Why weren't the real names of the villains ever said

[TMC]

Unless I missed something, I think that the Mad Hatter (Jervis Tetch) was the only villain to have originated from the comics, to be addressed by his or her actual name. Otherwise, was Burgess Meredith's Penguin ever called or addressed as Oswald Cobblepot? I don't recall Penguin's real name ever being acknowledged even in episodes where he runs for mayor.

[king of comedy]

The Penguins' real name is Oswald Cobblepot. The Jokers' real name is Jack Napier and Catwoman's real name is Selina Kyle.

[TMC]

Originally Posted by king of comedy

The Penguins' real name is Oswald Cobblepot. The Jokers' real name is Jack Napier and Catwoman's real name is Selina Kyle.

The Joker's real name historically, isn't Jack Napier. That was only a creation for the 1989 Batman film with Jack Nicholson. Otherwise, the Joker character never had a solid and consistent backstory. Recently though, it has been said that the Joker's "real name" is Jack Oswald White.

[king of comedy]

The Riddlers' real name is Edward Nygma

[biffbronson]

Mr. Freeze originated in the comic books as Mr. Zero. Freeze's name was Dr. Otto Schivel on the TV series.

[king of comedy]

In the movie Joker, his name is Arthur Fletch. He is a struggling stand up comic.

[TMC]

Originally Posted by king of comedy

The Riddlers' real name is Edward Nygma

It makes me wonder if the two Riddlers in the series, Frank Gorshin and John Astin are both supposed to be Edward Nygma. Likewise, are the three Catwomen in this universe (Julie Newmar, Lee Meriwether from the 1966 feature film, and Eartha Kitt from Season 3) all supposed to be Selina Kyle?

[biffbronson]

Regarding Catwoman, there was only one intended to exist for the 1966 TV series and film - despite the different actresses assuming the role. Never does any character say anything to the effect of "There's a new Catwoman in town!"

Likewise only one Riddler. Edward Nygma is a play on E. Nygma = enigma. His origin and name were clearly delineated when he was introduced in 1948 (Detective Comics #140). The Riddler appeared in only 2 comic book stories before being revived in the 1960s.

The Joker's origin was first told in the Feb. 1951 issue of Detective Comics, #168, where he is a criminal named The Red Hood who transforms into The Joker following a chemical bath. But the Red Hood's identity is not stated. This origin was largely forgotten for many years; comic book experts who contributed to the Overstreet Price Guide in the late 1970s weren't even certain at that time if it had been the first telling of his origin (it was).

So not only did The Joker not have an origin story for his first decade of existence, when it was finally told, his birth name STILL was not given. A good example of the lack of importance in the comics placed on many super-villains' names at birth.

[D-Dey]

King Tut's real name was William Omaha McElroy, and I believe that name was mentioned in the show.

Regarding the Joaquin Phoenix version of The Joker, I had this theory that Arthur Fleck started the Joker as a movement and Jack Napier still shot Thomas and Martha Wayne, eventually becoming the arch nemesis of Batman when Bruce finally created him as an adult.

[TMC]

Originally Posted by biffbronson

Mr. Freeze originated in the comic books as Mr. Zero. Freeze's name was Dr. Otto Schivel on the TV series.

One change truly elevated Mr. Freeze from a d tier villain to one of the best Batman villains of all time. The change to make him into a tragic man that is deeply in love with his wife fits so well and gave Mr. Freeze so much depth relative to his incarnations beforehand. So shout out Bruce and Paul for elevating this character.

Veny's "One Decision Perfected Mr. Freeze" explores the evolution of a classic villain. This deep dive traces the character's journey from a diamond-thieving Mr. Zero to the iconic Mr. Freeze. Discover how different adaptations shaped this complex figure's motivations and powers.