When Robin Lord Taylor visited TheWrap to discuss hit Fox series “Gotham,” he also spoke fondly of co-stars Ben McKenzie and Jada Pinkett Smith.
But as much as he loves sharing scenes with the two stars, the actor who plays Oswald Cobblepot, a.k.a. Penguin, is even more excited about his interaction with another iconic Batman villain, Edward Nygma/Riddler, played by Cory Michael Smith.
“We’ll see the first meeting of Edward Nygma [a.k.a. Riddler] and Cobblepot [in an upcoming episode],” Taylor told TheWrap. “It’s the first time you see the classic villains come together in this really interesting and fascinating way.
“What Cory Michael Smith brings to the role and what I’m bringing to Cobblepot — they’re totally strange guys, but the strangeness is so different that their dynamic is just loaded,” he continued.
The DC Comics stories that inspired the series has Nygma and Cobblepot occasionally teaming up to take down their nemesis Batman, but on “Gotham” Cobblepot is a criminal and Nygma works for the police.
However, Taylor admitted his character is fine fraternizing with the enemy, especially considering Detective Gordon (McKenzie) is one of the only people he trusts.
“Working with Ben, that dynamic is so exciting to play,” Taylor said. “They’re tied together, their orbits are colliding and will never be separated.”
“Penguin trusts two people in Gotham City, one being his mother, the other being Jim Gordon,” he added. “[McKenzie] is so layered and textured and rich. He’s just an amazing guy to work with.”
Taylor also gets a kick out of his on-screen rival, Fish Mooney (Jada Pinket Smith). “Jada brings it times a billion,” he continued. “Any time we’re together I know that sparks are going to fly. She is so down and ready to play.”
Watch Taylor’s interview with TheWrap.
“Gotham” airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on Fox.
Also watch part 1 of TheWrap interview: ‘Gotham’s’ Robin Lord Taylor Teases Penguin’s ‘Big Move’ in War Against Fish Mooney
