DC Studios Developing Fictional True-Crime Series Featuring Jimmy Olsen and Gorilla Grodd

DC Studios is reportedly expanding its television universe with a unique project: DC Crime, a fictional true-crime docuseries hosted by Jimmy Olsen, the Daily Planet photographer and friend of Superman. The first season is expected to delve into the history and alleged crimes of Gorilla Grodd, the telepathic super-intelligent gorilla typically associated with The Flash.

The Series Concept: DCU Through a True-Crime Lens

The series, intended for HBO Max, will reportedly take a meta approach, presenting the established DC Universe through the popular true-crime genre. Skyler Gisondo, who has played Jimmy Olsen in previous DC projects, is expected to reprise his role as the host. The show's premise offers a new perspective on familiar characters and storylines, exploring the motivations and consequences of supervillainy within the DCU.

Behind the Scenes: Gunn's "Favorite Thing"

The series is being spearheaded by Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault (American Vandal) as writers, executive producers, and showrunners. James Gunn and Peter Safran, co-CEOs of DC Studios, are also attached as executive producers. The project is reportedly being overseen by Galen Vaisman for DC Studios and produced by Warner Bros. Television. Neither HBO Max nor DC Studios have officially commented on the reports.

Gunn has previously hinted at a secret television project that he considers his "favorite thing" in the new DCU. In an interview with EW in June 2025, while promoting the upcoming Superman film starring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, Gunn mentioned a show that he pitched to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, explaining that he kept details vague to avoid potential "rip off[s] by another company."

Gorilla Grodd: From Comic Book Villain to Docuseries Subject

Gorilla Grodd first appeared in The Flash #106 (May 1959), created by writer John Broome and artist Carmine Infantino. He is known for his exceptional intelligence, telepathic abilities, and ruthless ambition to rule Gorilla City and, eventually, the world. Grodd has been a recurring antagonist in various DC Comics storylines, animated series, and live-action adaptations, including The Flash television series on The CW.

Expert Analysis

"The choice of Gorilla Grodd as the subject for the first season is intriguing," says Dr. Anya Sharma, a pop culture and media studies professor at State University. "Grodd's complex backstory and motivations provide ample material for a compelling true-crime narrative. The show has potential to subvert expectations by exploring the psychological and sociological factors that contribute to his villainous behavior."

The Future of the DCU on Television

This project signals a shift in DC's television strategy, moving towards more diverse and genre-bending content. The success of DC Crime could pave the way for similar series focusing on other iconic DC villains and heroes, further expanding the interconnectedness of the DCU across film and television. The choice of Jimmy Olsen as host also adds a layer of self-awareness, potentially allowing the series to comment on the nature of superhero storytelling and its impact on the world within the DCU.

Industry Perspective

According to industry analyst Mark Jenkins, "This true-crime format is a smart move for DC. It allows them to tap into a popular genre while offering a fresh take on their existing intellectual property. The involvement of James Gunn further adds to the project's credibility, given his track record of successfully blending humor and action in superhero narratives."

While details remain scarce, the potential of DC Crime to offer a unique and engaging perspective on the DC Universe is generating considerable buzz among fans and industry observers alike. The series is expected to begin streaming on HBO Max sometime in 2026, pending official confirmation and production updates.