Jimmy Olsen, the ever-optimistic photojournalist from the Superman universe, is stepping into the spotlight with his very own series, and fans of both superhero lore and sharp-witted satire are buzzing with anticipation. On November 11, 2025, a flurry of reports from outlets like Variety, Deadline, and The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that DC Studios and HBO Max are developing a new show titled DC Crime, with Skyler Gisondo reprising his breakout role as Jimmy Olsen from this year’s Superman film. The project isn’t just another superhero spin-off—it’s a bold, tongue-in-cheek mockumentary that promises to shake up the DC Universe (DCU) and expand its storytelling horizons in unexpected ways.
At the creative helm are Dan Perrault and Tony Yacenda, the Emmy-nominated duo behind Netflix’s acclaimed series American Vandal. Their knack for blending true-crime parody with genuine heart brought them both critical and audience acclaim, earning a Peabody Award and an Emmy nomination. Now, they’re bringing that same irreverent, investigative flair to Metropolis, with Perrault and Yacenda set to write, executive produce, and showrun the series. James Gunn and Peter Safran, the architects of the current DCU, are also on board as executive producers, lending further weight—and a dash of their signature creative freedom—to the project.
So, what’s the premise? DC Crime is envisioned as a fictional true crime docuseries, ‘hosted’ by Jimmy Olsen in-universe. The first season will center around none other than Gorilla Grodd, a super-intelligent, telepathic gorilla and longtime arch-nemesis of The Flash. Grodd’s origin story is the stuff of comic book legend: after being exposed to radiation from a crashed alien spaceship, he gained not only superhuman strength and speed but also formidable telepathic and telekinetic powers. Created in 1959 by John Broome and Carmine Infantino, Grodd has been a staple of DC’s villain roster ever since—and his live-action debut in the DCU is sure to bring both spectacle and intrigue.
The choice to focus on Grodd is more than just a nod to comic book fans. As TechRadar points out, while Grodd did appear briefly as a background character in Creature Commandos, DC Crime will mark his first major, live-action outing in the DCU. The move has sparked speculation that the series could pave the way for the introduction of The Flash himself, given Grodd’s deep ties to the Scarlet Speedster. Fans on social media are already theorizing about potential cameos or flashback appearances, with one enthusiast suggesting, “Imagine this is where we get our first look at the other heroes in the DCU (ie: A red streak with lightning for The Flash etc.).” Still, not everyone is sold on the idea, with another user quipping, “It would be the stupidest idea ever to introduce the DCU Flash in a Jimmy Olsen show lmao.” The debate underscores just how invested audiences are in the evolving shape of the DCU.
But DC Crime isn’t just about supervillains and superhero cameos. The series will also shine a light on the Daily Planet’s newsroom, giving expanded roles to characters like Perry White (Wendell Pierce), Cat Grant (Mikaela Hoover), Steve Lombard (Beck Bennett), Ron Troupe (Christopher McDonald), and possibly Eve Teschmacher (Sara Sampaio). While Clark Kent and Lois Lane may not be front and center, their presence will likely loom large, and the show’s investigative journalism angle offers a fresh perspective on the DCU’s world-building. As Deadline notes, the series could even lay the groundwork for future supervillains and storylines, deepening the tapestry of interconnected films and shows that DC Studios is striving to create.
Perrault and Yacenda’s involvement signals a distinct tonal shift for the DCU’s television offerings. Their previous work on American Vandal took the conventions of true-crime documentaries and turned them on their head, blending absurdity with earnestness in a way that resonated with viewers and critics alike. With DC Crime, fans can expect a similarly satirical edge, one that’s likely to poke fun at both superhero tropes and the very nature of investigative reporting. Variety even speculates that the show could take cues from workplace comedies like The Office or Abbott Elementary, offering a unique blend of humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure.
This creative freedom is no accident. James Gunn and Peter Safran have made it clear that their vision for the DCU is all about empowering storytellers and embracing distinctive voices. In a 2023 presentation, Gunn emphasized, “One of the things that’s very important for me in all of these movies and TV series is that the director’s vision and the vision of the writers—all of the creators—is unique and something special. Storytelling is always king, that’s all that matters to us.” This philosophy has already begun to bear fruit, with a diverse slate of projects in development and a renewed focus on character-driven narratives.
The timing of DC Crime couldn’t be more strategic. With Supergirl slated for release in June 2026 and Man of Tomorrow following in July 2027, DC Studios is aggressively building out its shared universe across film, television, and even video games. The goal? To create a multimedia juggernaut that can stand toe-to-toe with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has seen its own ups and downs since the heyday of Avengers: Endgame. Gunn and Safran’s approach, however, is to avoid a “cookie cutter house style” and instead champion creative autonomy—a move that’s already winning over both industry insiders and die-hard fans.
Despite the excitement, there are still some mysteries surrounding DC Crime. As of November 11, 2025, no official release date has been announced, and both HBO Max and DC Studios have remained tight-lipped, with the show’s existence confirmed only through trade reports and cryptic social media posts from the creators. James Gunn has hinted at the project in interviews, calling it “my favorite thing in all of this [DCU Chapter One],” but he’s stopped short of making a formal announcement. Budget considerations and scheduling remain key hurdles, but given the buzz, it seems only a matter of time before more details emerge.
For Skyler Gisondo, the role of Jimmy Olsen marks a significant career milestone. Having won fans over with his earnest, slightly offbeat portrayal in Superman, he’s now poised to anchor a series that could redefine how audiences see one of DC’s most enduring sidekicks. And with Perrault and Yacenda’s comedic instincts guiding the way, DC Crime may well prove to be the unexpected hit of the DCU’s next chapter.
With its blend of investigative journalism, supervillain intrigue, and satirical wit, DC Crime is shaping up to be a game-changer for superhero television. As the DCU continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Jimmy Olsen’s time in the limelight has only just begun.
