Genre shows made a huge impact on today’s Emmy announcements, with Apple TV+’s Severance leading the charge for most-nominated title overall with recognition in 27 categories. But HBO’s The Penguin wasn’t far behind with 24, and though you might expect that to mean the studio would be actively working on more episodes—well, it’s complicated, given the show’s positioning within Matt Reeves‘ The Batman universe.
Speaking to Variety, HBO and HBO Max CEO and content chairman Casey Bloys—who would surely love to confirm a season two outright, given the show’s critical and popular acclaim—foregrounded The Penguin‘s context.
“The number one thing right now that Matt [Reeves] is dealing with is getting the movie going. I believe they’re making progress there. I know that he and [Penguin showrunner] Lauren [LeFranc] have talked about various ideas. So, could another chapter be in the future? Definitely possible,” Bloys said. “Right now, I think the priority for Matt is the movie. But I know that Lauren is thinking of various ideas that might work alongside the movie. I think it’s possible. I just don’t know at this point.”
The oft-delayed Batman Part II just revealed a finished script and, after several delays, is due in theaters October 1, 2027. So, Emmy love notwithstanding, any kind of Penguin season two situation would probably be on a similar timeline.
Another show Bloys was asked about is another big Emmy nominee: The Last of Us, which notched 17 nods. Season two wrapped up earlier this year, and it was just revealed that co-showrunner Neil Druckmann would be departing, leaving his collaborator Craig Mazin in charge. There’s no mystery about the show’s renewal—we already know a season three (and maybe more) is en route—but when it will be back is still up in the air… sorta.
“The series is definitely planned for 2027,” Bloys confirmed. “Craig is still working it out whether it will be two more seasons or one more long season. It hasn’t been decided yet, and I’m following Craig’s lead on that.”
A whole year is a large window, but even still The Last of Us should be back within two-ish years. A second season of The Penguin seems much less certain, but it also sounds like HBO hasn’t ruled it out.