entertainment•Sun, August 30, 2026•4 min read

The People v. Gorilla Grodd: DC Studios' Bold Move Into True-Crime Comedy

DC Studios is venturing into the true-crime mockumentary genre with 'The People v. Gorilla Grodd,' a new HBO Max series starring Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen. The eight-part series promises a fresh, investigative look at the trial of one of DC's most iconic villains.

A New Kind of DCU Series

DC Studios is officially pivoting from standard superhero fare to the true-crime genre. 'The People v. Gorilla Grodd' has been confirmed for HBO Max, positioning itself as a mockumentary centered on the mysterious murder trial of Gorilla City's former monarch. This eight-part series marks a significant departure from typical DC projects, blending the high-stakes world of Metropolis with the investigative humor of a true-crime podcast.

The Story Behind the Trial

The series follows Daily Planet photographer Jimmy Olsen, played by Skyler Gisondo, as he attempts to uncover whether the superintelligent, psychic ape Gorilla Grodd (Jimmy Tatro) was wrongly convicted of murdering his father, the King of Gorilla City. Olsen has reportedly been granted exclusive, unprecedented access to interview Grodd inside Stryker's Island Penitentiary, setting the stage for a deep dive into one of Metropolis’ most infamous cases.

The Daily Planet's Jimmy Olsen heads to Stryker's Island in this new DCU mockumentary.

A Star-Studded Daily Planet Newsroom

Beyond the central investigation, the show leans heavily on familiar faces from the Daily Planet. The series features:

Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen
Jimmy Tatro as Gorilla Grodd
Wendell Pierce as Perry White
Mikaela Hoover as Cat Grant
Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard

The creative team behind the project includes writers and showrunners Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, known for their work on 'American Vandal.' Their expertise in the mockumentary format suggests that 'The People v. Gorilla Grodd' will carry the same satirical, investigative tone that made their previous work a hit.

The People v. Gorilla Grodd will take a fresh, 360-degree look at the case, revealing the 'lesser-seen side' of the hyper-intelligent ape.
— Production Press Release

Expanding the DC Studios Slate

This project, originally pitched alongside the drama series 'Lanterns,' highlights the current development strategy under James Gunn and Peter Safran. By exploring genres like true-crime comedy, DC Studios is diversifying its content beyond the traditional superhero format, aiming to provide varied viewing experiences on HBO Max.

Key Takeaways

The People v. Gorilla Grodd is an eight-part true-crime mockumentary coming to HBO Max.
The series stars Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, who investigates the murder conviction of Gorilla Grodd.
The show is created by the team behind 'American Vandal,' ensuring a unique comedic approach.
Key Daily Planet staff including Perry White, Cat Grant, and Steve Lombard are confirmed to appear.
The series is part of a broader DC Studios effort to experiment with non-traditional superhero genres.

FAQ

What is the plot of The People v. Gorilla Grodd?

It is a mockumentary where Jimmy Olsen investigates whether Gorilla Grodd was wrongly convicted of murdering the King of Gorilla City.

Who is directing the series?

Tony Yacenda is set to direct all eight episodes of the series.

Is this a comedy?

Yes, it is being produced as a true-crime mockumentary, utilizing the style of shows like 'American Vandal'.

Who plays Gorilla Grodd?

Jimmy Tatro has been cast as the hyper-intelligent, psychic ape.