An incredible theory about theDC Universevillain Scarecrow appearing inThe Penguinmade its way around the internet in recent months, andit made so much sense that I can’t believe it has been debunked. Aseverything known aboutThe Batman Part IIsuggests it is set to go into production this year, the world of that hero and his villains was expanded in the recent acclaimed HBO series. Gotham has proven to be alive with villainy, crime, and corruption, leading to speculation that so many additional Batman villains are already active there.
Surprisingly, thecast ofThe Penguindid not feature too many new characters from Batman’s lore. While many thought that the series would bring in new, iconic villains, it seems that the scope of the show was much smaller than that, only looking to investigate the power struggles for organized crime.Sofia Falcone and Sal Maroni were among the most important characters introduced in the show with links to Batman, and the latter was killed off before its end. Still, one villain seemed likely to be introduced secretly beneath all that.
The Batman’s Scarecrow Theory Explained
Elements Of Scarecrow’s Costume Seemed To Be Revealed In The Penguin
Julian Rush, played by Theo Rossi, was a bit of an unusual character, about whom many audience members shared some interesting theories.With a large role as Sofia’s therapist, it seemed strange that this new character was not pulled from DC lore, leading many to speculate that the character may not be who he seemed.Many wonderedwho Julian Rush was, with some speculating that he could be Hugo Strange. The more popular theory, however, is that he was secretly the Scarecrow.
In episode 4, a detail in Julian Rush’s office convinced many viewers thatScarecrow had secretly debutedin the series.During a scene in Rush’s office, a pair of gloves with knives for fingers and a burlap sack mask appear to be set up on the character’s desk. These accouterments are part of Scarecrow’s costume. With the development of the drug Bliss in the series, and Julian’s possessions, it seemed to suggest that the Scarecrow was being set up, which certainly fit Rush’s uncomfortable and disorienting performance.
The Penguin Showrunner Lauren LeFranc Debunked The Theory Dr Julian Rush Is The Batman’s Scarecrow
The Showrunner Gave A Surprisingly Frank Response At The Golden Globes Red Carpet
Shockingly, in a move done with strikingly refreshing candor, showrunnerLauren LeFranc recently addressed this Scarecrow question. Speaking withScreenRanton the Golden Globes red carpet, LeFranc was asked about Julian Rush, to which she gave a simple answer:“Well, I can say he’s not the Scarecrow”.In an era where most filmmakers do not wish to give away too much with their comments, waffling on so many of their answers, this is a surprisingly clear detail about Julian Rush.
Unfortunately, the character inThe Penguinis then not Scarecrow. Still, this is surprising, as so much of the character’s setup seems to suggest that Rush is Scarecrow.It is therefore worth noting that this answer may not be as clear as it seems.Rush may not currently be Scarecrow, although he may become Scarecrow later on. Or perhaps he was originally intended to be Scarecrow, but plans changed. It is even possible that LeFranc is lying here, although that seems unlikely. Regardless, many possibilities still remain, even if they are unlikely.
Scarecrow’s Tease Made Sense For Expanding The World Of The Batman
If I am honest, I’m a little disappointed that LeFranc shut down this possibility.Even if it was only speculative, imagining Rush as the Scarecrow gave an extra texture toThe Penguin.In a world that is intended to be filled with outsized and colorful characters, it makes sense that villains like Scarecrow and others would have smaller roles to play. The character never had to be shown spraying fear toxins; this suggestion was enough to make the world feel larger and more lived in.
These kinds of ambiguous teases can add a great deal to the world of superhero media. Not everything needs to have an enormous payoff, butteases and Easter Eggs are extremely satisfying when they are found in comic book films and shows.Teasing a character like Scarecrow would have made a lot of sense for the series and did not ultimately have to lead anywhere. In fact, revealing that Rush is not Scarecrow actually makes the pieces found on Rush’s desk a little bit more confusing.
How Scarecrow Could Still Appear In The Batman’s Future
Plans forThe Batman Part IIremain to be shared, with so manyvillain rumors for the sequelbeing shared. Everyone from Court of Owls to Mister Freeze has been rumored to be the film’s antagonist, andif the first film’s template is followed, it seems likely that other villains will play smaller roles.Scarecrow could certainly be introduced to Gotham City in the upcoming film, or in a sequel season toThe Penguin.Perhaps he could even be a patient of Julian Rush, which would explain the gloves and mask left in his office.
Having a connection to Rush would make sense, but it is really up to whatever is best for the story and the world.Scarecrow and his powers of fear could fit into a grounded story as a main villain, but this was already done inBatman Begins.Still, Scarecrow would be a satisfying inclusion to the world and could help tell terrifying stories that tap into the fear that Batman spreads over his city and examine it in a new way.
Will The Penguin Season 2 Happen? Everything We Know
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Julian Rush is not the Scarecrow, and it does not appear thatThe Penguindid introduce the iconic villain after all. However,I can’t get over that mask and those gloves being in his office.It’s such a clear, strange, and specific choice, that there must have been some kind of plan for why those were left there. I’m sure that, eventually, details of that plan will be shared, even if those plans are never fulfilled. I just wish I knew more about bothThe Penguinand Julian Rush himself.
The Penguin
Cast
Created by Lauren LeFranc, The Penguin is a crime-drama spin-off television series of 2022’s film The Batman. Set shortly after the events of The Batman, Oz Cobb, A.K.A. the Penguin, begins his rise in the underworld of Gotham City as he contends with the daughter of his late boss, Carmine Falcone, for control of the crime family’s empire.
