He’s having a bit of a moment, isn't he? Honestly, if you’d told someone ten years ago that Colin Farrell would be the most sought-after character actor in Hollywood while wearing five pounds of latex and a scarred-up face, they probably wouldn’t have believed you. But here we are in January 2026, and the Colin Farrell latest news is basically a masterclass in how to reinvent a career.
Right now, everyone is asking the same thing: What is Oz Cobb doing next? Well, we’ve got some answers, and they aren't all sunshine and rainbows. Farrell is leaning into the grit. He’s leaning into the "uncomfortable."
The Penguin Season 2: The News We Didn’t Want to Hear (Sorta)
Look, The Penguin was a massive hit. You know it, I know it, and the Emmy voters certainly knew it when they handed out those trophies last year. But if you’re waiting for an immediate Season 2 announcement, you might want to sit down.
Basically, the latest word from the HBO camp is that they submitted the show as a Limited Series for the most recent awards cycle. That's usually the "kiss of death" for a quick renewal. Farrell himself has been pretty candid—kinda blunt, actually—about the physical toll of that role. He told SiriusXM that by the end of the shoot, he was "over it." He loved the work, sure, but sitting in a makeup chair for hours just to feel like a "dark, heavy gargoyle" isn't exactly a spa day.
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However, don't lose hope just yet. Matt Reeves and showrunner Lauren LeFranc are still "talking." In the world of prestige TV, "Limited Series" doesn't always mean "The End." Remember Big Little Lies? Exactly. For now, though, the focus has shifted entirely to The Batman Part II.
Where does Oz go from here?
Farrell has confirmed he’s back for the sequel, which is slated for 2027. He hasn't read the full script yet—or at least he’s playing it very close to the vest—but he did mention that the movie picks up just a few weeks after the events of the HBO finale. We’re going to see a very different version of the Penguin: one who isn't just a mid-level mobster anymore, but a man who has "laid the pipe" for total control of Gotham's underworld.
The 2026 Slate: From Priests to Convicts
If you think Farrell is just sitting around waiting for the Bat-Signal, you haven't been paying attention. He’s currently attached to a project that sounds absolutely wild called Ordained.
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Produced by the Russo Brothers (the guys behind Avengers: Endgame), this one is an action-thriller where Farrell plays Father Roy Craig. He's a priest who performs last rites on a mob boss. The twist? The boss survives after confessing a bunch of dirty secrets. Now, every hitman in the city wants to silence the priest. It’s written by Derek Kolstad—the John Wick creator—so expect a lot of broken bones and very stylish gunplay.
Then there is Belly of the Beast.
This is the one the critics are already circling. It’s a true-crime thriller where Farrell stars alongside Ben Stiller. It’s based on the real-life, very messed-up friendship between author Norman Mailer and the convict Jack Henry Abbott. Farrell is playing Abbott, and if you know anything about that story, you know it’s a psychological minefield. It’s a reunion with director Andrew Haigh, who worked with Colin on The North Water.
The "Ballad" Aftermath and Why He’s Not Slowing Down
You’ve probably seen the buzz around Ballad of a Small Player on Netflix recently. It’s been a staple in the Top 10 since it dropped late last year. Playing "Lord Doyle," a high-stakes gambler hiding out in Macau, really showcased that "flop-sweat" energy Farrell does better than anyone else.
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In a recent interview with BAFTA, he admitted he "never goes to work feeling like he knows what he’s doing." That’s a wild thing for an Oscar-nominated veteran to say, right? But that’s the Farrell charm. He’s terrified of being boring.
Recent highlights of Colin’s career trajectory:
- The Penguin Success: Nine Emmy wins for the production, cementing him as the definitive version of the character for many fans.
- Genre Hopping: Moving from the surreal romance of A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (with Margot Robbie) to the gritty violence of Ordained.
- The "Irish Wave": He remains a central figure in the Irish cinema boom, often seen supporting smaller projects back home between his massive studio gigs.
What Most People Get Wrong About Him
There’s this weird misconception that Colin Farrell is just "the guy who does the funny accent" or "the handsome leading man." Honestly, he hasn't been that guy for years. He’s a character actor trapped in a movie star's body.
He’s also incredibly focused on his family and his foundation. The Colin Farrell Foundation, which supports adult children with intellectual disabilities, has become a huge part of his public life lately. It’s a personal mission for him, inspired by his son James, and it shows a side of him that the "latest news" tabloids often gloss over in favor of movie rumors.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you want to stay ahead of the curve on Colin’s projects, here is what you should actually do:
- Watch "The North Water" if you haven't: It’s on various streaming platforms now. It’s the best preview of the "dark" Farrell you’ll see in his upcoming 2026 films.
- Keep an eye on the Fall Festival Circuit: Belly of the Beast is rumored to be a heavy hitter for the next awards season, so look for a premiere announcement around August or September.
- Don’t expect a Penguin Season 2 trailer anytime soon: If it happens, it won't be filming until after The Batman Part II wraps, which puts it well into 2027 or 2028.
- Check out "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey": It's a great palate cleanser if the gritty crime stuff gets too heavy.
Farrell is in his "Prestige Era." He’s picking roles that challenge him, even if they require him to look unrecognizable or act unlikable. It’s a gutsy move, but honestly? It’s why we’re still talking about him twenty years after he first showed up on the scene.