Rhenzy Feliz didn’t grow up immersed in comic books or superhero lore. His main exposure to the genre came through Christopher Nolan’s Batman films, which he found “the coolest thing on the planet.” But now, after roles in Marvel's Runaways and Hulu’s Casual, Feliz has joined the DC Universe as a key character in The Penguin on HBO.

In the dark world of Gotham City, Feliz plays Victor Aguilar, a vulnerable 17-year-old with a stutter, mourning the family he lost in a flood caused by the Riddler. As he forms an unlikely bond with the Penguin, played by Colin Farrell, Victor transforms from a timid youth into a sharp-witted, dangerous figure—a journey that brings both excitement and tragedy.

Building Chemistry with Colin Farrell

Much of The Penguin focuses on the dynamic between Victor and the ambitious crime boss Oz Cobb (the Penguin). Feliz recalls that his real-life relationship with Farrell developed in parallel with their on-screen characters. “Victor and Oz meet on camera for the first time, and their relationship grows,” Feliz shares. “That really mirrored what me and Colin were going through—we met on set, and as we grew closer, so did Vic and Oz.”

Even off-camera, Farrell remained in character. “Colin wore prosthetics and used an accent for Oz, and I mostly got to know him as that version,” says Feliz. “I’d hardly seen him out of character, so when I finally saw him in the episodes, it hit me—I’d missed the guy I spent months with. It was surreal.”

Perfecting Victor’s Stutter with Help from a Fluency Consultant

One of Feliz’s biggest challenges in portraying Victor was capturing his stutter accurately and sensitively. Feliz worked with fluency consultant Marc Winski to bring authenticity to the role. “I was most concerned about doing the stutter in a thoughtful, honest way,” Feliz explains. “Marc helped me understand not just the technical aspects but also the psychological impact. It’s not about confidence or nerves; stutters can be inconsistent, and Marc taught me how to show that complexity.”

The character’s stutter evolves as Victor navigates different situations. “Victor’s speech changes depending on who he’s with and how comfortable he feels. When he’s with Sofia, he uses filler words like ‘um’ and ‘uh’ to mask his stutter. It was a subtle but powerful way to show his shifting confidence.”

A Dark Finale and a Tragic Ending

In the season finale, Victor has a pivotal moment where he mobilizes members of Gotham's underworld to take on rival crime families. But just as he begins to find his footing, the story takes a dark turn. Moments after calling Oz “family,” Victor meets his tragic end at the hands of the Penguin himself. Feliz describes the intense process of filming this scene, which was set on a cold winter night on New York’s Roosevelt Island.

“That day had a somber energy,” he recalls. “The scene felt dark and brutal. There was a hush on set as we captured this turning point for both characters. It’s a moment that shows just how ruthless Oz has become.”

For Feliz, Victor’s journey was always going to end tragically. He knew early on about Victor’s fate but embraced the opportunity to bring depth to the character. “I was afraid people wouldn’t connect with Victor because he’s not as ‘cool’ or ‘tough’ as the others,” says Feliz. “But the responses I’ve received show that people do care about him. He’s just a kid caught in this psychotic world, trying to survive.”

On Working with a Star-Studded Cast

Unlike his previous role in Runaways, where he worked alongside young actors, The Penguin cast placed Feliz among veteran performers, pushing him to elevate his game. “To be around actors on their A-game was inspiring. All you’re trying to do is keep up,” he says. “I don’t want to get to a place where I feel comfortable enough to coast. This show was a challenge, and I’m grateful for it.”

Reflecting on his character’s final moments, Feliz says, “The important part of Victor’s final scene is the vulnerability he allows himself to feel. He’s essentially saying ‘I love you’ to Oz, in their own way. It’s tender and raw… until it isn’t. That back-and-forth between me and Colin felt very organic.”

Feliz’s portrayal of Victor Aguilar brought an emotional core to The Penguin, adding a layer of humanity to the show’s dark and twisted world. His performance reminds us that even in a world of mob bosses and killers, there are characters who can make us feel deeply—even if, tragically, their stories end too soon.