Filmmaker James Gunn said an upcoming HBO series starring Jimmy Olsen will also center on the antagonist Gorilla Grodd.
The announcement clarifies the direction of the DC Universe franchise as it expands its storytelling beyond core superhero films. By centering a series on a supporting character and a specific villain, the production aims to build a more complex narrative web within the shared universe.
Gunn addressed speculation regarding the plot, saying, "It's both a Jimmy Olsen and a Gorilla Grodd show" [1]. He said the project is a dual-focus effort involving the primate villain [3]. This approach allows the series to balance the perspective of the young photographer with the motivations of the antagonist.
To clear up further confusion, Gunn said the series will not be animated and will feature Gorilla Grodd as a major element [1]. The decision to use live-action for the character marks a significant production choice for the DCU.
Gorilla Grodd is a long-standing figure in DC Comics, having first debuted in The Flash #106 in May 1959 [2]. His inclusion in this series follows the momentum of the character Jimmy Olsen, who had a breakout performance in the Superman film released in 2025 [2].
Gunn's clarification comes as the studio seeks to define the roles of secondary characters in the broader franchise. The series will serve as a spin-off that explores the relationship between the two leads through a shared conflict.
“"It's both a Jimmy Olsen and a Gorilla Grodd show."”
This strategic shift toward dual-protagonist narratives suggests that the DCU is moving away from traditional sidekick roles. By elevating Jimmy Olsen and Gorilla Grodd to co-leads, the franchise is attempting to create high-stakes drama that does not rely solely on the presence of A-list superheroes to drive viewership.
