When the DC Universe announced a spinoff centered on Jimmy Olsen investigating a superintelligent gorilla's murder conviction, fans raised an eyebrow. But Skyler Gisondo, who plays the Daily Planet photographer, promises the project is shaping up to be something truly original. In an exclusive chat with Collider, Gisondo opened up about the upcoming HBO Max series The People v. Gorilla Grodd, describing it as a genre-bending true-crime mockumentary that will surprise audiences.
The eight-episode series comes from American Vandal creators Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, known for their sharp satirical take on documentary storytelling. Set within the DCU, the show presents itself as an in-universe documentary produced by the Daily Planet, with Jimmy reopening the case of Gorilla Grodd, a villain who claims he was wrongly convicted of murdering his father, the King of Gorilla City. Gisondo, who also stars in The Righteous Gemstones, couldn't hide his enthusiasm: "This show, especially, is so fun because I've never seen anything like it — the idea of a mockumentary set in a superhero world."
The actor praised Yacenda and Perrault as "masters" of the format, citing his admiration for American Vandal. He hinted that the series will offer "a very unique angle on all of this stuff, and very unexpected in some way." The production is leaning heavily into the documentary aesthetic, with courthouse scenes shot through CCTV cameras to enhance the verité feel. "It always feels very alive," Gisondo said, comparing the experience to working with director Lance Oppenheim. "We're filming courthouse sequences where it's just the CCTV cams, so it feels like a play."
This isn't just a solo Jimmy Olsen adventure. Several familiar faces from Superman are returning, including Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard, Mikaela Hoover as Cat Grant, and Wendell Pierce as Perry White. Jimmy Tatro, who previously worked with Yacenda and Perrault on American Vandal, will voice Gorilla Grodd. The ensemble also includes Mary Holland, Eduardo Franco, Arian Moayed, Andrew Leeds, and Tim Baltz, promising a rich mix of comedic and dramatic talent.
The true-crime format sets The People v. Gorilla Grodd apart from typical superhero fare. Instead of high-octane action, viewers can expect a satirical look at the justice system within a world of capes and superpowers. Gisondo's excitement is palpable, and his comments suggest the show will be a refreshing departure from the usual DCU formula. As he put it, "We're only a little ways into it, so hopefully it turns out alright."
While no release date has been announced, the series is confirmed for HBO Max. Fans of the DCU and lovers of clever satire will want to keep an eye on this one. For more on the project, check out our exclusive look at another bloody apocalypse, or dive into the latest on Black Mirror's new season. And if you're curious about other unexpected crossovers, we've got news on a Task crossover that might surprise you.
Stay tuned for more updates on The People v. Gorilla Grodd as production continues. With Gisondo's passion and the creative team behind it, this could be the most talked-about superhero spinoff of the year.
