In the gripping world of HBO's latest series 'The Penguin,' Cristin Milioti commands the screen as Sofia Falcone, a character that channels the essence of iconic femme fatales from cinematic history. With a stunning cocktail dress paired with a gas mask, she embodies a deadly mix of elegance and malice, reminiscent of Michelle Pfeiffer's legendary portrayal of Catwoman in 'Batman Returns.' In a jaw-dropping scene, Sofia gasses her mob family’s adversaries in their sleep, a chilling act of vengeance that marks a turning point in her ruthless quest for power.

Milioti, who was just seven when she watched ‘Batman Returns’, recalls the profound impact it had on her childhood imagination. “It terrified me, but I also wanted to put it directly into my veins,” she reflects, illustrating the lasting influence of this iconic film on her career.

The show's showrunner, Lauren LeFranc, shares that Milioti is indeed a bona fide Batman superfan. “I don't think she's just saying that,” LeFranc remarks, emphasizing the actress's genuine admiration for the franchise. Milioti’s childhood fantasy transformed into reality as she donned a Catwoman costume for Halloween, an experience she cherished deeply.

At 39, Milioti finds herself at an extraordinary juncture, portraying a character she has long aspired to embody. The complexity of Sofia’s character unfolds dramatically in the series, especially in the pivotal fourth episode, “Cent’anni.” Here, Milioti explores Sofia's harrowing descent into madness during her time at Arkham State Hospital, where she endures tormenting electroshock therapy and psychological manipulation. This episode captures her transition from a hopeful heir to a vengeful villain, providing viewers an authentic insight into her tortured psyche.

While speaking from her cozy Brooklyn apartment, Milioti exudes casual charm despite her formidable on-screen persona. Her four-legged companion, Rupert, adds a touch of normalcy to her life amidst the chaos of filming.

With each passing episode, Milioti relishes the chance to dig deep into Sofia's unpredictable nature, a reflection of her diverse career that has spanned various genres—from Broadway to high-profile films. “You fully get to see her go from who she used to be to a full-blown villain,” she emphasizes, showcasing the breadth of her character's development.

Critics and fans alike draw parallels between 'The Penguin' and HBO's classic 'The Sopranos', where Milioti made her mark early in her career. Booking the role of Catherine Sacrimoni at just 20 years old was a turning point for the actress, who had yet to experience the iconic series in its entirety until recently. Reflecting on that time, she recalls feeling overwhelmed yet hopeful as she navigated her path in Hollywood.

Milioti's illustrious career trajectory—from a Tony-nominated performance in 'Once' to dramatic roles in 'The Wolf of Wall Street' and 'How I Met Your Mother'—demonstrates her versatility and commitment to her craft. As she transitions into the morally complex world of Gotham, her portrayal of Sofia Falcone stands out as her most formidable role yet.

Fans eagerly anticipate how Sofia’s story will merge with the larger narrative of Reeves' upcoming 'The Batman Part II', where Milioti hopes her character may make a return. “Are you kidding? I would love to get to revisit her, for sure,” she enthuses, hinting at an exciting possibility for the future.

In a world brimming with half-baked superhero tales, Milioti’s electrifying performance ensures 'The Penguin' is not just another addition to the genre but a standout series with rich character development and unexpected twists. As she continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic portrayal, one thing is clear: Cristin Milioti is ready to reign supreme in Gotham’s dark underbelly. Don’t miss your chance to witness her chilling transformation in 'The Penguin'!