Superman‘s Jimmy Olsen and Gorilla Grodd are getting a new spin-off show. But it will be far darker than many expected. James Gunn and Peter Safran explained how the new series will explore the darker side of the DCU through an unusual documentary format.
Gunn and Safran, DC Studios’ Co-Chairmen & Co-CEOs, praised The People v. Gorilla Grodd‘s origins. “Between Skyler [Gisondo]’s wonderful performance and the fantastic chemistry of the Daily Planet cast, we knew coming out of ‘Superman’ that this would be a fun world to explore,” they said in a statement.
They also noted that they are excited to “take the audience down some of the darker and funnier streets and alleyways of the DCU,” as Jimmy Olsen turns his focus toward Metropolis’ criminal justice system through a Daily Planet documentary.
Jimmy Olsen’s documentary will uncover the darker side of Metropolis
The show’s documentary format will give Jimmy a different role within the DCU. Rather than focusing on traditional superhero action, his work centers on uncovering the darker side of Metropolis by investigating the city’s criminal justice system.
The eight-part series will revisit the city’s most infamous murder trial involving Gorilla Grodd. The super-intelligent gorilla has long claimed his innocence in the murder and brain consumption of his father, King Grodd. The upcoming show will examine the investigation through new reporting, along with interviews with witnesses and experts from both sides.
That approach allows the series to blend comedy, crime, and superhero storytelling. Instead of relying heavily on superheroes, the story leans into presenting the perspective of the people in the city.
The show comes from the creators of American Vandal, Yacenda and Perrault, and they described The People v. Gorilla Grodd as something distinct from a standard DCU entry. “We’re excited by the challenge of creating a series that feels less like an entry into the DCU and more like an artifact from it,” they said.
With Jimmy investigating a notorious murder case involving Grodd, the series may look a lot darker than Superman fans anticipated.
The People v. Gorilla Grodd does not have a release date yet.
