Film crews are a familiar sight in Ridgewood, and now the neighborhood is getting a starring role in an HBO original mob-themed drama series.
The HBO limited series “The Penguin” builds on the world filmmaker Matt Reeves crafted in his blockbuster hit “The Batman” and features a Ridgewood block in its debut episode.
The DC drama follows the character Oz Cobb (also known as The Penguin), played by actor Colin Farrell, in an eight-episode series that began streaming on Thursday, Sept. 19.
In one scene, a stylish plum-colored car weaves through the streets of Gotham City, where viewers can recognize the block beneath the Seneca Avenue M train station steps, between Seneca Avenue and Palmetto Street.
There, Oz and another character, Victor Aguilar (played by Rhenzy Feliz), step out of the car into what seems to be a red-light district of the crime-ridden dystopia to visit Eve Karlo, portrayed by actress Carmen Ejogo.
Spotted in the new Penguin HBO show
byu/circular0101 inridgewood
For those quick to recognize the location, like one Reddit user who shared the sighting on the r/ridgewood subreddit, it caught the attention of others who have noticed film crews frequenting the neighborhood or watched the first episode of the series themselves.
The location is unmistakable, especially with Crown Fried Chicken and Pizza at 701 Seneca Ave. in view. Viewers wanting to catch the scene can skip to 57:04 in the episode, though starting from the beginning is recommended to avoid spoilers.
Fans and critics of Matt Reeves’ The Batman hold high hopes for The Penguin, with Reeves as the executive producer. The series is produced by Reeves, Dylan Clark, Colin Farrell and Lauren LeFranc (who writes and serves as showrunner), with Craig Zobel directing the first three episodes and Bill Carraro also on board, according to Warner Brothers.
New episodes of The Penguin are released Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO Max.
