(Photo Courtesy: DC)
The new DCU spin-off will show how Superman’s world can support stories far beyond traditional superhero adventures. American Vandal creators Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault are bringing that approach to The People v. Gorilla Grodd.
The eight-episode, half-hour comedy follows Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen as he investigates a major Metropolis case. Jimmy Tatro plays Gorilla Grodd, a superintelligent ape accused of murdering his father, the King of Gorilla City.
The series also features returning Superman cast members Beck Bennett, Mikaela Hoover, and Wendell Pierce. Mary Holland, Eduardo Franco, Arian Moayed, Dan Perrault, Andrew Leeds, and Tim Baltz also join the cast.
What makes Superman different?
The series takes a true-crime mockumentary approach to the DCU. Instead of following a conventional superhero format, it presents Jimmy’s investigation as a Daily Planet documentary.
Yacenda and Perrault explained this unusual perspective in their statement. They said, “We’re excited by the challenge of creating a series that feels less like an entry into the DCU and more like an artifact from it. A Daily Planet original documentary made for the people of Metropolis. We hope it’ll appeal to fans of the comics, comedy and true crime. And while we can’t speak for audiences here yet, we already know it’s a huge hit in Metropolis. They love this series.”
The fresh format gives the spin-off its own identity within Superman’s world. Instead of another superhero-focused adventure, it will explore Metropolis through reporting, satire, and a murder investigation.
James Gunn and Peter Safran will executive produce the series. Gunn has described the project as DC Studios’ first foray into the true-crime genre.
Tony Yacenda will direct all eight episodes. He and Dan Perrault will also serve as showrunners, writers, and executive producers.
HBO Max has not announced a premiere date for the series. More details about the show will be revealed in near future.
