Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for The Penguin episode 4
An obscureDC Comicsvillain makes an unexpected appearance inThe Penguin, which adapts her inThe Batmanuniverse’s realistic setting. Only two installments in, Matt Reeves’The Batmanuniverse has already featured several well-known DC Comics villains.The Batmanintroduced the Riddler, the Penguin, Catwoman, the Joker, and Carmine Falcone. Meanwhile,The Penguinintroduced Sofia Falcone, as well as Carmine Falcone’s rival Sal Maroni. Ahead ofThe Batman - Part II’s 2026-2027 release,The Penguincontinues to develop the franchise’s worldbuilding with a deeper dive into Gotham’s underworld.
Following Oz Cobb’s betrayal inThe Penguinepisode 3’s ending, the series explores Sofia Falcone’s backstory through flashbacks. According toThe Penguinepisode 4’s revelations, Carmine Falcone is the real Hangman, and he blamed his daughter Sofia for the murders he committed. Sofia Falcone was wrongfully sent to Arkham, where she found herself forced to use violence to defend herself. Since Arkham is usually filled with famous DC villains,Sofia Falcone crossed paths with a character who has fought Batman and the Bat-Family in the comics: Magpie.
Magpie’s DC Comics History Explained
Magpie Has Fought Big Names Throughout Her DC Comics History
Margaret Pye a.k.a. Magpie made her DC Comics debut in 1986’sMan of Steel #3, where she leads Superman and Batman to meet for the first time (in that specificPost-Crisiscontinuity). Similar to the two titular heroes' early DCEU encounters inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Batman warns Superman that interfering in the Dark Knight’s crime-fighting efforts could end badly, but the World’s Finest join forces to stop Magpie. In recent years, Magpie joins the Secret Society of Super Villains, breaks out of Arkham, and is sent to Belle Reeve, after which she joins the Suicide Squad.
Magpie has fought Batman, Superman, the Flash, Batgirl, Catwoman, and the Spectre throughout the years.
According to her first origin story, Magpie grew obsessed with stealing expensive objects, and she became an expert thief and forger. Magpie formed her own criminal crew and expanded her reach, but she was unlucky enough to catch Batman’s eye as Superman was following him. Magpie made a name for herself with crueler allies and bigger foes. Magpie died shortly after joining the Suicide Squad, however, and she was briefly resurrected with a Black Lantern ring during DC’sBlackest Nightstoryline.
How The Penguin Changes Magpie
The Penguin Gives Magpie Some Of Harley Quinn’s Traits
The Penguinepisode 4’s flashbacks to Sofia Falcone’s backstory reveal that the first person Sofia met at Arkham was Magpie. At this point, Magpie has seemingly spent a long time at Arkham, which coincides with her first appearance in DC’sNew 52continuity, where she debuts in Arkham after being captured by Batman. It’s unknown whether Robert Pattinson’s Batman sent Magpie to Arkham some time before the events ofThe Penguin, but it’s likely.The Penguin’s Magpie is much more outgoing, yet much more naive and less violent than her comic book counterpart.
The Penguin Episode 4: 11 Easter Eggs & DC References
The Penguin episode 4 features a collection of exciting Easter eggs and references as Sofia Falcone’s past at Arkham is fully revealed.
The Penguin’s version of Magpie exhibits similar traits to most iterations of Harley Quinn. Unlike the comic book counterpart,The Penguin’s Magpie seems to feel very detached from reality, as she disregards dangerous situations and befriends Sofia despiteSofia’s deadly Hangman infamy. Magpie’s naivety leads to her death, as Sofia snaps and beats her to death. While Magpie died a sudden death at the hands of fellow Suicide Squad villain Thylacine in the comics, DC’s original Magpie likely would have defended herself from Sofia in the source material.
Who Plays Magpie In The Penguin
Marié Botha Plays Magpie In The Penguin Episode 4’s Flashbacks
The Penguin’s version of Margaret Pye a.k.a. Magpie is brought to life by Marié Botha. Botha has starred in the 2018 short filmI Love Dead Catand the 2019 short filmZoe. She played Mary Bowles in one episode of the 2021 seriesDickinson, and appeared in 2021’sHighway Oneas Anna. Botha played Viva in the 2022 short film(Manic)quin, and it seems like her breakout role will be Magpie inThe Penguin, despite the villain’s limited screentime.
Magpie’s best-known appearance outside the comics is in the animated seriesBeware the Batman, where “Magpie” is a split personality of Margaret Sorrow.
The Penguinisn’t the first DC project to adapt Magpie to live-action. Sarah Schenkkan played Magpie in the 2019Gothamepisode “13 Stitches”. Curiously, it’s none other than the Penguin who tracks down and kills Magpie inGotham, as Magpie’s kleptomania led her to a vault owned by Oswald Cobblepot. Rachel Matthews played Magpie in the 2019Batwomanepisode “Who Are You”, where Batwoman thwarts Magpie’s attempt to steal Martha Wayne’s iconic pearl necklace and sends her to Blackgate Penitentiary.
