The Batman universe just became creepier as fans of The Penguin series discovered something very much like a hidden clue in episode 4. This could point to one of the most horrific villains in Gotham: Scarecrow.
Online, this discovery caused much chatter, as viewers examined every detail to deduce if Dr. Julian Rush (a very crucial part of the show) was secretly connected to the villain.
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A Reddit user, u/BebehBokChoy, however, noticed strange items in Julian Rush's office. They saw a glove roughly like Scarecrow's infamous injection-filled gauntlet, and what looked like a brown, tattered mask like his comic book appearance.
"Something really interesting in Julian Rush's office"
Interestingly, those objects had not appeared previously in the earlier scenes of Rush's office, leaving fans to wonder why they suddenly appeared in the clip. Fans think this may have been a hint about Scarecrow being in Matt Reeves' Batverse.
As a fan admitted,
"Am I seeing that right? That looks straight up like Scarecrow's syringe glove. And maybe even a rag mask. Damn glad this wasn't spotted during the shows run or I would've been expecting a reveal”
Here's a closer analysis of what this interesting discovery might signify.
Julian Rush’s strange transformation on The Penguin
Julian Rush’s story in The Penguin has always been strange, but episode 4 brings something new. People see him as manipulative, and his character is often compared to Jonathan Crane aka Scarecrow's real name. Fans on Reddit have examined his scenes, pointing out how his plain but creepy behavior might hide a more sinister plan.
In episode 4, Sofia enters his office without any warning. She looks at his desk for a moment—at which fans notice strange objects. Since Sofia's visit had been unplanned, some people think Rush might have left those things, showing Sofia a secret he has been keeping.
Reddit user @EtherealDimension remarked,
“Am I seeing that right? That looks straight up like Scarecrow’s syringe glove.”
While Rush is not related directly to Scarecrow, concentrating on the fears and weaknesses of Sofia leads to a perfect fit in combination with the Master of Fear.
Scarecrow Easter egg or future setup on The Penguin?
Matt Reeves inclines to create possibilities for setting up future stories in The Batman universe. The appearance of villains like Joker and Riddler in an Arkham Asylum scene of The Batman sets the possibility that more villains are waiting to emerge. Is Scarecrow the next villain to appear?
IGN reports that HBO Max leaders have suggested they might grow the Batverse, but right now they are mostly looking at a possible second season of The Penguin.
However, Reeves has hinted at ideas for more spin-offs. If the glove and mask are meant to refer to Scarecrow, it could be starting to set up for a character to appear in The Batman – Part II, which is planned to come out in 2026.
X (formerly Twitter) fans of The Penguin haven't been left behind either. @Md_Mustafa said it as clear as day,
“Yeah, it is [Scarecrow].”
Some also say that the reveal may have to do with Arkham's increasing stories that involve Joker and Riddler already.
The symbolism of fear in The Penguin
Fear is a common idea in The Penguin, especially in Sofia’s story. If Rush is linked to Scarecrow, it would fit well with the themes. His tricky ways and strong interest in fear and control are similar to how Scarecrow operates.
A Redditor suggested an eerie past, that Rush changed his name to escape past wrongdoings and is back under an alias for some nefarious reason in Gotham. The things on his desk could be what little remains of his old identity. OJTen shared on Reddit:
“If you look at nurses who kill, they often just move to another hospital when things start heating up. He's such a creep, I'd love to see him as scarecrow. Who knows, maybe he had to change his name and move to Gotham due to some malpractice he's running from. He definitely has boundary issues between a shrink and their patient."
Whether this theory is true or not, the concept indeed seems to have got the fans interested in seeing Gotham in more of its villains. Fans have been curious if Julian Rush's office decorations mean Scarecrow is coming, or if it's a reference.
The Penguin Season 1 is steaming at HBO Max, so hopefully, more clarity on Matt Reeves' Batverse future will come soon.
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