The Penguin Finale Features a Shocking Twist for Victor Aguilar
In a significant moment that reshaped the finale of “The Penguin,” viewers are left with a sense of disbelief over Victor Aguilar’s fate. Colin Farrell’s portrayal of Oswald Cobblepot, or the Penguin, solidified his status as an unredeemable villain with a grim act of violence. The ambitious mobster ascended to the pinnacle of Gotham City’s criminal hierarchy through an atrocious murder that left many fans reeling. While this isn’t the first time he has taken a life—having notably orchestrated the deaths of his own brothers in his youth—the brutal killing of Victor, played by Rhenzy Feliz, marked a pivotal shift. As their relationship deepened throughout the series, Oz’s choice to eliminate the young man for displaying emotional vulnerability underscored his transformation into a villain of the highest order.
Despite the outcry from viewers regarding the series’ conclusion, many have since recognized “The Penguin” as one of the standout comic book adaptations in recent memory, Victor’s demise included. The creative team has openly discussed their writing process, revealing alternative visions that were ultimately forgone. Director Matt Reeves, who also served as an executive producer on the show, shared insights into the evolution of Victor’s storyline.
Initially, LeFranc had a different vision for Victor’s end, one that would have seen him caught in a deadly manipulation by Sophia Falcone. According to Reeves, while the larger narrative framework was established early on, specific plot details evolved throughout production. In an interview, he explained that Sofia was originally intended to play a pivotal role in turning friends against each other. Instead of Oz making an impulsive decision to kill Victor, it would have been portrayed as a tragic manipulation, where Victor’s attempt to protect Oz’s mother led to tragic consequences during a confrontation between Sofia and Oz.
Reeves noted that this initial concept was compelling, yet LeFranc’s final approach added a powerful layer of depth. The decision to have Oz act independently, killing Victor because he couldn’t confront his own vulnerability, underscored the character’s profound fall into villainy. By ultimately choosing this darker path, LeFranc crafted a scene that was not just horrific but tragically resonant—illustrating the extreme lengths Oz would go to solidify his dominance.
As “The Penguin” achieves acclaim, viewers can revisit the harrowing events that defined its finale. All episodes are currently available for streaming on Max.
