Philip Seymour Hoffman Doesn’t Think He’d Be A Good Penguin

Idle executive speculation gained second-hand from Dark Knight star Michael Caine about a third installment in Christopher Nolan’s Batman franchise gave rise to rumors that Johnny Depp would play the Riddler and Philip Seymour Hoffman as the Penguin. A little while back, Depp said that it sounded like a “fun gig” but that was when the rumors were only wishful thinking from fans. Now that Caine’s said his piece, Hoffman has responded to the notion.

“No one has talked to me about it ever — never. It happened, like, five years ago, too. It was a rumor back then and it’s still a rumor. [laughs] It’s just in the press. It’s funny.”

That was what we figured from Caine’s story - just an executive spitballing ideas. When pressed to say whether or not he would accept the role if it was offered, Hoffman was reluctant.

“I’m such a fan of those movies. Comic book movies in general I look forward to — I am a real cheerleader for them. I want them to do well because those are terrific stories. As a kid I was a big comic book collector. What [Nolan]’s doing is taking it in a whole other exciting great place. I’m more a fan, so the interest of being in it isn’t that great. It’s more the interest in wanting to see the next one. It’s probably better that way. I don’t know. I think I’m more interested in seeing someone else do it. I don’t know if I’d be a good Penguin to be quite honest. [laughs]”

This is not to say he couldn’t be convinced, but it’s greater incentive for Nolan to go the Catwoman route instead.