Danny DeVito recently opened up about his experience working alongside Michelle Pfeiffer in the 1992 film Batman Returns during a candid conversation with Colin Farrell for Variety’s Actors on Actors series. Reflecting on his time portraying the iconic villain the Penguin, DeVito humorously confessed to having a crush on Pfeiffer, who played Catwoman.
“She was a goddess,” DeVito said, expressing his admiration for Pfeiffer. He playfully recalled the excitement he felt on days when he knew they would be filming scenes together, admitting he would get “all flushed” and even request extra makeup to prepare. Farrell jokingly asked if he brushed his teeth before filming, to which DeVito responded by underscoring the challenge of keeping calm around Pfeiffer.
In a twist, DeVito mentioned that in a short story he wrote for DC Comics’ Gotham City Villains anthology, he imagined a romantic connection between Oswald Cobblepot (the Penguin) and Selina Kyle (Catwoman), highlighting his long-standing admiration for Pfeiffer.
When Farrell inquired if DeVito would consider taking on the Penguin role again, he enthusiastically affirmed that he would, reminiscing about the operatic elements of Tim Burton’s vision for Batman Returns. DeVito relished the theatrical aspects, describing them as a “Shakespearean” take on the character’s realm.
Danny DeVito continues to hold a significant role in pop culture, currently starring in the 17th season of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which premieres on July 9. Meanwhile, Colin Farrell is set to reprise his Penguin role in the upcoming sequel to Matt Reeves’ The Batman and has other film projects lined up.
This exchange not only reveals the charming dynamics between these celebrated actors but also promises a continued legacy for the Penguin character within the DC universe. The enthusiasm of both actors suggests an exciting future in the portrayal of these iconic roles.