Showrunner Explains The Penguin’s Limp Condition in the New TV Series

Fans who have tuned into The Penguin on HBO since its launch will have observed Oswald “Oz”Cobblepot’s unmistakable limp throughout the series. Although the show doesn’t directly address the reason behind Oz’s condition, showrunner Lauren LeFranc offered some insights during an interview with Digital Spy on September 20, 2024.

In her dialogue with the publication, LeFranc disclosed that Oz’s limp is a result of clubfoot, a foot deformity. She elaborated on the importance of representing this condition on screen.

LeFranc remarked:

“What we establish in the first episode is that he has a clubfoot, and to me what I found interesting about that, in present times, often people get surgery and often fix a clubfoot.”

She continued:

“But in my mind, his mother, who didn’t have a lot of money, decided that the difference in him would make him stronger. That he didn’t need to change an aspect of himself in that regard.”

Understanding Oz’s Limp: The Truth About Clubfoot

As highlighted, Oswald Cobblepot’s limp in The Penguin stems from the condition known as clubfoot, as clarified by showrunner Lauren LeFranc in her chat with Digital Spy.

For those who may not be aware, clubfoot (or congenital talipes equinovarus) is a congenital disorder in which one or both feet are twisted inward and downward. This misalignment happens because the tendons linking muscles to bones are shortened, resulting in the foot’s abnormal positioning.

If not addressed, clubfoot can cause significant complications, such as walking difficulties, pain, and the pronounced limp depicted by Oz. Fortunately, there are effective treatments, and specific casting methods have been employed for years to successfully realign the feet and help individuals manage the condition.

Bringing Oswald Cobb’s Clubfoot to the Screen in The Penguin

Since Colin Farrell, portraying Oswald Cobblepot, does not actually have clubfoot, the makeup and prosthetics team had to take unique approaches to accurately represent his character’s condition.

In an interview with The Wrap on September 19, 2024, Mike Marino, the prosthetic makeup designer for The Penguin, explained that he crafted the prosthetic for Oz’s clubfoot only 20 minutes prior to Farrell’s arrivals on set. He shared:

“I had sculpted like 20 minutes before [Colin] came — a foot that I thought was crazy. He sat in the chair and I was working in the corner and I showed him and I was like, ‘What do you think of this thing?’”

During the discussion, Farrell expressed his admiration for Marino’s techniques, commending the makeup and prosthetics team for their exceptional work. He noted Marino’s creative methods that enriched his character’s portrayal, describing his craft as “so lofi and yet so highly brilliant.”

The upcoming episode of The Penguin is set to premiere on October 27, 2024.

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