Fans of The Penguin, the thrilling DC gangster drama series, are buzzing with excitement over its captivating filming locations. This series serves as a spin-off from The Batman (2022) and delves into the dark underbelly of Gotham City. It chronicles the transformation of Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot, also known as The Penguin, from a marginalized character to a notorious gangster.
Let’s dive into the intriguing filming locations that have played a crucial role in bringing The Penguin’s narrative to life.
Filming Locations of The Penguin: Creating Gotham
The Penguin was shot entirely in New York City, utilizing its diverse locales to construct the fictional Gotham City.
The production team filmed throughout New York City, capturing vibrant exterior shots while interior scenes were produced at Silvercup Studios North in Queens. Original plans included filming in Westchester County, New York, but a 2023 Writers Strike disrupted this schedule. Demonstrators also occupied a church in Harlem, causing additional delays. Following the resumption of production, the team shifted focus to Brooklyn, with further scenes filmed in the Bronx and Whitestone, Queens.
Below is a list of notable filming locations for The Penguin:
- Riverside Drive in West Harlem (Iceberg Lounge Club)
- 27th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, Diamond District (Gotham Diamond District)
- Williamsburg Bridge tower
- La Selva, Long Island (Falcone mansion)
- United Charities Building, Gramercy Park, Hawksmoor NYC (St. Augustine)
- Hewes Street subway station (Buddy’s Corner Mart)
- Kew Gardens train station (Irving Grove Station)
- Seneca Avenue BMT station (Eve’s apartment)
- Chinatown, South Bronx, Yonkers (Crown Point)
- West Side Highway (Iceberg Lounge Club entrance)
In a recent discussion, the show’s production designer highlighted that Crown Point represents one of the most somber environments in The Penguin. It illustrates the hardships faced by Gotham’s most vulnerable citizens.
To authentically recreate this setting, the production team blended various locations, including Chinatown, the South Bronx, and Yonkers. The designer emphasized, “We aimed to incorporate the real history of New York and reflect it in the architectural language of our show. It was essential for us to maintain historical accuracy.”
The Penguin Season 1 premiered on HBO on September 19, 2024.
