"DC Crime" Brings Jimmy Olsen to the Forefront in a Wacky, Investigative Series

Get ready for a fresh take on the DC Universe, as Skyler Gisondo's fan-favorite Jimmy Olsen leads a new HBO Max series that's part mockumentary, part supervillain investigation. It’s a dive into the weirder, wonderful side of DC, straight from the creative minds behind American Vandal.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on DC Crime

• Skyler Gisondo reprises his Superman role as Jimmy Olsen, leading a new HBO Max series called DC Crime.
• The show will be a mockumentary-style "true crime" series, focusing on Olsen and the Daily Planet team investigating supervillains.
• The first season features the super-intelligent ape Gorilla Grodd, with American Vandal creators Dan Perrault and Tony Yacenda at the helm.

A New Kind of Super-Investigation: Jimmy Olsen Steps Into the Spotlight

Imagine scrolling through your favorite true-crime documentary series, only to find the subject isn't a shadowy figure from history, but a super-intelligent gorilla with psychic powers. That's the wonderfully bizarre premise behind Dc Crime, the newly confirmed HBO Max series that sees Skyler Gisondo's charming Jimmy Olsen take center stage, hot off his breakout performance in James Gunn's Superman movie.

This isn't your average superhero show. Instead of capes and cosmic battles, we're getting a fictional true-crime docuseries, hosted by Jimmy Olsen himself. He and the rest of the Daily Planet reporting squad will be digging into cases involving super-powered villains, bringing a unique, grounded (well, relatively speaking) perspective to the larger-than-life happenings of the DC Universe. This approach promises to be a refreshing change of pace, offering viewers a peek into the more eccentric corners of the DC world.

The Creative Minds Crafting This True-Crime Mockumentary Magic

The choice of creative talent for DC Crime immediately tips off the series' intended tone. Dan Perrault and Tony Yacenda, the masterminds behind the Peabody Award-winning mockumentary American Vandal and the eSports satire Players, are writing, executive producing, and showrunning the series. Their previous work, which brilliantly parodied the true-crime genre by investigating mundane mysteries with cinematic seriousness, suggests DC Crime will lean heavily into humor and a slightly off-kilter sensibility. Source: The Hollywood Reporter, "Superman's Jimmy Olsen Getting TV Spin-Off Starring Skyler Gisondo," November 10, 2025.

Their track record shows a knack for making the absurd feel surprisingly compelling. For example, in American Vandal, they turned the investigation of who drew phallic images on cars into an Emmy-nominated, thought-provoking comedic journey. Applied to the DC Universe, this style could mean a deep dive into the "lore" of a villain's crimes, complete with dramatic re-enactments and talking-head interviews, all from the perspective of intrepid, un-powered reporters. It's an ingenious way to explore villains without relying on the typical hero-vs-villain dynamic.

Assembling the Daily Planet's Investigative Dream Team (and Who's Sitting This One Out)

Skyler Gisondo, who became a true breakout from James Gunn’s Superman movie, will, of course, lead the charge as Jimmy Olsen. He's not alone in this venture, however. The series will see a number of familiar faces from the Superman film reprising their roles, rounding out the Daily Planet's dedicated staff. Wendell Pierce is set to return as the gruff but beloved editor-in-chief Perry White, while Beck Bennett will be back as the always-confident Steve Lombard. Mikaela Hoover will return as the fashion-forward Cat Grant, and Christopher McDonald is slated to reprise his role as Ron Troupe. Source: ComicBookMovie.com, "DC Crime: Which Superman Actors Will Join Skyler Gisondo in TV Show Revealed," November 12, 2025.

Noticeably absent from the core investigative team will be David Corenswet's Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane. This makes a lot of sense, as both actors are undoubtedly busy filming the upcoming Man of Tomorrow. Their absence puts the focus squarely on the less super-powered but equally determined members of the Daily Planet. It's a testament to the idea that you don't need heat vision or super-speed to uncover the truth – sometimes, just a keen journalistic eye and a lot of courage will do.

Gorilla Grodd's Grand, Psychic Debut as the First Season's Central Villain

For its inaugural season, DC Crime is swinging right into the deep end with one of DC's most wonderfully weird and intelligent villains: Gorilla Grodd. This super-intelligent ape, equipped with psychic powers, isn't just a physical threat; he's a strategic genius who aims to conquer first Gorilla City, then the entire world. Source: Deadline, "Jimmy Olsen 'DC Crime' Series in the Works at HBO Max From 'American Vandal' Duo, First Season Focused on Gorilla Grodd," November 10, 2025.

Grodd first appeared in The Flash #106 back in 1959, created by writer John Broome and artist Carmine Infantino. His long history of bizarre schemes and his status as a key antagonist for The Flash make him a perfect fit for a show that embraces eccentricity. Jimmy Olsen's comic history is also full of strange encounters, from gaining temporary superpowers to becoming a 50-foot-tall man-turtle. This synergy suggests the showrunners are leaning into the cult-favorite, slightly wacky side of DC comics, where a psychic gorilla feels right at home.

“Imagine this is where we get our first look at the other heroes in the DCU (ie: A red streak with lightning for The Flash etc.),”

– A DC enthusiast on X (formerly Twitter)

The Wider DCU Connections and the "Legion of Doom" Theory

This series isn't just a standalone adventure; it’s a vital piece of James Gunn and Peter Safran's grand, interconnected DC Universe. Grodd’s inclusion has sparked a lot of conversation among fans, particularly concerning the potential debut of The Flash. While Grodd is primarily a Flash villain, his appearance here without the Scarlet Speedster confirmed has led to speculation about whether the series could hint at or even feature a cameo from the Flash, perhaps as a fleeting red streak or in a flashback.

However, this speculation comes with a few counterpoints. Some fans have voiced skepticism, with one X user noting, "It would be the stupidest idea ever to introduce the DCU Flash in a Jimmy Olsen show lmao." Another jokingly pointed out the franchise's struggle with the character, quipping, "DCEU gave us Flash with no Flash villains and the DCU is poised to give us Flash villains with no Flash." While exciting, the Flash's direct involvement remains unconfirmed, and it might be a limitation to the show's focus on non-superpowered investigations.

Beyond the Flash, Grodd’s appearance carries even bigger implications for the overarching DCU narrative. He's one of the original 13 members of the iconic Legion of Doom, a supervillain team first introduced in Challenge of the Superfriends in 1978. With Lex Luthor already present in the Superman film and Sinestro set to appear in Lanterns, Grodd's arrival means three key Legion of Doom members are now in play. This suggests Gunn and Safran might be subtly building towards a major Justice League vs. Legion of Doom confrontation down the line.

Future seasons of DC Crime could easily introduce other Legion of Doom members like Toyman, Scarecrow, Riddler, or Captain Cold as subjects for Jimmy's investigations. This slow-burn approach allows the DCU to flesh out its villain roster and lay groundwork for massive crossovers without needing every character to be introduced in a blockbuster film. It's a clever way to expand the universe and cater to fans of deep-cut comic lore.

A Day in the Life: Example of a "DC Crime" Investigation

So, what might an episode of DC Crime actually look like? Imagine this: A seemingly impossible heist has occurred at a top-secret scientific facility in Metropolis. A rare, experimental energy source has vanished without a trace, and the security footage shows nothing but static. The police are baffled, and the initial reports blame a meta-human with teleportation abilities.

Jimmy Olsen, however, notices a subtle anomaly in the few frames of clear footage: a faint, almost imperceptible shimmer in the air just before the power cut. He tasks Ron Troupe with digging into known "phasing" or "invisibility" technology, while Cat Grant uses her contacts to investigate any recent disappearances of rare metals that might be used to stabilize such tech. Perry White, ever the realist, pushes them to consider non-supernatural angles, while Steve Lombard is convinced it's a new alien menace. Through meticulous research, interviews with facility staff, and a bit of Olsen's trademark luck, they might uncover that the "teleporter" was actually a highly advanced, stealth drone, controlled by a lesser-known but brilliant inventor, perhaps Toyman, testing a new prototype, all documented in a deadpan, "true-crime" style. This scenario demonstrates how the Daily Planet team, lacking superpowers, would rely on investigative journalism to solve cases that initially appear to defy logic.

Filming, Release, and What It Means for the DC Universe

While an official premiere date for DC Crime is still under wraps, production is scheduled to begin this coming spring in Atlanta. This timing is significant because it coincides with the filming of Man of Tomorrow, the direct sequel to Superman. This proximity could open the door for subtle cross-pollination or even unexpected cameos, further weaving the fabric of the interconnected DCU. Source: ComicBookMovie.com, "DC Crime: Which Superman Actors Will Join Skyler Gisondo in TV Show Revealed," November 12, 2025.

The series, overseen by DC Studios co-chiefs James Gunn and Peter Safran, along with Galen Vaisman for DC, represents a bold and unconventional move for the burgeoning universe. It demonstrates a willingness to explore diverse tones and formats, using characters beyond the main heroes to build out the world and introduce new villains. It's a gamble, but one that could pay off by offering something truly fresh in the superhero genre.

Practical Takeaways for DC Fans: What "DC Crime" Offers

• A Fresh Perspective: Expect a unique mockumentary take on supervillainy, blending true-crime parody with DC lore.
• Spotlight on the Unsung Heroes: The Daily Planet staff, led by Jimmy Olsen, will prove that journalistic integrity can be just as powerful as superpowers.
• Deep Dive into DC Oddities: Get ready for classic, eccentric villains like Gorilla Grodd, who might otherwise get overlooked.
• Subtle World-Building: The show will quietly introduce more DC villains, potentially laying the groundwork for a future "Legion of Doom."
• Humor and Heart: With the American Vandal creators at the helm, anticipate a show that's both genuinely funny and surprisingly engaging.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About DC Crime Answered Q: What is DC Crime about? A: It's a fictional true-crime docuseries hosted by Jimmy Olsen, where he and other Daily Planet reporters investigate cases involving super-powered villains. The first season focuses on Gorilla Grodd. Q: Who is starring in DC Crime? A: Skyler Gisondo reprises his role as Jimmy Olsen, alongside Wendell Pierce (Perry White), Beck Bennett (Steve Lombard), Mikaela Hoover (Cat Grant), and Christopher McDonald (Ron Troupe). Q: Will Superman or Lois Lane appear in the series? A: David Corenswet's Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane are not currently expected to feature in major roles, allowing the Daily Planet staff to shine. Q: When will DC Crime be released? A: An official premiere date has not yet been announced, but filming is set to begin in spring.

Sources

• The Hollywood Reporter, "Superman's Jimmy Olsen Getting TV Spin-Off Starring Skyler Gisondo," November 10, 2025.
• Deadline, "Jimmy Olsen 'DC Crime' Series in the Works at HBO Max From 'American Vandal' Duo, First Season Focused on Gorilla Grodd," November 10, 2025.
• Variety, "Jimmy Olsen ‘DC Crime’ Series in the Works at HBO Max From ‘American Vandal’ Duo, First Season Focused on Gorilla Grodd," November 10, 2025.
• ComicBookMovie.com, "DC Crime: Which Superman Actors Will Join Skyler Gisondo in TV Show Revealed," November 12, 2025.
• Murphy's Multiverse, "DC Studios Latest Streaming Project Brings the Legion of Doom One Step Closer to the DCU," November 11, 2025.