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Magpie Introduced in Matt Reeves’ Gotham City

The Penguin has brought forth another villain from the Batman universe into Matt Reeves’ portrayal of Gotham City. With The Batman already showcasing renowned adversaries such as Catwoman, the Riddler, and The Penguin himself, while hinting at The Joker, the upcoming series has now introduced Magpie. While anticipation grows around the primary antagonist for The Batman – Part II, Magpie is an interesting addition that adds depth to the existing collection of Gotham’s criminals.

Though Magpie may not be among the most recognized of Batman’s enemies, the character, portrayed by Marié Botha in The Penguin, fits aptly into the series’ gritty narrative, continuing a trend observed in Batman adaptations that focus on the rogue’s gallery without directly featuring the hero himself.

Origins of Magpie in Comics

Magpie was first conceived by John Byrne, making her debut not in a Batman comic but within The Man of Steel #3 in November 1986. This introduction coincided with Byrne’s revitalization of the Superman series following the events of DC’s Crisis on Infinite Earths. Notably, Magpie became recognized as the initial villain to be defeated through the allies of Superman and Batman. Superman ventured into Gotham to confront what he believed to be a threat; however, he soon recognized Batman’s heroics in apprehending the jewel-thieving Magpie.

The moniker “Magpie” draws inspiration from the bird known for its attraction to shiny objects, symbolizing her penchant for theft. Her real name, Margaret Pye, coincides with her role as a thief focusing on jewels named after birds, notorious for ensuring that the replicas she leaves behind are rigged with traps. Though initially depicted as devoid of superpowers, she eventually obtained the ability to elongate her fingernails into talon-like weapons.

Magpie later found herself imprisoned in Arkham Asylum, where she became acquainted with an iconic adversary, Poison Ivy. Her storyline took a darker turn when she was ultimately killed by Great White Shark during a vendetta that didn’t directly involve her. In her last moments within the Post-Crisis narrative, she was resurrected as a Black Lantern during Blackest Night.

Magpie encountered a revival in the New 52 series but was not significantly spotlighted until the DC Rebirth reboot. Following a confrontation with Batman and Catwoman, she was briefly part of the Suicide Squad but met her demise in her inaugural mission. While her tragic fate did not suppress her potential, it positioned her as a suitable candidate for adaptations seeking to diversify their villain roster.

Magpie’s Journey in Adaptations

In Beware the Batman

Magpie made her significant mark in the animated series Beware the Batman, portrayed as a split-personality figure named Margaret Sorrow. In this iteration, she serves as a product of a failed experimental treatment for her kleptomania, equipped with poisonous claws and an unusual inability to feel pain. This portrayal positioned her as a potential replacement for Catwoman, even hinting at a romantic fixation on Batman.

In Gotham

In the series Gotham, which explores the origins of many villains before Bruce Wayne dons the cape, Magpie re-emerged under the performance of Sarah Schenkkan. Her character, visually inspired by the previous animated version, appeared in the episode “13 Stitches.” Magpie’s storyline remained faithful to her thieving roots, as she attempted to lift items from Oswald Cobblepot, ultimately leading to her demise at his hands.

In Batwoman

Another notable appearance of Magpie occurred in The CW’s Batwoman, where Rachel Matthews portrayed a character named Margot. In this narrative, she masquerades as a photographer to facilitate her heists. This depiction places her in a challenging family dynamic with her sister, Reagan Pye, further emphasizing the complexities of her character’s backstory rooted in poverty and obsession with material wealth.

In The Penguin

With Marié Botha taking on the role in The Penguin, Magpie’s inclusion signifies her third live-action portrayal and milestone as a character integral to Batman’s universe without directly involving Batman. Her character encapsulates the essence of a villain who can coexist within Gotham’s criminal faction without overshadowing the greater names like the Joker or Catwoman.

Why Magpie Fits for The Penguin

Magpie, while not a headline villain, perfectly complements The Penguin. Her character broadens the thematic elements of DC Comics in a manner that is both familiar and fresh, allowing the narrative to flourish in a space dominated by non-superpowered adversaries. This connects her to the show’s focus on crime without entering the realm of traditional supervillains.

As a grounded character, Magpie retains relevance in a world defined by complex criminal activities, allowing her to seamlessly integrate into the gritty atmosphere established by Reeves. Her portrayal juxtaposes sharper villains, reflecting the realistic stakes of Gotham’s criminal underbelly. While it is unlikely she will emerge in The Batman – Part II, her presence in The Penguin is a nod to the vast array of DC characters that await exploration, suggesting potential future appearances of other lesser-known yet intriguing villains.

Source
movieweb.com