John Turturro Turns Down ‘The Penguin’ Role Over Violence Concerns

As a long-time admirer of John Turturro‘s work, I have always been captivated by his ability to choose roles that not only showcase his exceptional acting skills but also resonate deeply with his values and personal experiences. His decision to step away from ‘The Penguin’ is yet another testament to this commitment.


In an open conversation, John Turturro explained his decision to forgo reprising his role as Carmine Falcone in the forthcoming show ‘The Penguin.’

As stated by Turturro, the depiction of violent acts against women on the program disturbed him, significantly impacting his choice to leave. It’s worth noting that this viewpoint is consistent with Turturro’s longstanding approach; he has consistently expressed unease regarding such topics in his artistic endeavors.

In ‘The Batman,’ the character Falcone, played by Turturro, demonstrated a ruthless side implicitly instead of overtly, which was a choice that Turturro favored.

In the realm of movies, I found ‘The Batman’ particularly gripping because its subtle depiction of violence made its intensity all the more palpable. It didn’t need explicit scenes to convey the harshness; instead, it skillfully implied it, leaving a lasting impact on me.

John Turturro opted out of reprising his role as Carmine Falcone for ‘THE PENGUIN’ due to concerns about excessive violence against women in the series. (Translation: He didn’t want to be involved with that kind of content.)

— ScreenTime (@screentime) October 23, 2024

The nuance was lacking in ‘The Penguin,’ causing him to decide to leave the part. Now, Mark Strong has taken over as the mafia boss.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve always admired the versatility of actor Turturro. Known for his superhero movie roles, he doesn’t limit himself there. His career progression is fascinating as it’s filled with projects that truly reflect his personal values and beliefs.

He recounted his experience working on Pedro Almodóvar’s ‘The Room Next Door,’ where he plays Damian, an academic intertwined in a complex relationship with his lover and her terminally ill friend.

In this role, Turturro delved into topics of loss and human nature, pulling inspiration from his own life, especially incidents surrounding the demise of his sibling Ralph.

The struggle Ralph faced against cancer and mental illness significantly influenced Turturro’s perspective, affecting both his acting choices and outlook on life. He stood by his brother during tough times, employing jokes and impressions to lessen the weight of treatment. This personal experience adds genuine emotion and depth to Turturro’s portrayal of sorrow and support in his recent film character.

Turturro’s dedication to compelling narratives shines through in the discerning choices he makes when taking on acting roles, and he continues to embark on an artistic odyssey.

In the heat of anticipation for Season 2 of ‘Severance,’ here I am, gearing up to deliver another round of nuanced portrayals that will surely captivate viewers once again. Can’t wait for you all to see it!

As a gamer, collaborating with Ben Stiller on this project has been an enlightening journey, sparking ideas for future ventures that I can’t wait to delve into, promising a blend of intrigue and entertainment that’s sure to keep us all engaged.

John Turturro consistently selects roles that align with his moral values and passion for work that transcends mere amusement.

His choice about ‘The Penguin’ clearly demonstrates his belief that depicting a character involves more than just representation, it also requires comprehending and considering the consequences of such portrayal.

According to Variety, Turturro’s career in Hollywood stands out not just for his diverse acting abilities but also for his strong moral character and discerning choices in the roles he accepts.

Read More

2024-10-23 20:44