DC Studios is diving headfirst into the mockumentary genre with its first live-action comedy series, and it's putting Superman's best pal front and center. The People v. Gorilla Grodd has been officially announced for HBO Max, bringing an eight-episode dose of absurdist humor to the DC Universe.
The series comes from the twisted minds behind American Vandal, Dan Perrault and Tony Yacenda, who will serve as creators and executive producers alongside DC Studios' James Gunn and Peter Safran. It marks a bold new direction for the studio, which has already found success with offbeat projects like other scrapped series and the animated Creature Commandos.
The Trial of the Century
Set in the aftermath of last summer's Superman film, the series follows Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo) as he investigates the so-called "trial of the century." Gorilla Grodd (Jimmy Tatro), a super-genius ape with psychic abilities, stands accused of murdering his father, the ruler of Gorilla City. The twist? Grodd allegedly ate his father's brain after killing him.
Olsen, a cub reporter at the Daily Planet, uses his investigative skills to determine whether Grodd is truly guilty or the victim of a frame-up. The series will be shot in a mockumentary style, similar to American Vandal, blending true-crime satire with DC's signature superhero flair.
Returning Faces and New Additions
Several of Jimmy's Daily Planet colleagues will reprise their roles from the film, including Steve Lombard (Beck Bennett), Cat Grant (Mikaela Hoover), and Perry White (Wendell Pierce). New cast members include Mary Holland (Ghosts), Eduardo Franco (Stranger Things), Arian Moayed (Ms. Marvel), Andrew Leeds (Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist), Tim Baltz (The Righteous Gemstones), and co-creator Perrault in as-yet-undisclosed roles.
While the series is still in development, it's already generating buzz as one of the most unique entries in the DC canon. With its blend of courtroom drama, superhero satire, and the comedic timing of its cast, The People v. Gorilla Grodd promises to be a wild ride.
No release date has been announced yet, but fans can expect more updates as production progresses. For now, this is shaping up to be a must-watch for anyone who loves their superheroes with a side of absurdity.
