Although a spin-off of one of the most notable comic book films in recent years, The Penguin surprisingly presents few Easter eggs and obscure references. Nevertheless, some devoted fans of the DC universe think they’ve identified an interesting pair of objects that may suggest a character’s hidden identity. In particular, a brief moment from the fourth episode of The Penguin has garnered attention when Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti) is depicted alone in the office of her former psychiatrist from Arkham Asylum, Dr. Julian Rush (Theo Rossi).
In the background, keen-eyed viewers have pointed out a recognizable rag mask hanging on Rush’s desk, accompanied by a glove that appears to have syringe-like fingers. These two items are famously associated with Jonathan Crane, also known as Scarecrow, from the comics. Like Rush, Scarecrow is depicted as an expert in psychology who concocts a hallucinogenic drug to exploit the fears of Gotham City’s residents. While Dr. Rush does not display any such malevolence in The Penguin, the presence of Scarecrow’s mask and glove in his workplace has led many to wonder whether Rossi’s character could ultimately reveal himself as the Scarecrow in Matt Reeves’ vision of Gotham.
Scarce appearances of Scarecrow in live-action adaptations since his portrayal by Cillian Murphy in 2005’s Batman Begins add to the likelihood of a fresh interpretation of the character. Murphy briefly reprised his role in the subsequent films directed by Christopher Nolan, The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012). With the passage of time, fans seem eager for a new incarnation of the Scarecrow.
This hint within The Penguin does not offer definitive insight. Dr. Rush does not come across as a deranged psychiatrist but rather as one enamored with Milioti’s Sofia, aspiring to contribute to her emerging crime syndicate. Thus, it’s ambiguous whether the items in his office are intended to tease his own identity or merely suggest Scarecrow’s presence in the world of The Penguin.
Regardless, Scarecrow remains among several villains that fans speculate might feature in Reeves’ plans for either The Batman Part II or future sequels and spin-offs. This subtle detail in The Penguin is likely to ignite further discussions surrounding those theories.
The Penguin is currently available for streaming on Max.