HBO’s upcoming series The Penguin focuses on a charismatic con artist from the 2022 film The Batman, portrayed by Colin Farrell. The narrative begins where the movie left off, depicting a Gotham that is flooded and in ruins.
Production designer Kalina Ivanov, known for her work on projects like The Silence of the Lambs, Lovecraft Country, and The Boys in the Boat, shared insights on her 1970s-inspired interpretation of Gotham.
Ivanov, who describes herself as an “accidental DC designer,” acknowledged her initial lack of knowledge about the DC universe. Collaborating with James Chinlund, the designer of The Batman, she grasped the need to establish a unique version of Gotham that grounded it in reality. This vision led to a decision to infuse elements from 1970s and 1980s New York, avoiding the modernized portrayal seen in contemporary depictions.
She emphasized the gritty nature of late 1970s New York, recalling her own experiences of moving to the city during that time. “You can feel the decay when watching our series,” she remarked, highlighting the danger that characters face while navigating the streets.
For Ivanov, Gotham is intrinsically linked to New York. Each neighborhood within Gotham was designed to reflect its real-life counterparts in the city. With the narrative focusing on the struggles of the low-income residents affected by the flood, her research led to the historical “Lung Block,” a notorious slum zone from the 1920s. This area served as a basis for the show’s depiction of Crown Point, a struggling neighborhood.
As wealthier citizens left the city for suburban areas, the show draws inspiration from lavish locations for the estate of Carmine Falcone, rooting it in the opulent aesthetic of The Great Gatsby.
Ivanov’s design choices also aimed to emulate the architectural contrasts between social classes, illustrating the disparities faced by the impoverished. The show features numerous arched structures to symbolize the suppression experienced by marginalized communities.
In crafting a realistic portrayal, several scenes required the addition of elements like a bridge using visual effects, as the show’s fictional Gotham consists of interconnected islands reminiscent of New York’s layout. Most filming locations were chosen in areas like Yonkers and South Bronx to capture the gritty atmosphere.
The set design reflects a distinct homage to 1970s culture, with features such as Penguin’s loft designed to showcase a darker, more industrial aesthetic, influenced by the character’s backstory and environment.
Ivanov’s attention to detail extends to the use of wallpaper and interior decor, capturing the cultural essence of the era. She sought to create a vivid narrative through visual storytelling, reflecting the personal experiences that shape the characters’ lives.
Drawing from events like Superstorm Sandy, which highlighted the socio-economic divides in New York, Ivanov aims to create a grounded and relatable atmosphere in the series, emphasizing themes of power dynamics in the urban landscape.