Cristin Milioti: Between Light and Shadow

Cristin Milioti has always found something magnetic in the dark, complex world of Batman-a universe where even the villains feel human. Her connection to the franchise is personal, tracing back to the Tim Burton era and carried forward by Christopher Nolan's films, which she sees as redefining what a superhero can be. Landing the role of Sofia Falcone in HBO's The Penguin, a character whose journey is as unpredictable as the world around her, tel like a culmination of a lifelong dream, but it was also a challenge that pushed her in new directions. On set, Milioti describes the experience as transformative, particularly working alongside Colin Farrell, whom she calls "a dream" in his ability to ground their scenes with authenticity. Miliot remains grounded, offering a rare glimpse into the balance she strikes between the weight of her role and the joy of acting. Her preparation for Sofia was as much about uncovering the layers of her character as it was about navigating the personal demands of the job. For Milioti, the heart of acting lies not just in the craft, but in the shared experience of creation-the unspoken chemistry between collaborators, and the quiet satisfaction of breathing life into something that will leave an emotional mark. As The Penguin unfolds, her own quiet force in the role is sure to resonate, a testament to the power ot nuance and risk in a universe that demands nothing less.

J.L. Sirisuk: I've watched you in numerous projects, everything from Made for Love to Palm Springs, and you're so versatile. I was excited to see you in The Penguin and be exposed to this whole new dimension of your acting. Were you a fan of the Gotham world while growing up?

Cristin Milioti: Yes, a deep and avid fan.

I was Batman obsessive growing up and loved the original Tim Burton films. The Val Kilmer, Jim Carrey, Tommy Lee Jones Batman Forever came out when I was around nine, and I forced my parents to take me to see it in theaters an upwards of five times. I absolutely loved it. I was a huge fan of the Christopher Nolan ones - Batman is my favorite superhero.

I guess that's how you would categorize him, as a superhero, but I love that there's no superpowers in this universe. It's always felt very real while being heightened and campy, and l've loved it my whole life. I went as Catwoman for Halloween when I was in second grade. Batman's grounded in something a bit more real and it just shows how multi-dimensional and almost fantastical we can be without those "superpowers

JL: The show can be so violent and dark and complicated. How did you prepare to inhabit Sofia Falcone?

CM: Some of that stuff, I like to keep private just because it doesn't always translate and sometimes I really like not knowing people's processes. What I will share is that I had a lot of conversations with Lauren - I found out what was happening to her as we went along, which is pretty standard for television.

But some of it, especially in the later episodes, was a real surprise as I received them, a delightful surprise. I really dove in. I love this

character very fiercely, and it was a complete pleasure and honor to play her.

JL: What are some of the things you loved about this character?

CM: I love the fact that I love this world. I think the world is very different. I love playing a villain. It's so multi-layered and because of the structure of a limited series, you really get to learn so much about her that I don't know would have happened in a film. I was beside myself being able to play all the different facets of her, and to play her over the course of 10 years and in later episodes you learn her backstory. I relished every moment of it.

JL: How was it just going to set every day and being able also to work with like Colin Farrell?

CM: Colin is a true and complete dream. To know him is to love him. He's such a fabulous human being and an astonishing actor, and felt like such a great partner. When I first showed up to set, it was terrifying. It's a huge set, it's a huge crew. We were shooting on the streets of New York, there were paparazzi everywhere. It was also so nerve wracking to be a part of a franchise that I really love.

That's not just lip service - I legitimately have always wanted to be in Batman. As happy as I was, my nerves were through the roof and that was very intense. I moved through that and eventually got used to it. It was more intense in the beginning, but even later in the shoot, there were multiple moments where I would look around at what was happening or how something was being shot, realizing the universe I found myself in, and I would sort of black out and then come to.

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