Skyler Gisondo's Jimmy Olsen Will Uncover 'DC Crime' in Innovative True-Crime Series

Get ready to see the DC Universe through a fresh lens! Skyler Gisondo reprises his standout role as Jimmy Olsen, stepping into the host's chair for "DC Crime," an HBO Max series that promises to blend superheroics with the gripping style of a true-crime documentary.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop

• Skyler Gisondo returns as Jimmy Olsen to host "DC Crime," a unique true-crime docuseries for HBO Max.
• The first season will put Flash's iconic nemesis, Gorilla Grodd, under Olsen's investigative spotlight.
• "American Vandal" creators Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault are steering the ship, hinting at a sharp, satirical tone.

Unpacking the Unique Blend of True Crime and Super-Villainy in the DC Universe

Imagine tuning into your favorite true-crime documentary, complete with on-the-ground reporting, dramatic reenactments, and an earnest host digging for answers. Now, picture that host as Jimmy Olsen, Daily Planet photographer and pal to a certain Man of Steel, and his subject isn't a serial killer, but a super-intelligent, telepathic ape ruling a hidden city. This isn't a wild fan theory; it's the confirmed premise of "Dc Crime," a new spin-off series heading to HBO Max.

This innovative concept features Skyler Gisondo, who made a memorable splash as Jimmy Olsen in James Gunn's recent Superman film. His portrayal was lauded for its blend of traditional comic relief with an unexpected, plot-relevant depth. As IGN's Tom Jorgensen put it, Gisondo "fulfills the traditional comic-relief duties of Superman’s pal, while also factoring into the plot in an unexpected and satisfying way as he gets in over his head with one of his sources." It seems that memorable turn was just the beginning.

"Gisondo fulfills the traditional comic-relief duties of Superman’s pal, while also factoring into the plot in an unexpected and satisfying way as he gets in over his head with one of his sources." — Tom Jorgensen, IGN (Superman review)

The Creative Minds Bringing a Satirical Edge to the DC Narrative

The architects behind this intriguing venture are Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, the acclaimed duo who brought us Netflix's "American Vandal." If you're familiar with their work, you already know why this pairing is so exciting. "American Vandal" was a mockumentary that brilliantly parodied the true-crime genre, earning a Peabody Award and an Emmy nomination for its sharp writing. Their subsequent series, "Players," applied a similar mockumentary lens to the world of eSports, proving their versatility in satirizing various documentary styles.

This pedigree strongly suggests that "DC Crime" won't be a straight-laced superhero drama. Instead, we can expect a witty, self-aware approach that uses the true-crime format to explore the outlandish realities of a world teeming with super-powered individuals. It's a clever way to differentiate the series from other DC offerings and provides a unique angle for character development, especially for Olsen and his fellow Daily Planet reporters (sans Clark and Lois, who will likely be busy with more cosmic threats).

Gorilla Grodd: The First Season's Super-Intelligent and Psychic Antagonist

For its inaugural season, "DC Crime" will dive deep into the story of Gorilla Grodd, one of DC's most iconic and formidable villains. Grodd isn't just a strong ape; he's a super-intelligent primate with advanced psychic abilities, including telepathy and telekinesis. His origin story, as detailed in the comics, involves contact with an alien spaceship that granted him and other gorillas in his hidden African city (Gorilla City) their heightened intelligence and powers. Source: [IGN, "DC Crime TV Series in Development Starring Skyler Gisondo's Jimmy Olsen, Gorilla Grodd as Villain", November 10, 2025].

Created by writer John Broome and artist Carmine Infantino, Grodd first appeared in "The Flash #106" back in May 1959. He's primarily known as an antagonist for the Scarlet Speedster, but his intelligence and cunning have seen him tangle with other major heroes like Superman and Batman over the years. He even ranked 35th on IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Villains of all time, a testament to his enduring appeal and threat level. Grodd has made numerous animated appearances across series like "Super Friends" and "Justice League Unlimited," and even had a non-speaking cameo in the DCU's "Creature Commandos." His live-action debut was in the Arrowverse's "The Flash" and "Legends of Tomorrow."

Fan Speculation and the Potential Introduction of the Flash in the DCU

The announcement of Grodd as the first villain immediately sparked a flurry of fan speculation regarding the potential introduction of the Flash into James Gunn's new DCU. Since Grodd is intrinsically linked to the Flash, many believe this series could serve as a backdoor way to establish Barry Allen's existence, perhaps through a cameo, a flashback, or simply by laying the groundwork for his eventual full appearance. This would be consistent with Gunn's approach of skipping origin stories and dropping viewers into an already established world. Source: [MovieWeb, "The Flash Might Not Be As Far Away In James Gunn's DC Universe As Fans Expected", November 10, 2025].

However, this theory isn't without its counterpoints. Some fans express concern that introducing the DCU's Flash in a spin-off series focused on Jimmy Olsen might dilute the character's eventual standalone debut. Others have humorously noted the irony: "DCEU gave us Flash with no Flash villains and the DCU is poised to give us Flash villains with no Flash." Source: [Yahoo Entertainment, "Superman's Jimmy Olsen TV Spin-Off Coming From The Creators Of A Beloved Netflix Series", November 10, 2025]. The main limitation here is James Gunn's known methodology, which tends to keep individual projects tightly focused on their titular characters. While Grodd's presence demands some acknowledgement of his history, it doesn't guarantee a full Flash appearance. It's a classic tradeoff between satisfying comic book accuracy and maintaining a clear narrative focus for the specific show.

For example, imagine a scene where Jimmy Olsen is interviewing a former henchman of Grodd, who, while describing the ape's powers, suddenly pauses, visibly shaken, and whispers about a "red blur" that once briefly disrupted Grodd's plans before vanishing. This subtle hint, without showing the Flash, would fuel fan excitement while keeping the spotlight firmly on Olsen's investigation. It balances fan expectations with the show's core premise.

How 'DC Crime' Connects to the Larger DC Universe Tapestry

Beyond the immediate implications for the Flash, "DC Crime" plays a crucial role in James Gunn and Peter Safran's grand plan to build an interconnected DC Universe. By introducing a major supervillain like Grodd, the series isn't just telling a standalone story; it's actively populating the DCU with its rogues' gallery, setting the stage for larger conflicts down the line. Grodd is a key member of the infamous Legion of Doom, a supervillain collective often led by Lex Luthor.

This strategy of gradually introducing villains suggests a long-term vision. Grodd's inclusion means he's the third original Legion of Doom member slated to appear in the DCU, joining Lex Luthor and Green Lantern villain Sinestro (who will be played by Ulrich Thomsen in the upcoming "Lanterns" series). Source: [Murphy's Multiverse, "DC Studios Latest Streaming Project Brings the Legion of Doom One Step Closer to the DCU", November 11, 2025]. This deliberate world-building implies that a major Justice League vs. Legion of Doom crossover could be a foundational event for the DCU's future, perhaps even featuring their iconic Hall of Doom.

The executive producing roles of James Gunn and Peter Safran further reinforce this interconnectedness. Their oversight ensures "DC Crime" fits seamlessly into the broader narrative, even as its satirical tone carves out its own unique niche. Warner Bros. Television is the studio producing the series, with DC Studios' Galen Vaisman overseeing production, ensuring top-tier execution.

Practical Takeaways for Eager DC Fans

• Expect a Fresh Perspective: "DC Crime" is poised to be unlike any superhero show you've seen, blending genre conventions with the "American Vandal" mockumentary style.
• Keep an Eye on Jimmy Olsen: Skyler Gisondo's Olsen is stepping up, offering a ground-level view of super-villainy, without necessarily needing the direct intervention of major heroes.
• Gorilla Grodd Takes Center Stage: Get ready for an in-depth exploration of one of DC's most fascinating and powerful foes, with all his telepathic, telekinetic glory.
• Flash's Debut Remains a Mystery: While Grodd's presence hints at the Flash, don't expect a full introduction in "DC Crime." The series will likely focus on Olsen's investigation.
• Watch for DCU Connections: This series is a crucial piece of the DCU puzzle, populating the world with villains and potentially building towards a massive Legion of Doom storyline.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 'DC Crime' Series

When will "DC Crime" be released?

An official release date for "DC Crime" has not yet been announced. We know it's currently in development, so stay tuned for updates!

Where can I watch "DC Crime"?

"DC Crime" is being developed for HBO Max, which will be its exclusive streaming home.

What kind of tone should I expect from the series?

Given the involvement of "American Vandal" creators Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, expect an informal, satirical, and likely mockumentary style, blending true-crime tropes with the DC Universe.

Will The Flash appear in "DC Crime"?

While the first season features Gorilla Grodd, a primary Flash villain, there's no official confirmation of The Flash appearing. Fans are speculating about a potential cameo or subtle hints, but the series will focus on Jimmy Olsen's investigations.

Sources

• IGN: "DC Crime TV Series in Development Starring Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen, Gorilla Grodd as Villain", November 10, 2025.
• The Hollywood Reporter: "Superman’s Jimmy Olsen TV Spin-Off Coming From The Creators Of A Beloved Netflix Series", 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.
• Deadline: "Superman Spinoff Series ‘DC Crime’ In Works At DC Studios & HBO Max With Skyler Gisondo As Jimmy Olsen & Gorilla Grodd", November 10, 2025.
• Yahoo Entertainment: "Superman's Jimmy Olsen Spin-Off Series Will Introduce A Major DC Comics Villain", November 11, 2025.
• MovieWeb: "The Flash Might Not Be As Far Away In James Gunn's DC Universe As Fans Expected", November 10, 2025.
• Murphy's Multiverse: "DC Studios Latest Streaming Project Brings the Legion of Doom One Step Closer to the DCU", November 11, 2025.