The Penguin has dropped its seventh episode. As the storyline keeps getting interesting, fans finally get a glimpse of the character of Rex Calabrese, who was mentioned in Episode 1. Many are now eager to know about the character and its origin in the DC comics. So, who is Rex Calabrese in DC and who plays him in The Penguin?
Here is everything you need to know about the intriguing character and its origin in the comics.
Who plays Rex Calabrese in The Penguin Episode 7?
Louis Cancelmi plays Rex Calabrese in The Penguin Episode 7.
Cancelmi is a noted actor who’s known for his work in Killers of the Flower Moon, Blue Bloods, Chicago P.D., A Murder at the End of the World, and many others.
In the first episode of The Penguin, Oz talks about Rex Calabrese to Alberto Falcone before killing him. He was a gangster in Gotham City and Oz’s childhood hero. Rex was also a kind man who lent a helping hand to his neighbors, especially the people living in lesser developed areas.
Episode 7 finally sees the physical appearance of the gangster. In a flashback scene, Francis asks Oz’s brother Jack to give a book to Rex. Later, Jack, Benny, and a young Oz witnesses Rex and his men thrashing a man when Oz calls out his name. However, Rex starts interacting with Jack and Oz becomes jealous seeing his role model giving all the attention to his brother.
Who is The Penguin’s Rex Calabrese in DC Comics?
Rex Calabrese has a similar identity in DC Comics. In the comics, Rex is also shown as a mafia boss in the poorest area of Gotham. The people of the neighborhood respected him for his kindness. Despite not being as powerful as Carmine Falcone and Sal Maroni, Rex continued to serve humanity. Soon, Carmine Falcone ends up overshadowing him and Rex takes up a new identity of Leo Leone after getting arrested.
However, Rex’s cover is blown in Batman Eternal #20 when Penguin and Carmime are brought to the same prison. After failing to escape, he guides his daughter Selina, a petty thief aka Catwoman, to follow in his footsteps in the underworld. Later, Rex passes away due to a heart attack and receives an honorable farewell in his neighborhood.
