Long before Jonah Hill was first reported to be WB's first choice for the role of Oswald Copplepot/Penguin in
The Batman, Josh Gad was campaigning pretty hard for the role on social media. Ultimately, things didn't work out with Hill and the Colin Farrell was selected by the studio and Matt Reeves. So did Gad's efforts ever bear fruit and at least get his name on the shortlist?
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter to promote his role as Olaf in
Frozen 2, Gad did reveal that he actually spoke with Reeves about the role. "
Matt and I had a brief exchange about it, and the truth is that there was never really any serious attempt to play the role of The Penguin in The Batman. It actually started off with me posting a picture one day and just having fun trolling the Internet," said Gad.
If you've been following the saga of WB's quest to relaunch the
Batman franchise, you're likely aware of the absurd amount of fan art and fan casting that sprung up as a result of Gad "
just having fun trolling the internet." Gad went on to add, "
At a certain point, it just became really fun because of the speculation. There were talks along the way with DC about it. There were talks along the way with Matt about it. But, the truth is, I never went in to go discuss it. I never went on tape for it."
"Frankly, I think they made a really cool choice. I cannot wait to see Matt’s Batman movie, and we happen to be really good friends because we’re fathers at the same school. So, for the most part, it’s been just a great laugh between the two of us."
The Batman is scheduled to be released in North America on June 25, 2021. Confirmed cast includes Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Jeffrey Wright as James Gordon, Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Paul Dano as Edward Nashton / The Riddler, Colin Farrell as Oswald Copplepot/Penguin, and Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth.