challenging, having to perform via Zoom while visiting family in South Africa. The callback, which took place at midnight her time, involved an extensive session with director Helen Shaver, focusing on multiple takes of the scenes.

Though she initially questioned her audition’s quality, she received the exciting confirmation the following day, prompting her quick return to New York for the show’s production preparations.

She recounted in her Glamour South Africa interview,

“I was with my family in South Africa and had just extended my visit when I received the callback. I joined the Zoom call at midnight for the director’s session. It was the most intense callback of my life.”

She elaborated,

“We spent considerable time perfecting the first Magpie scene, which left me wondering if I was doing it right. At one point, I thought, ‘Am I messing this up? I don’t know which way is up anymore.’”

Although Botha had doubts about her performance during the audition, she was shortly after informed by her agent that she had been cast, with an urgent request to fly back to New York the next morning for hair and makeup tests.

Who is Magpie in The Penguin?

Magpie is a fascinating and somewhat obscure villain from the DC Comics universe, bringing a fresh perspective to the gritty landscape of Gotham. Recognized for her fixation on shiny objects, Magpie is depicted in The Penguin as a multifaceted character with a complex personality.

Throughout the series, she forges a relationship with Sofia Falcone during flashback sequences at the notorious Arkham Asylum, starting off as friends before their bond takes a darker twist, reflecting the tense and unpredictable atmosphere of the institution.

Botha characterized Magpie in an interview with Glamour as “dreamy and childlike yet overshadowed by darkness and trauma.”This role allowed her to explore various facets of the character’s mind, delving into the intricacies and contradictions that shape Magpie.

Furthermore, Magpie’s arc is instrumental in fleshing out Sofia Falcone’s character. The dynamics between them illustrate the emotional and psychological hurdles Sofia faces, emphasizing the immense pressure tied to her legacy within the Falcone crime family.

This interplay not only advances the plot but also enriches the narrative depth, allowing viewers to grasp the complexities and alliances formed in the shadowy corridors of Arkham Asylum.

Fans eager to experience The Penguin series can find it available for streaming on Max.

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