Danny DeVito Tells Fellow Penguin Colin Farrell He Once Stopped a “Batman Returns” Scene to Ask Assistant to Stir His Pasta Sauce

In a recent conversation part of Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series, Danny DeVito and Colin Farrell provided an intriguing glimpse into their experiences portraying one of Batman’s most infamous adversaries, The Penguin. DeVito played the role in the 1992 film “Batman Returns,” while Farrell took on the mantle in the recent release, “The Batman.”

DeVito, now 80 years old, reminisced about his time on the “Batman Returns” set, revealing that he spent a considerable amount of his down time cooking meals. His time filming spanned a lengthy two months, during which he was often found preparing comforting dishes in his trailer. One memorable incident included him pausing an intense scene to ensure his pasta sauce was properly tended to.

“I was there every day, for 66 days,” DeVito said, highlighting the dedication he poured into his role. He recounted the hilarious moment where, amidst filming in the Penguin’s lair, he called for his assistant, Josh Levinson, to ensure that his sauce was properly stirred. “I got penguins all around me and I go, ‘Somebody get Josh’,” he said, chuckling at the absurdity of the situation as his cooking took precedence over filming.

Farrell, on the other hand, faced a different set of challenges while filming “The Batman.” The 50-year-old actor explained that he couldn’t film every day due to his skin’s sensitivity to the heavy makeup required for his character. This contrast in filming conditions highlighted the varying experiences that both actors had while portraying the same character in their respective films.

As they delved deeper into their discussion, DeVito reflected on working opposite Michelle Pfeiffer, who played Catwoman alongside his Penguin and Michael Keaton’s Batman. He described Pfeiffer, now 67, as a “goddess,” expressing his admiration and acknowledging the chemistry that existed between their characters. “If I knew she was going to be in a scene that day…” he trailed off, leaving the compliment hanging, a testament to the enduring allure he felt.

Farrell joined in on the topic, quipping that DeVito’s character, Oswald Cobblepot, was the one guilty of lusting after Catwoman. DeVito agreed, maintaining that the dynamic between the characters was one of mutual attraction. “I kind of feel like she liked it. She liked Oswald,” he added, illustrating the playful rapport shared between the actors both on and off-screen.

Throughout the conversation, the pair reflected on the lasting impact of their respective portrayals of The Penguin, a character steeped in complexity and dark charm. DeVito’s version showcased a quirky and grotesque take on the character, while Farrell presented a more nuanced interpretation that carried the weight of a darker narrative in the recent film.

Their shared insights not only shed light on their individual journeys in portraying such a multifaceted villain but also showcased the evolution of the character through different interpretations over the years. Both actors, in their unique ways, have brought depth to the role, making it a memorable part of Batman’s rich tapestry.

As fans eagerly await the next evolution of the Penguin in upcoming Batman stories, the dialogue between DeVito and Farrell serves as a reminder of the passion and dedication that actors invest in their craft. Their humorous anecdotes and fond memories continue to celebrate the cherished legacy of the Batman franchise, highlighting the creativity and individual flavour each actor brings to the role.

For those interested in the behind-the-scenes experiences of beloved characters, this conversation is a delightful treasure, revealing the humanity behind the masks, and offering a glimpse into the camaraderie that exists between actors working in the high-pressure environment of film production.