The showrunner of The Penguin, Lauren LeFranc, has confirmed that Theo Rossi’s character, Dr. Julian Rush, is not the Scarecrow. This clarification addresses a popular fan theory that arose after the HBO Max series aired.
Fans noticed some similarities between items in Rush’s office and things associated with the Scarecrow, like a glove and a mask similar to the Scarecrow’s sack mask. These details, along with Rush’s mysterious role and his ties to Arkham Asylum, led to speculation that he might have a secret identity.
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Initially, Rush appeared to be a shady therapist at Arkham who was part of Sofia Falcone’s revenge plan, but his role didn’t really influence the main story much. This lack of impact, combined with the limited involvement of established Batman villains in the series, fueled the theory that he might be hiding something bigger. Some viewers felt his character was underdeveloped, leaving them wondering if there was more to him.
However, LeFranc’s clear statement puts an end to the speculation, “Well, I can say he’s not the Scarecrow.” She explained that Rush is meant to be a standalone character and not connected to the Scarecrow. This decision keeps both characters distinct, allowing for the possibility of Scarecrow showing up in the future without confusion.
While some might question why Rush is important since he didn’t play a significant role, LeFranc’s clarification resolves the fan theory. The series, which was nominated for a Golden Globe in 2025, has sparked a lot of interest and conversation among fans, and the news about Dr. Julian Rush adds another topic to discuss.
Source: Screenrant
