Here’s Why HBO’s The Penguin Changed Oswald Cobblepot’s Name
Oswald Cobblepot isn’t exact a household name, but even casual Batman fans know that this is the given name of Gotham’s Gentleman of Crime, otherwise known as the Penguin. But for the latest (and arguably one of the very best) portrayals of the character, the minds behind the story are making a big change. No longer is he known as Oswald Cobblepot. Instead, the main character of HBO’s The Penguin is known as Oswald ‘Oz’ Cobb.
And this apparently isn’t just some thing where he’ll get his real name later. It’s easy to imagine this being the story of how Oz Cobb the Gangster became Oswald Cobblepot the Gentleman of Crime–his mother changed his name for one reason or another, and he retakes his real name as he takes on his new identity. But that’s not what this is. The Penguin is named Oz Cobb.
“They never got around to changing his name in the comics like they did with the Riddler, going from Edward Nigma to Edward Nashton, from an unreal name to a real name,” explained produce Dylan Clark in an interview with SFX Magazine (via ComicBookMovie). “By doing that, they grounded the character.”