Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for The Penguin episode 4

An obscure DC Comics villain makes an unexpected appearance in The Penguin, which adapts her in The Batman universe’s realistic setting. Only two installments in, Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe has already featured several well-known DC Comics villains. The Batman introduced the Riddler, the Penguin, Catwoman, the Joker, and Carmine Falcone. Meanwhile, The Penguin introduced Sofia Falcone, as well as Carmine Falcone’s rival Sal Maroni. Ahead of The Batman – Part II‘s 2026-2027 release, The Penguin continues to develop the franchise’s worldbuilding with a deeper dive into Gotham’s underworld.

Following Oz Cobb’s betrayal in The Penguin episode 3’s ending, the series explores Sofia Falcone’s backstory through flashbacks. According to The Penguin episode 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’s Man of Steel #3, where she leads Superman and Batman to meet for the first time (in that specific Post-Crisis continuity). Similar to the two titular heroes’ early DCEU encounters in Batman 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’s Blackest Night storyline.

How The Penguin Changes Magpie

The Penguin Gives Magpie Some Of Harley Quinn’s Traits

The Penguin episode 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’s New 52 continuity, 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 of The 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‘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 despite Sofia’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 film I Love Dead Cat and the 2019 short film Zoe. She played Mary Bowles in one episode of the 2021 series Dickinson, and appeared in 2021’s Highway One as Anna. Botha played Viva in the 2022 short film (Manic)quin, and it seems like her breakout role will be Magpie in The Penguin, despite the villain’s limited screentime.

Magpie’s best-known appearance outside the comics is in the animated series
Beware the Batman
, where “Magpie” is a split personality of Margaret Sorrow.

The Penguin isn’t the first DC project to adapt Magpie to live-action. Sarah Schenkkan played Magpie in the 2019 Gotham episode “13 Stitches”. Curiously, it’s none other than the Penguin who tracks down and kills Magpie in Gotham, as Magpie’s kleptomania led her to a vault owned by Oswald Cobblepot. Rachel Matthews played Magpie in the 2019 Batwoman episode “Who Are You”, where Batwoman thwarts Magpie’s attempt to steal Martha Wayne’s iconic pearl necklace and sends her to Blackgate Penitentiary.

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