The Superman universe is expanding once again, with HBO and DC Studios developing a new spinoff series titled ‘DC Crime’, a quirky meta-take on true-crime storytelling within the DC world. The project will see Skyler Gisondo (The Righteous Gemstones, Santa Clarita Diet) reprise his role as Jimmy Olsen, the wide-eyed Daily Planet photographer introduced in James Gunn’s Superman film.
Described as a true-crime docuseries set inside the DC Universe, the show is reportedly framed as a documentary hosted by Olsen himself, investigating infamous villains and unusual crimes from across the superhero world. The first season will focus on the psychic super-ape Gorilla Grodd, a long-standing nemesis of The Flash, known for his telepathic powers and genius-level intellect. Grodd was first introduced in 1959 and has appeared across animation, comics, and live-action series, most notably in The CW’s The Flash.
The series comes from Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, the creators of Netflix’s American Vandal, the cult mockumentary that turned teen vandalism into gripping satire. The pair will write, executive produce and serve as showrunners, bringing the same deadpan, investigative tone that made Vandal such a hit with both critics and internet sleuths. James Gunn and Peter Safran, who currently oversee the wider DC Universe, will executive produce alongside Yacenda and Perrault, with Galen Vaisman overseeing production for DC Studios. Warner Bros. Television is set to produce.
Yacenda has previously worked on Chad Powers for Hulu and Dave for FX, while Perrault recently appeared in Shondaland’s Netflix mystery The Residence. Given their flair for blending sharp comedy with mockumentary realism, ‘DC Crime’ looks set to be one of the more unconventional projects to emerge from Gunn and Safran’s new “Gods and Monsters” DC slate.
‘DC Crime’ is currently classed as in development, so may, or may not, make it to series. We’ll let you know when we hear more!
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