Jimmy Olsen's DC Crime Series is Happening: Prepare for Gorilla Grodd!

Get ready to see Superman's pal, Jimmy Olsen, like never before as Skyler Gisondo hosts a new true-crime docuseries for HBO Max, diving deep into the DC Universe's most peculiar villains, starting with the iconic Gorilla Grodd.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on DC Crime

• Skyler Gisondo's fan-favorite Jimmy Olsen from the 2025 Superman movie will host DC Crime on HBO Max.
• The series is described as a true-crime docuseries, focusing on metahuman mysteries and supervillains.
• Season one will spotlight the super-intelligent, telepathic ape, Gorilla Grodd, from The Flash's rogues gallery.
• American Vandal creators Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault are writing, showrunning, and executive producing, promising a unique, satirical tone.

Remember that unexpected character from James Gunn's Superman movie who stole scenes without even flying? Yep, we're talking about Skyler Gisondo's portrayal of Jimmy Olsen, the Daily Planet photographer who proved himself much more than just Superman's pal. Now, the buzz around his charismatic, intrepid persona has paid off big time.

DC Studios and HBO Max are officially bringing us a brand-new live-action series, Dc Crime, with Gisondo returning to anchor a fictional true-crime docuseries set squarely within the DC Universe. This isn't your grandma's superhero show; think American Vandal meets metahuman mysteries, and you're getting warm.

Skyler Gisondo's Scene-Stealing Jimmy Olsen Steps Into the Spotlight

Gisondo's Jimmy Olsen quickly became a breakout character from James Gunn's Superman movie, making fans clamor for more of the Daily Planet's adventurous photographer. In DC Crime, Olsen will transition from behind the lens to front and center, acting as the narrator and lead investigator, delving into the peculiar cases of super-powered criminals. Source: [The Hollywood Reporter, "Superman" movie TV spinoff to star Skyler Gisondo, November 10, 2025].

This twist ensures that while the capes and tights might be busy saving the world, the human element of the DCU still gets its time to shine. It's a clever way to explore the wider world of metahumans from a ground-level, journalistic perspective.

The Masterminds Behind the Mockumentary Magic Are Leading the Charge

The creative team steering DC Crime is perhaps the most exciting part of this announcement. Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, the brilliant minds behind Netflix's award-winning true-crime satire American Vandal and Paramount+'s eSports mockumentary Players, are at the helm. Source: [Deadline, "Superman spinoff series, DC Crime, in the works at DC Studios and HBO Max", November 10, 2025].

They'll serve as writers, executive producers, and showrunners, ensuring their signature blend of sharp humor, intricate storytelling, and a surprisingly serious approach to absurd premises carries over. James Gunn and Peter Safran, DC Studios' co-chiefs, are also on board as executive producers, with Galen Vaisman overseeing production for DC, maintaining continuity with the broader DCU vision.

Yacenda's past credits also include directing episodes of Hulu's Chad Powers and FX's Dave, while Perrault recently starred in the Shondaland-Netflix series The Residence and wrote the R-rated talking dog movie Strays. Their collective experience guarantees a unique voice for this new series.

Unraveling the Mystery of Gorilla Grodd in the Inaugural Season

For its inaugural season, DC Crime is diving headfirst into the bizarre with none other than Gorilla Grodd as its central subject. Fans know Grodd as a super-intelligent, telepathic ape with a penchant for world domination and a long-standing rivalry with The Flash. He rules a secret African enclave called Gorilla City.

Created in 1959 by John Broome and Carmine Infantino, Grodd has been a staple villain in the comics, even making appearances in the Arrow-verse and an animated cameo in the upcoming Creature Commandos. Source: [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].

The series aims to explore Grodd not just as a villain, but as a "phenomenon," dissecting his origins, the public's reaction to his existence, and the profound social impact of such an extraordinary being on the world. This promises an in-depth, almost sociological, look at a classic comic book antagonist.

The Intended Tone: Seriously Absurd and Human-Focused Storytelling

Given Yacenda and Perrault's background, expect a tone that's both informed and playfully subversive. They are masters at treating inherently ridiculous scenarios with a straight face, extracting both genuine drama and observational comedy. This isn't about cheap laughs, but rather a sophisticated exploration of how the "absurd" becomes simply "real" within a world of superheroes and villains.

The focus on Daily Planet reporters, specifically Jimmy Olsen and other non-Lois Lane/Clark Kent journalists, allows for a street-level, human perspective on the larger-than-life events of the DCU. Imagine investigative journalism meeting psychic gorillas – it's a unique blend that promises fresh storytelling and a different lens through which to view the DC world.

Navigating the Broader DC Universe Narrative and Interconnections

DC Crime is more than just a standalone show; it's a crucial piece in James Gunn and Peter Safran's grand vision for an interconnected DC Universe. By featuring a classic villain like Gorilla Grodd, the series begins laying groundwork for future large-scale conflicts, potentially bringing the infamous Legion of Doom one step closer to reality. Grodd, after all, is one of the original 13 members of that formidable villainous group. Source: [Murphy's Multiverse, "DC Studios Latest Streaming Project Brings the Legion of Doom One Step Closer to the DCU", November 11, 2025].

This approach demonstrates Gunn and Safran's commitment to exploring the "weirder corners of comic book history," integrating characters that might initially seem too outlandish for a grounded cinematic universe. The impressive box office performance of the Superman movie, reportedly generating between $100 and $150 million in profit, likely provided the confidence for such ambitious expansions. Source: [Dark Horizons, "Superman" film made $100 million in profit, November 11, 2025].

A Look at the Potential Trade-offs and Challenges for the New Series

One could argue that a mockumentary style, while fresh, might struggle to maintain continuity with the more traditional narrative approach of other DCU projects. The inherent meta-commentary of a true-crime satire could potentially clash with the earnest heroic tales. However, Yacenda and Perrault's track record with American Vandal showed they can ground outrageous premises in emotional reality, making even a story about defaced cars resonate deeply with audiences.

Another potential limitation is the portrayal of Grodd. Previous live-action iterations, particularly in Legends of Tomorrow, leaned heavily into the campy, time-traveling, Obama-assassinating aspects. While entertaining, DC Crime will need to find a balance between its satirical roots and treating Grodd with the "seriousness" it promises. The strength lies in presenting his tragic and violent nature through an investigative lens, rather than purely as a comedic threat, which offers a refreshing tradeoff for fans seeking something new.

Example of the Proposed Show's Distinctive Tone

Imagine Jimmy Olsen, wearing a slightly rumpled suit, holding a microphone and a serious expression, interviewing a bewildered Metropolis sanitation worker. The worker recounts seeing strange banana peels outside a high-tech lab, or hearing faint, growling whispers in his mind during his shift. Jimmy then cuts to a grainy "CCTV" footage of a shadowy figure with distinctly simian features, subtly hinting at Grodd's presence, all while maintaining the deadpan seriousness of a true-crime reporter. It’s that blend of everyday normalcy colliding with utter comic book absurdity that could define the show and make it truly memorable.

Practical Takeaways for Eager DC Fans and New Viewers

• Embrace the Weird: Get ready for a fresh, unconventional take on the DC Universe, moving beyond traditional hero narratives into investigative journalism.
• Expect Smart Satire: With the American Vandal creators at the helm, prepare for sharp writing, observational humor, and surprisingly insightful depth in a familiar genre.
• Meet a New Jimmy: Skyler Gisondo’s breakout Jimmy Olsen is getting his own spotlight, promising more of his charismatic, intrepid reporting without Superman always by his side.
• Grodd Gets a Deep Dive: Gorilla Grodd will be explored as a complex phenomenon, offering a fresh, investigative perspective on a classic Flash antagonist's origins and impact.
• DCU is Expanding Broadly: This series signifies James Gunn and Peter Safran’s commitment to building a diverse, interconnected universe that embraces its more outlandish characters and concepts.

Frequently Asked Questions About DC Crime What is DC Crime about?

DC Crime is a fictional true-crime docuseries set in the DC Universe, hosted by Skyler Gisondo's Jimmy Olsen, investigating metahuman mysteries and supervillains.

Who is starring in DC Crime?

Skyler Gisondo will reprise his role as Jimmy Olsen from James Gunn's Superman movie. Other Daily Planet reporters (excluding Lois Lane and Clark Kent) are also expected to be part of the show.

Which villain will DC Crime season one focus on?

The first season will center on Gorilla Grodd, a super-intelligent, telepathic ape primarily known as a foe of The Flash.

Where and when can I watch DC Crime?

DC Crime is being developed for HBO Max. A specific premiere date has not yet been announced.

Sources

• Anthony D'Alessandro, "Superman spinoff series, DC Crime, in the works at DC Studios and HBO Max", Deadline, November 10, 2025.
• Borys Kit, "Dan Perrault and Tony Yacenda, who created the award-winning mockumentary American Vandal, are going into the DC Universe", The Hollywood Reporter, November 10, 2025.
• Joe Otterson, "Jimmy Olsen 'DC Crime' Series in the Works at HBO Max From 'American Vandal' Duo, First Season Focused on Gorilla Grodd", Variety, November 10, 2025.
• Jeremy Smith, "Superman's Jimmy Olsen TV Spin-Off Coming From The Creators Of A Beloved Netflix Series", SlashFilm, November 10, 2025.
• George Marston, "Jimmy Olsen Superman spin-off show will feature Gorilla Grodd and American Vandal creators", GamesRadar+, November 10, 2025.
• Charles Murphy, "DC Studios Latest Streaming Project Brings the Legion of Doom One Step Closer to the DCU", Murphy's Multiverse, November 11, 2025.
• India Today Entertainment Desk, "DC Crime: Jimmy Olsen leads Superman spin-off series as narrator and investigator", India Today, November 11, 2025.
• Garth Franklin, "Jimmy Olsen 'DC Crime' Series in the Works at HBO Max From 'American Vandal' Duo, First Season Focused on Gorilla Grodd", Dark Horizons, November 10, 2025.