Jimmy Olsen SUPERMAN Spin-Off Series Reportedly Set to Introduce a Major DC Villain
The DCU is expanding, and one of its most unlikely heroes might be leading the charge in his own series. According to new reports, a Jimmy Olsen spin-off series is in development, and it could bring a classic DC villain into live-action for the first time in the new cinematic universe.
We already know that James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios and director of Superman, has confirmed multiple projects are currently in development beyond the initial Gods and Monsters slate. In fact, Gunn revealed that some titles were left out of the big announcement, and now we may know what a couple of them are.
A recent report from The Wall Street Journal claims that two Superman spin-offs are “being considered,” focusing on Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi) and Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo). The Jimmy Olsen project, however, sounds like it could be interesting..
According to industry insider Jeff Sneider’s newsletter, the series is being envisioned as a crime anthology following Olsen as he investigates some of the DC Universe’s most notorious supervillains. And it’s reported:
“One of these villains will be none other than Gorilla Grodd.”
The telepathic, hyper-intelligent gorilla who has long been one of DC Comics’ most formidable villains might finally make his live-action debut in the DCU. While Creature Commandos featured an animated version of Grodd, this would mark his first official appearance in Gunn’s interconnected live-action universe.
Nexus Point News also chimed in, adding that Grodd is expected to show up in the very first episode if the series moves forward.
While Gorilla Grodd is traditionally considered a Flash villain, he has crossed paths with Superman in the comics. His inclusion could hint at something bigger with the introduction of other metahuman characters from DC lore, potentially setting the stage for future crossovers and storylines.
There’s no official confirmation yet, and the project is still in the early stages, but the idea of a noir-inspired anthology starring Jimmy Olsen diving deep into the world of DC’s rogues gallery? That’s a concept fans might be able to get behind.