Jimmy Olsen's DC Crime Series to Unravel the Enigmatic Gorilla Grodd Mystery

Get ready for a whole new kind of superhero show! Skyler Gisondo's standout Jimmy Olsen is leading a true-crime mockumentary on HBO Max, diving deep into the DCU's wild side, starting with the iconic Gorilla Grodd.

TL;DR: Quick Bites on the Daily Planet's New Investigation

• Skyler Gisondo's fan-favorite Jimmy Olsen from the recent Superman movie is getting his own HBO Max spin-off, titled DC Crime.
• The series is envisioned as a fictional true-crime docuseries, helmed by the acclaimed creators of the mockumentary hit American Vandal.
• The first season will focus its journalistic lens on a classic DC supervillain: the super-intelligent, telepathic ape, Gorilla Grodd.

Remember how Jimmy Olsen in James Gunn's Superman film (released July 11, 2025, in India) wasn't just Clark Kent's loyal pal, but rather a "sex machine" who unexpectedly played a pivotal role in saving the world? Well, that reinvention clearly struck a chord with audiences and, crucially, with DC Studios. Skyler Gisondo's breakout performance as the Daily Planet photographer has now landed him his very own spin-off series, offering a fresh, unconventional look into the burgeoning DC Universe.

A Deep Dive into the DC Universe's Metahuman Mysteries Through a New Lens

This forthcoming HBO Max project, reportedly titled Dc Crime, is poised to be unlike anything we've seen from the superhero genre before. It's described as a fictional true-crime docuseries set within the DC Universe, with Jimmy Olsen stepping into the role of narrator, investigator, and guide. Instead of capes and cosmic battles, the series will tackle "metahuman mysteries, super-powered crimes, and the resulting social impact of existing in an extraordinary world," as reported by India Today on November 11, 2025. This means a focus not on typical murder cases, but on the bizarre, inexplicable incidents that only occur when supervillains are involved.

The concept centers on Olsen and other non-Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) or Clark Kent (David Corenswet) reporters from the Daily Planet as they dig into cases involving super-powered villains. This approach cleverly keeps the focus on the journalistic side of Metropolis, offering a ground-level perspective often overlooked in large-scale superhero narratives. It's an intriguing way to explore the broader DCU without relying on its most famous figures.

The Acclaimed Creative Minds Shaping This Unique DC Narrative

Guiding this ambitious project are Dan Perrault and Tony Yacenda, the creative duo behind the critically acclaimed Netflix series American Vandal and the e-sports mockumentary Players for Paramount+. Their involvement is a significant indicator of the show's intended tone and quality. American Vandal, which earned a Peabody Award and an Emmy nomination for its first season, masterfully parodied true-crime documentaries by applying serious investigative techniques to absurd scenarios, such as who vandalized a school parking lot with phallic images.

This background suggests DC Crime will be a sophisticated endeavor, blending satire with genuine emotion and a sharp documentary structure. It won't be a broad comedy but will instead treat the inherently absurd elements of a universe populated by talking gorillas with psychic powers with a surprising degree of seriousness. As India Today noted, this reflects a reality where "the absurd is simply real." James Gunn and Peter Safran, the co-chiefs of DC Studios, are on board as executive producers, ensuring the series remains consistent with the broader DC narrative they are building.

Season One's Grand Antagonist: The Genius Gorilla Grodd

For its debut season, DC Crime will shine its investigative spotlight on none other than Gorilla Grodd. For those unfamiliar with the character, Grodd is a super-intelligent, telepathic ape who rules a secret city named Gorilla City. He gained his formidable powers—including superhuman strength, reflexes, speed, stamina, durability, telepathy, and telekinesis—after contact with an alien spaceship. Created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino, Grodd first appeared in The Flash comics in 1959, primarily as an antagonist for the Scarlet Speedster. However, he has also been a member of larger villainous organizations like the Legion of Doom and the Secret Society of Super Villains.

This choice of villain feels tailor-made for James Gunn's brand of comic book "weirdness," as highlighted by Rafael Motamayor in Movieweb on November 11, 2025. Grodd is simultaneously threatening and, let's be honest, pretty goofy as hell. His unique nature has often led to him being portrayed in animation, though he has had notable live-action appearances.

Gorilla Grodd's Prior Cinematic and Television Appearances

Before his anticipated live-action debut in DC Crime, Gorilla Grodd has left his mark across various DC media. He was a prominent recurring villain in The CW's Arrowverse, appearing in The Flash and, most memorably, in DC's Legends of Tomorrow. In the latter, Grodd was involved in a time-displaced plot to "make America Grodd again" by assassinating a young Barack Obama in 1979—a testament to the show's embrace of the utterly bizarre and hilarious.

More recently, within James Gunn's new DC Universe, Grodd already made a subtle animated cameo as a background character in season one, episode four of Creature Commandos. While DC Crime will serve as his first live-action appearance in this new continuity, it builds on his presence, slowly integrating him into the fabric of the DCU. The series aims to treat Grodd as more than just a foe; it will "examine him as a phenomenon – exploring his backstory, how the public reacts to his existence, and the truths his presence forces humanity to confront its own boundaries and anxieties," according to India Today.

Addressing Expectations and Previous Portrayals of Grodd

Bringing Gorilla Grodd to the small screen again, especially after the memorable and highly praised portrayal in Legends of Tomorrow, sets a high bar for DC Crime. Rafael Motamayor of MovieWeb posed the question on November 11, 2025: "It's doubtful that a Jimmy Olsen TV show could actually have a Gorilla Grodd portrayal half as good as 'Legends of Tomorrow,' but who knows? Maybe Dan Perrault and Tony Yacenda will give us something different, something we have never seen on the screen before." This highlights a significant challenge but also an exciting opportunity for the new series to redefine the character within a mockumentary framework, potentially exploring his psychology and societal impact in ways a straightforward superhero show couldn't.

Rafael Motamayor, MovieWeb: "It's doubtful that a Jimmy Olsen TV show could actually have a Gorilla Grodd portrayal half as good as 'Legends of Tomorrow,' but who knows? Maybe Dan Perrault and Tony Yacenda will give us something different, something we have never seen on the screen before: Jimmy's wife. In an issue of 'Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen' from 1966, Jimmy marries a gorilla inside Gorilla City, with Superman himself officiating the ceremony. Given Gisondo's portrayal of Olsen in 'Superman,' this storyline wouldn't be that far-fetched."

The Broader Implications for the Expanding DC Universe and Its Villains

The introduction of Gorilla Grodd through DC Crime is not just about a single villain; it's a strategic move within James Gunn and Peter Safran's grand plan for an interconnected DC Universe. Grodd is a key member of the original Legion of Doom, first introduced in ABC's Challenge of the Superfriends in 1978. With Lex Luthor also confirmed and Sinestro set to appear in Lanterns (played by Ulrich Thomsen), Grodd's inclusion brings the formation of this iconic supervillain team one step closer.

Future seasons of DC Crime could serve as an excellent vehicle to introduce other Legion of Doom members, such as Toyman, Scarecrow, Riddler, or Captain Cold, giving them screen time and development before a potential larger crossover event. This demonstrates Gunn's commitment to exploring the "weirder corners of comic book history" and building a rich tapestry of characters, not just heroes.

A Practical Example of How "DC Crime" Could Play Out

Imagine a scenario: A series of unexplained disappearances plague the outskirts of Gorilla City, a place previously dismissed by official reports as myth. Locals whisper of an unseen force, of minds being hijacked, but the Metropolis police dismiss it as mass hysteria. Suddenly, Jimmy Olsen, with his trusty camera and an insatiable curiosity, arrives. We hear his earnest voiceover: "For decades, the official narrative has been 'nothing to see here.' But what if the truth is far stranger, far more intelligent, and far hairier than anyone in Metropolis is willing to admit?" This mockumentary style allows for a blend of genuine investigative journalism with the fantastical, giving weight to the absurdities of the DCU through Olsen's grounded perspective.

Navigating the Unofficial Announcement and Its Underpinnings

While major industry outlets like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter have widely reported on DC Crime, an official announcement from James Gunn himself has yet to materialize. TechRadar pointed out on November 11, 2025, that Gunn usually takes to social media to confirm or deny such reports but has remained silent on this specific project. However, Gunn has previously hinted at a favorite "TV project in particular" that he was excited about and hoped would get made soon, telling Entertainment Weekly in June and GQ in September that he was eager for a greenlight. This aligns perfectly with the development of a unique series like DC Crime and strengthens the credibility of the trade reports, suggesting the series is very much a part of his vision, even if the formal rollout is pending.

Key Takeaways for the Future of the DC Universe on HBO Max

This exciting spin-off signifies several key developments for DC Studios:

• Expanding Beyond the Big Three: DC Crime confirms James Gunn's willingness to invest in and explore the rich tapestry of supporting characters, giving them their own distinct narratives outside the shadow of Superman or Batman, much like Peacemaker did for John Cena's character.
• Embracing Unique Tones and Genres: The choice of a true-crime mockumentary demonstrates a commitment to genre diversity within the DCU, offering a fresh, often humorous, yet sophisticated storytelling approach that stands apart from traditional superhero fare.
• Laying Groundwork for Major Villain Teams: Featuring Gorilla Grodd is a calculated move to flesh out the DCU's villain roster, specifically advancing the potential formation of the iconic Legion of Doom and setting the stage for future large-scale conflicts.
• Spotlighting Unsung Heroes: Jimmy Olsen's elevation to lead protagonist highlights the importance of non-powered characters and the role of investigative journalism in a world full of metahumans, providing a grounded, human perspective on incredible events.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Jimmy Olsen's DC Crime Series

What is DC Crime about? DC Crime is a fictional true-crime mockumentary series set in the DC Universe, hosted by Jimmy Olsen. It will explore "metahuman mysteries" and super-powered crimes from the perspective of Daily Planet reporters. Who is playing Jimmy Olsen in DC Crime? Skyler Gisondo will reprise his role as Jimmy Olsen, having first portrayed the character in James Gunn's 2025 Superman film. Will Superman or Lois Lane appear in DC Crime? Reports indicate that David Corenswet's Clark Kent/Superman and Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane are not expected to be involved in the series, keeping the focus on Jimmy Olsen and other Daily Planet staff. When and where can I watch DC Crime? The series is in development for HBO Max. An official trailer and release date have not yet been confirmed by DC Studios or HBO Max.

Sources:

• Rafael Motamayor, "Superman's Jimmy Olsen Spin-Off Series Will Introduce A Major DC Comics Villain," Movieweb, November 11, 2025.
• Borys Kit, "Jimmy Olsen ‘DC Crime’ Series in the Works at HBO Max From ‘American Vandal’ Duo, First Season Focused on Gorilla Grodd," 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.
• Tom Power, "Superman spinoff shows DC Studios boss James Gunn’s Peacemaker wasn't a one-off fluke," TechRadar, November 11, 2025.
• Charles Murphy, "DC Studios Latest Streaming Project Brings the Legion of Doom One Step Closer to the DCU," DCU Updates, 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.