Everything We Know So Far About the Upcoming Jimmy Olsen DCU Series
James Gunn’s expanding DC Universe continues to surprise, and one of the most unexpected—yet most talked-about—projects on the slate is the upcoming Jimmy Olsen series. Longtime Superman fans know Jimmy as the eager Daily Planet photographer, the everyman caught in extraordinary circumstances. But under Gunn’s new DCU, Jimmy is stepping into the spotlight like never before. With confirmed details from Gunn himself, solid reporting from major outlets, and a wave of speculation across the fandom, here’s a full breakdown of what we know so far.
First and most importantly, the series itself is real. James Gunn directly confirmed that a Jimmy Olsen–led spin-off is in active development under DC Studios. This clarification came after rumors spread about a mysterious project called DC Crime. Gunn shut that down quickly, stating that no project by that name has ever existed—not even as a working title—but he also noted that this doesn’t invalidate the rest of the reporting. In short, the title was wrong, but the project is authentic.
Skyler Gisondo, who audiences first met as Jimmy in Gunn’s Superman, is set to reprise the role in the spin-off. Trusted outlets such as Entertainment Weekly and GamesRadar confirmed his involvement, and Gunn’s own comments reinforce those reports. This makes Gisondo one of the earliest actors to headline a solo project within the brand-new DCU.
The series is being developed for Max and is part of DC Studios’ “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.” While Gunn hasn’t unveiled story details himself, major trades have outlined the core concept: a documentary-style, true-crime investigative series centered on Jimmy and the Daily Planet staff. The show is being helmed by Dan Perrault and Tony Yacenda, the creative minds behind Netflix’s award-winning American Vandal and Paramount+’s Players. Their background in mockumentary, dark comedy, and investigative storytelling makes them a perfect fit for the tone described.
Reports consistently describe the series as following Jimmy as he investigates metahuman, super-villain, and possibly even cosmic-level cases across the DC Universe. Think true-crime, but inside a world where telepaths, aliens, and mad scientists are just part of everyday life. This format allows the DCU to expand organically and creatively without requiring appearances from major heroes in every episode.
One of the biggest reported reveals is the villain of the show’s first season: Gorilla Grodd. Entertainment Weekly and several other outlets have stated that the highly intelligent, telepathic Flash villain will be the central figure of Season 1. That may seem like a surprising match for Jimmy Olsen at first glance, but Gunn himself hinted earlier this year that he had “other plans” for Grodd in the DCU outside of Superman. The investigative, docu-crime approach offers an unusual but exciting way to explore Grodd’s motivations and history.
Other Daily Planet characters are expected to appear, although no one has been officially announced beyond Jimmy. There are rumors that staffers featured in the movie—such as Cat Grant (Mikaela Hoover), Steve Lombard (Beck Bennett), and hopefully Ron Troupe (Christopher McDonald) and Perry White (Wendell Pierce)—could appear in the series. It’s likely the show will further develop the newsroom environment introduced in Superman, giving fans more time with the Planet staff and grounding the DCU in its human side. While Clark Kent (David Corenswet) and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) are not expected to have major roles due to their commitments to upcoming films like 2027’s Man of Tomorrow, cameos have not been ruled out.
As with any early-stage DC Studios project, rumors have already begun circulating. Some fan discussions suggest the series may develop into an anthology, with each season focusing on a different villain. Others speculate about potential episode structures involving talking-head interviews, recovered footage, and Jimmy acting as an in-universe investigative host. While intriguing, none of these details have been verified, and Gunn has not commented on them.
Even the title remains a mystery. With DC Crime debunked, fans have suggested everything from Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen to The Daily Planet Files, but no official title has been announced. What is clear is that Gunn is fully behind the project, and early reporting suggests he views it as a meaningful connective thread within the DCU.
Though no release window or production timeline has been confirmed, the Jimmy Olsen series is shaping up to be one of the most refreshing and creative entries in the new DC Universe. A grounded, investigative, comedic yet world-building project built around one of DC’s most beloved supporting characters gives the DCU the chance to expand sideways rather than upward, exploring corners of the universe typically seen only in tie-in comics.
As the DCU’s Chapter One unfolds, Jimmy Olsen’s show may become one of its most distinctive and surprising foundations—a series that blends humor, mystery, and superhuman intrigue while giving center stage to the ultimate underdog hero.
