DC Studios is expanding the Superman universe with a thrilling new spin-off show, DC Crime, centred on Superman’s beloved supporting character, Jimmy Olsen. Following the success of the Superman movie directed by James Gunn, which introduced David Corenswet as the new Man of Steel, Warner Bros. and DC Studios are ramping up their plans for a connected TV universe. With a talented creative team, including the creators of American Vandal, DC Crime promises a unique and exciting new take on the DC universe.
Introduction to DC Crime
DC Crime will focus on Jimmy Olsen, the intrepid Daily Planet reporter often overshadowed by his more famous colleagues, Clark Kent (Superman) and Lois Lane. However, Olsen will now be the central figure, investigating cases involving super-powered villains, including Gorilla Grodd, a powerful and iconic antagonist from the Flash’s rogue gallery.
This spin-off is one of several projects building off the success of DC Studios’ 2025 Superman film. According to reports, the show’s narrative will delve into investigative crime-solving, combining traditional detective work with the superhero world’s extraordinary threats. Fans are eager to see how this unique angle plays out, offering a more grounded yet thrilling perspective of the DC universe, while keeping the focus on characters like Olsen who aren’t the typical superheroes.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Show Title | DC Crime |
| Platform | HBO Max |
| Main Character | Jimmy Olsen |
| Villain for First Season | Gorilla Grodd |
| Creative Team | Dan Perrault, Tony Yacenda (Creators) |
| Showrunners | Dan Perrault, Tony Yacenda |
| Expected Release Date | TBA (Following Superman film in 2025) |
| Supervision | James Gunn and Peter Safran (Executive Producers) |
| Cast | Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen) |
Overview of DC Crime
DC Crime will give fans an inside look at Jimmy Olsen’s life as he navigates the challenges of working at the Daily Planet while uncovering super-powered criminal cases. As a seasoned journalist, Olsen’s investigative skills are put to the test when he starts looking into high-stakes cases involving the criminal elements of the DC universe.
While much of the focus will be on Olsen’s interactions with other reporters and his efforts to bring justice, the series is also expected to explore the darker and grittier side of the DC Universe. The show will focus on how regular people like Jimmy Olsen must contend with super-villains, some of whom have immense power, and the challenges of exposing the truth in a world full of danger and deception.

The Central Villain: Gorilla Grodd
One of the most iconic and fearsome antagonists in DC Comics is Gorilla Grodd, who is slated to be featured in the first season of DC Crime. Grodd is an intelligent and dangerous villain, known for his telepathic powers and massive strength. He is often a formidable adversary for The Flash, but now, fans will see him in a more detailed and sinister light.
Grodd’s backstory, as a super-intelligent gorilla who rules over Gorilla City, will play a major role in the series. The setting of Gorilla City, a hidden city in Africa, will provide a unique backdrop for the show, blending high-stakes action with intricate storytelling. The introduction of such a complex character promises to bring a deeper level of intrigue to DC Crime, making it not just a superhero series, but a psychological crime thriller.
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Jimmy Olsen | The lead character, a journalist working at the Daily Planet, investigating super-powered villains. |
| Gorilla Grodd | The telepathic, super-intelligent villain from Gorilla City, who will be the focus of the first season. |
Creative Team Behind DC Crime
Dan Perrault and Tony Yacenda, creators of Netflix’s American Vandal, will write and executive produce DC Crime. Their previous work in blending humor and drama in a crime investigation setting makes them a perfect fit for this project. Known for their sharp storytelling and wit, Perrault and Yacenda bring a fresh perspective to the DC universe.
James Gunn and Peter Safran, who are overseeing the broader direction of the DC Universe, will serve as executive producers on the project. Their involvement ensures DC Crime will align with the overall vision for the interconnected DCU, providing a unique combination of dark crime drama with the thrill of superhero action.
What to Expect from DC Crime Season 1?
In the first season of DC Crime, viewers will see Jimmy Olsen delve deep into a criminal underworld that stretches far beyond ordinary crime. As he investigates cases involving super-powered villains, his journey will reveal the complexities of the human condition when faced with the extraordinary.
The spotlight villain for the first season is Gorilla Grodd, whose sinister plans threaten not just Metropolis, but the entire world. The investigation into Grodd’s machinations will take Olsen and his team into dangerous territory, pitting them against a mind far more powerful than anything they have ever encountered. With Grodd at the center of the plot, fans can expect high-stakes drama, intense action scenes, and deep character development.
| Key Plot Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Olsen’s Role | Investigating high-profile crimes involving super-powered villains. |
| Villain | Gorilla Grodd, a telepathic and super-intelligent ape, is a major antagonist. |
| Season Tone | Dark, gritty crime-solving mixed with DC superhero elements. |
Why DC Crime Matters?
DC Crime offers a unique and refreshing take on the superhero genre, focusing on the often-overlooked characters like Jimmy Olsen, who play vital roles in the DC Universe but rarely receive the spotlight. The show offers a new lens through which to explore Metropolis and the larger DC world.
By introducing a grounded, investigative angle alongside the action-packed world of superpowers, DC Crime will provide a fresh narrative in the broader Superman universe. Additionally, the inclusion of a complex villain like Gorilla Grodd ensures that the show will not only entertain but also challenge viewers with morally grey situations, suspense, and drama.
| Why This Show Matters | Details |
|---|---|
| New Perspective on the DCU | Focuses on Jimmy Olsen and other regular characters, expanding the Superman universe. |
| Unique Genre Mix | Combines crime drama with superhero action, providing a fresh take on the genre. |
FAQs
DC Crime centres on Jimmy Olsen, a journalist at the Daily Planet, as he investigates crimes involving super-powered villains, starting with Gorilla Grodd.
The first season will focus on Gorilla Grodd, a super-intelligent, telepathic ape from Gorilla City who poses a massive threat to the DC universe.
The show is written and executive produced by Dan Perrault and Tony Yacenda, best known for American Vandal. James Gunn and Peter Safran will also serve as executive producers.
No official release date has been confirmed yet, but the show is expected to premiere on HBO Max in the near future, following the release of Superman.
Yes, DC Crime is part of the DC Universe, and while it will focus on Jimmy Olsen and a new angle, it will align with the broader direction of the DCU.