The Daily Planet Gets Its Due: Inside the Upcoming Jimmy Olsen Spinoff Series

Get ready, DC fans! The DCU is launching a new series focused on Superman's standout photographer, Jimmy Olsen, and it's bringing a beloved mockumentary duo along for the ride.

TL;DR: Quick Bites on the Jimmy Olsen Spinoff

• Skyler Gisondo is reprising his role as Jimmy Olsen from 2025's Superman in a new HBO Max series.
• Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, the acclaimed creators of Netflix's American Vandal, are onboard as showrunners, promising a unique true-crime docuseries style.
• The first season is confirmed to feature the iconic Flash villain, Gorilla Grodd, sparking exciting fan discussions about when the Scarlet Speedster might appear in the DCU.

A Surprising Yet Strategic Move for the Expanding DC Universe

When you think of the first characters to get a DC Universe spinoff after James Gunn's highly anticipated Superman film, who comes to mind? Superman himself, perhaps Lex Luthor, or even Lois Lane? Well, if you guessed Clark Kent's pal, ace photographer Jimmy Olsen, then you're officially a super-fan with a crystal ball! The DCU is indeed expanding its cinematic universe into television, and its next major step is a show centered around Skyler Gisondo’s breakout portrayal of Jimmy Olsen.

This news, initially reported across multiple outlets in early November 2025, confirmed that the series, widely referred to as "DC Crime," was in the works. However, in a later clarification on November 15, 2025, James Gunn himself stated there has never been a show titled "DC Crime" in development, though he did confirm a Jimmy Olsen series is on its way. Source: [ComicBookMovie.com, "James Gunn Says There’s Never Been A Show Titled DC Crime In Development; Confirms Jimmy Olsen Series," November 15, 2025]. Regardless of its official name, this project is designed to expand the world we’ll see in the upcoming Superman movie, making it a crucial piece of the larger DCU puzzle.

Bringing the Daily Planet to the Forefront of the DCU

One of the most exciting, yet somewhat underutilized, elements of the 2025 Superman film was its stellar cast for The Daily Planet. Beyond David Corenswet's Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane, and Gisondo's Jimmy Olsen, the film also features Wendell Pierce as the no-nonsense editor-in-chief Perry White, Mikaela Hoover as Cat Grant, and Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard. While these characters showed solid chemistry and comedic potential in their brief screen time, much of the news organization was reportedly sidelined in Superman, with many cast members having only a few lines.

The Jimmy Olsen series offers a golden opportunity to fully develop these dynamic characters. It's a chance to transform The Daily Planet from a backdrop into a vibrant, bustling workplace, giving fans a deeper dive into the lives of Metropolis's intrepid journalists. Imagine Perry White's exasperated reactions, Cat Grant's insightful gossip, and Steve Lombard's comedic bravado getting the spotlight they deserve. This spinoff can truly deliver on the ensemble's potential, showcasing their unique personalities and how they operate within a world of metahumans and super-villains.

Could Clark Kent’s Journalistic Side Finally Get Its Moment to Shine?

The limited screen time for The Daily Planet team in the Superman film also meant that David Corenswet’s Clark Kent didn't get much opportunity to showcase his life as a journalist. While we’ll see his portrayal of Clark through his interactions with Lois and his parents, the busy narrative of Superman likely left little room for his day job. This new series could change that.

James Gunn isn't shy about weaving his characters across DCU projects, as seen with Lex Luthor's cameo in Peacemaker season 2. It makes perfect sense for Clark to have a smaller, recurring role in the Jimmy Olsen series, given his close friendship with Jimmy and his integral position at The Daily Planet. This would provide Corenswet with more chances to explore Clark's civilian identity, highlighting how he balances his heroic duties with his career and further fleshing out his life before the rumored 2027 sequel, Man of Tomorrow.

The Mockumentary Masters Behind the Lens: Yacenda and Perrault

The biggest clue to the potential tone and style of the Jimmy Olsen series comes from its showrunners: Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault. This dynamic duo famously created Netflix’s award-winning mockumentary sensation, American Vandal. That series was a masterful satire of the true-crime genre, using the familiar tropes of podcasts like Serial and docuseries like Making a Murderer to investigate hilariously mundane, yet surprisingly compelling, high school mysteries.

For example, instead of a dramatic chase after a serial killer, American Vandal plunged viewers into an earnest, detailed investigation into "who drew the dicks" on faculty cars. It was absurd, but also incredibly insightful about modern media and the human condition. Yacenda and Perrault bring a unique blend of humor, genuine investigative spirit, and often poignant character work to their projects. Source: [Cracked, "The Jimmy Olsen 'Superman' Spin-Off Could Be Great If It's Like 'American Vandal'," November 12, 2025]. Their involvement signals that the Jimmy Olsen series won't just be a standard superhero procedural, but a fresh, genre-bending take on the DC Universe.

"American Vandal wasn’t just some depthless spoof, both seasons served up genuinely compelling narratives that clearly had a lot to say about the state of modern media, both traditional and social. It was insightful, and surprisingly, even poignant at times."

— Cracked on the impact of Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault's prior work

Gorilla Grodd Takes Center Stage in Season One's Investigation

Ready for a truly wild case? The first season of the Jimmy Olsen series is set to focus on none other than Gorilla Grodd. This super-intelligent, psychic ape is best known as a recurring adversary of The Flash, first appearing in comics back in 1959. Grodd was even teased in the DCU's animated series Creature Commandos, confirming his place in this new universe. Source: [ScreenRant, "Superman's Spinoff Show Is Expanding The Film's Most Underutilized Element," undated].

His inclusion is fascinating because it introduces a major Flash villain before the Scarlet Speedster himself has officially debuted in the DCU. It implies that Jimmy and The Daily Planet team will be delving into crimes of a truly super-powered nature, even if the primary hero associated with the villain isn't present. This allows for a deeper exploration of how these larger-than-life threats impact the civilian world, providing a unique journalistic perspective.

Addressing Potential Trade-offs: Low Stakes, High Impact

Some might wonder if a Jimmy Olsen-led series, especially one with a mockumentary style, can truly fit into a sprawling superhero universe. Wouldn't the stakes be too low? This is a fair concern, especially when the main hero of the franchise is battling cosmic threats. However, this is precisely where the Yacenda and Perrault touch shines.

Their work on American Vandal proved that audiences are more than willing to invest in ground-level stories that, while not life-or-death on a global scale, are hugely compelling nonetheless. The Jimmy Olsen series won't necessarily need Superman to pop up in every episode. Instead, it can showcase the "case-of-the-week" style that allows Jimmy and his team to investigate various corners of the DCU—from sci-fi oddities to supernatural occurrences, perhaps even backed by supporting cast members like Cat Grant. This approach expands the DCU by shining a spotlight on lesser-known characters and lore that might not sustain their own blockbuster films, making the universe feel richer and more diverse. Source: [Bam Smack Pow, "New Jimmy Olsen spinoff show can be a great spotlight for more of the DC Universe," November 15, 2025].

Another point of discussion among fans is the possibility of The Flash making his DCU debut in this series due to Grodd's presence. While some enthusiasts on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have expressed excitement about a potential "red streak with lightning" cameo, others are wary, noting that introducing such a pivotal hero in a spinoff might diminish his eventual proper introduction. The series could opt for subtle teases or references rather than a full-blown appearance, preserving Flash's big moment while still acknowledging his connection to Grodd.

Practical Takeaways for DCU Fans

• Expect a Fresh Perspective: Don't anticipate a traditional superhero narrative. The American Vandal creators are likely to deliver a witty, investigative, and possibly satirical take on the DC Universe from a street-level journalistic view.
• The Daily Planet Takes Center Stage: This series is your chance to see characters like Perry White, Cat Grant, and Steve Lombard truly shine and contribute to the DCU's storytelling in a meaningful way.
• Gorilla Grodd is Coming: Prepare for a formidable and intelligent adversary in Season 1, bringing one of the Flash's most iconic villains into live-action with a new spin.
• Potential for Surprise Cameos: While unconfirmed, keep an eye out for potential appearances from David Corenswet's Clark Kent or subtle nods to other DCU heroes and villains, further weaving the universe together.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About the Jimmy Olsen Series

When is the Jimmy Olsen series expected to be released? While an official release date hasn't been announced, industry reports suggest a premiere in late 2026 or early 2027 on HBO Max. Production began around mid-November 2025. Source: [Cancelled Sci Fi, "Sci Fi TV Production Report: Work Begins on DC Crime and Alien: Earth Season 2," November 13, 2025]. Where can I watch the Jimmy Olsen series? The series will be available to stream exclusively on HBO Max. What is the show's official title? Initially, the series was widely reported as "DC Crime." However, James Gunn has clarified that while a Jimmy Olsen series is in development, there has never been a show specifically titled "DC Crime." Fans should anticipate an official title reveal closer to the release. Who is Gorilla Grodd? Gorilla Grodd is a super-intelligent, telepathic ape and a classic adversary of The Flash in DC Comics. He rules a hidden African city called Gorilla City and gained his psychic powers after an encounter with an alien spaceship.

Sources:

• ScreenRant, "Superman's Spinoff Show Is Expanding The Film's Most Underutilized Element"
• The Hollywood Reporter, "Jimmy Olsen ‘DC Crime’ Series in the Works at HBO Max From ‘American Vandal’ Duo," November 10, 2025
• Deadline, "Superman Spinoff Series ‘DC Crime’ With Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen In Works At HBO Max With ‘American Vandal’ Duo Producing," 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
• Cracked, "The Jimmy Olsen 'Superman' Spin-Off Could Be Great If It's Like 'American Vandal'," November 12, 2025
• ComicBook.com, "Will The Flash Appear In DC Studios' Upcoming DC Crime Series Led By Skyler Gisondo's Jimmy Olsen?," November 11, 2025
• ComicBook.com, "James Gunn Says There’s Never Been A Show Titled DC Crime In Development; Confirms Jimmy Olsen Series," November 15, 2025
• Bam Smack Pow, "New Jimmy Olsen spinoff show can be a great spotlight for more of the DC Universe," November 15, 2025
• Cancelled Sci Fi, "Sci Fi TV Production Report: Work Begins on DC Crime and Alien: Earth Season 2," November 13, 2025