Why Gotham Knights Became the Backbone for HBO Max’s New Series

As a seasoned gamer who has battled the villainous forces of Gotham City countless times in the immersive world of “Gotham Knights,” I can wholeheartedly attest to its profound impact on HBO Max’s new series, “The Penguin.” The creators’ decision to draw inspiration from this game has breathed life into a darker, more mature version of Gotham City, making it feel both menacing and believable.


The creators of HBO Max’s fresh show titled “The Penguin” drew ideas from the popular video game “Gotham Knights” to vividly portray Gotham City in an original and distinctive manner.

The game offered a harsh, realistic environment which proved crucial for HBO Max’s creators in portraying the ominous ambiance of Gotham. By incorporating aspects from “Gotham Knights”, they were able to construct a city that was both intimidating and authentic, providing a solid backdrop for character development, particularly for the Penguin.

James Gunn, a member of the creative team, aimed for a Gotham City that wasn’t merely gloomy but rich in narratives. The Penguin envisioned a setting where peril could be felt everywhere, with glimpses of criminal activity hiding in the city’s underbelly. They drew inspiration from the game “Gotham Knights”, not just for its visual aesthetic, but also for how it depicts Gotham’s intricate structure. In the game, Gotham is teeming with hidden passages, corrupt powers, and endless mysteries – a feel that aligns well with HBO Max’s grittier, more mature interpretation.

In a different take, it’s Colin Farrell’s portrayal of the Penguin that breathes life into this world. His character isn’t your typical villain, but rather a reflection of Gotham’s grim reality. The show offers a grittier, more realistic version of the Penguin, aligning with his ruthless and grounded side in “Gotham Knights”. For viewers, this Penguin won’t be just a humorous mob boss, but a powerful figure within Gotham, molded by his harsh environment.

How the ‘Gotham Knights’ Video Game Inspired ‘The Penguin’s’ World Building

— Variety (@Variety) November 14, 2024

The creators not only focused on the game’s visual aspects, but they also delved into how “Gotham Knights” handles storytelling. In this game, we see Gotham as a city torn apart by crime and intricate relationships, particularly among villains. This multi-layered narrative style significantly influenced “The Penguin”, strengthening his ties to other criminals and Gotham’s influential figures behind the scenes. Each alleyway and building in the city has a story linked to Gotham’s criminal network, thereby making Gotham more than just a setting – it becomes a character in its own right.

In “Gotham Knights”, The Penguin immerses himself in a city that is gritty and pulsating, thereby giving substance and import to his actions within the storyline. HBO Max’s unique take on storytelling demonstrates how video games can extend their influence beyond action sequences, shaping both the narrative core and the richly detailed world of the series. It transcends simple character adaptation, striving instead to make Gotham seem tangible and real, a city brimming with shadows and mystery that we nearly feel we could touch.

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2024-11-15 04:14