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Who is Dr. Julian Rush in “The Penguin”? Theo Rossi character explained

The following story contains minor spoilers for The penguin Episode 2, “Inside Man.”


THE MATT REEVES Batman universe – starting in 2022 The Batman and now continuing with the HBO series in 2024 The penguin– certainly knows exactly what it is: a down-to-earth, dark, noirish and criminal version of the Batman world. Reeves himself, who co-wrote and directed The Batman and serves as executive producer the penguin, recently stated that his universe would push things “to the edge of the fantastic, but… never veer into the fantastic,” and went on to say that it was important to adapt the source material for comics and characters to make it “that way.” translate that Gotham feels like a place in our world.”

This is evident in the two projects released in the universe so far. Apparently, The BatmanThe main villain is a version of The Riddler (Paul Dano), who more closely resembles a Zodiac Killer-style madman than any previous version of the character; The Penguin (Colin Farrell) is much more like Tony Soprano than the creature played by Danny DeVito in Tim Burton's film Batman returns.

But then there are the smaller changes; Riddler is historically named Edward Nigma or Edward Nygma, but The Batman changes his name to Edward Nashton. The penguin's name went from Oswald Cobblepot to simply Oz Cobb. This means that not everything is exactly as it seems in this version of the Batman and Gotham City universe.

HBO

So in The penguinIn the second episode of “Inside Man,” where we see Sofia Falcone meeting a therapist named Dr. Julian Rush, we don't necessarily have to assume that Dr. Julian Rush just a new character called Dr .Julian Rush. Rush, played by actor Theo Rossi, is introduced in a brief but extremely effective scene that initially seems like a flashback before becoming a clear nightmare. Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioiti) is seen in her Arkham Asylum outfit as her brother Alberto (Michael Zegen) visits her on the other side of the protective glass. She is thrilled to see him, before realizing his pinky is missing – which was also the case when she discovered his body in the trunk of a car. Then he is murdered again and three flashing red lights cause her to wake up in a therapist's office. This therapist is Dr. Julian Rush.

Dr. Rush and Sofia clearly have some kind of advanced, intimate relationship that goes beyond that of a typical doctor and patient; He holds her tightly and intensely to calm her down after she freaks out from the treatment. What kind of treatment is this? We don't know for sure, but it seems like some sort of haunting way to revisit her trauma… and it's something she doesn't take particularly well.

Dr. Rush is someone who will certainly play a central role in Sofia's character, both in terms of understanding her and the direction she takes. But is he more than just another doctor? In Gotham City, the answer almost always seems to be “yes.” But we can also speculate a bit more – because it looks like he's just a reworked version of one of Bruce Wayne/Batman's most famous adversaries.

Dr. Julian Rush could be a revamped version of Batman villains Hugo Strange or The Scarecrow

Dr. Julian Rush

HBO

Given the way this The Batman And The penguin Although we've revamped certain characters (like The Riddler and The Penguin), it makes sense to be on high alert for certain characters from the comics to either go by a pseudonym or be renamed entirely.

Given the experimental treatment, we saw how Dr. Julian Rush administered to Sofia in Episode 2 of the penguin, It makes sense that many think he could be a revamped version of Hugo Strange, an iconic Batman villain from the comics. Hugo Strange is often portrayed as a psychiatrist who uses extreme and experimental methods without regard for patients or ethics; He was also portrayed as Arkham's in-house therapist.

Dr. Julian Rush

DC Comics

Hugo Strange has been portrayed in live action before, but only on television. He was played by BD Wong in 16 episodes of FOX Gotham.

However, another possibility is that Dr. Julian Rush a new, revised version of Dr. Jonathan Crane, also known as the Scarecrow, could be. As we have seen, how Dr. Rush uses his experimental red light treatment to force Sofia to face her fears of Arkham and what happened to her brother, the Scarecrow is best known for using chemicals and methods to turn his enemies against the to display what they fear most (most commonly this is achieved through the use of a toxin).

Scarecrow Batman

DC Comics

The Scarecrow is best known to film fans for his role in all three of Christopher Nolan's Batman films, in which he was played by reigning Best Actor Oscar winner Cillian Murphy.

It is also possible that Dr. Julian Rush just… Dr. Julian Rush could be. “My relationship is with Sofia Falcone,” Theo Rossi, who plays Rush, said in an interview with THR. “I'm Team Sofia all the time…her doctor, supporting her in being the worst person ever.”

A new character could always make an impact and pay tribute to others, while leaving the author more freedom to do what they really want – and whatever The penguinThe story needs it.

Dr. Julian Rush is played by Theo Rossi The penguin

Theo Rossi the penguin

diversity//Getty Images

If you thought that Dr. Julian Rush sounds familiar the penguin, You've probably seen actor Theo Rossi in some of his work over the last few decades – because he's been busy.

Rossi is probably best known for his roles on television, particularly in Sons of Anarchy where he played “Juice” Ortiz in 85 of the series’ 92 episodes. Notably, he also played “Shades” Alvarez in the Netflix series (now Disney+). Luke Cage, and was part of the main cast in the Netflix series alongside Kevin Hart and Wesley Snipes True story.

He was also active on the big screen, appearing in films such as Cloverfield (Directed by Matt Reeves), Zack Snyder army of the dead, And Emily the criminal for which he was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award.

Always a strong, committed and intense player, Rossi has shown great flexibility over the years. We can't wait to see what Dr. Julian Rush will be in his hands The penguin continues to play out.

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