DC Studios Greenlights ‘Jimmy Olsen’ Spin-Off: A True Crime Twist That’s Shaking the DCU

Introduction: A Shockwave in the DC Universe

In a move that nobody saw coming, DC Studios has officially announced a new television spin-off centered on Jimmy Olsen, Superman’s loyal sidekick and photojournalist friend. The series, tentatively titled “DC Crime”, will reimagine the character in a true-crime docuseries format, exploring the darker corners of the DC Universe with a surprising investigative twist.

The announcement, shared by @HollywoodHandle on X (formerly Twitter), went viral almost instantly — gathering over 236,000 views and thousands of interactions within hours.

The Tweet That Sparked the Buzz

“A ‘JIMMY OLSEN’ TV series is officially in the works at DC Studios.”
(Via: The Hollywood Reporter)

Accompanied by a still of actor Skyler Gisondo from James Gunn’s upcoming Superman (2025) film, the post created instant chaos among fans. Gisondo, shown reading a newspaper inside a nostalgic 1980s-style newsroom, perfectly captures the grounded tone Gunn promised for his new DC Universe.

A ‘JIMMY OLSEN’ TV series is officially in the works at DC Studios.

(Via: https://t.co/gDE1cEX8AJ) pic.twitter.com/c5j16CKZev

— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) November 10, 2025

Inside ‘DC Crime’: A Superhero Meets True Crime Storytelling

According to insiders, DC Crime is being developed for HBO Max by Dan Perrault and Tony Yacenda, creators of Netflix’s cult hit American Vandal.

The show will follow Jimmy Olsen (Gisondo) as a quirky yet determined journalist hosting a mock “true crime” documentary within the DC Universe. Each season will focus on an infamous villain, starting with Gorilla Grodd, the telepathic primate known for his mind-control crimes and clashes with The Flash.

Expect a mix of mockumentary humor, investigative drama, and deep DC lore — a fresh experiment blending superhero mythos with the true-crime obsession that dominates streaming culture.

James Gunn and Peter Safran are overseeing the project, ensuring it aligns with the DCU’s connected storyline that begins with Superman (2025).

Fan Reactions: From “Genius Move” to “Who Asked?”

The internet’s reaction was explosive.

Supporters hailed it as a creative masterstroke. One fan posted, “Finally! DC doing something fresh instead of recycling the same heroes.” Another wrote, “Jimmy Olsen about to become DC’s new Peacemaker!”

However, critics weren’t as kind. One viral comment asked, “A Jimmy Olsen series? Who asked for this?” while another accused Gunn of focusing on “side characters no one cares about.”

Despite the divide, the buzz itself proves DC has struck a cultural chord — whether out of curiosity or controversy.

Why This Spin-Off Matters for the DCU

Jimmy Olsen has been part of the Superman mythos since 1938, usually portrayed as comic relief or the curious reporter getting into bizarre situations. But DC Crime might finally push him into the spotlight as a compelling lead.

The decision also reflects James Gunn’s broader strategy: expanding the DC Universe through secondary characters who offer emotional depth and creative storytelling freedom — similar to how Peacemaker became a surprise hit for HBO Max.

This project may redefine how the DCU handles its extended roster, shifting from big-budget spectacle to intimate character-driven storytelling.

Release Window & Production Updates

Though the release date isn’t confirmed, DC Crime is in early development and expected to premiere sometime in 2026 or 2027, likely after Superman’s theatrical release.

The spin-off will be part of Gunn’s “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters” slate, which also includes projects like The Authority and Lanterns.

FAQs

Q1. Who will play Jimmy Olsen in the new series?

Actor Skyler Gisondo will reprise his role as Jimmy Olsen, continuing from the upcoming Superman (2025) film.

Q2. What’s the concept of DC Crime?

It’s a true-crime mockumentary set within the DC Universe, where Olsen investigates villains like Gorilla Grodd through interviews and documentary-style storytelling.

Q3. Is James Gunn directly involved?

Yes. Gunn and Peter Safran are executive producers, ensuring it aligns with the DCU’s larger interconnected narrative.

Q4. Where will it stream?

The series will release exclusively on HBO Max (soon to be rebranded as Max in several regions).

Q5. When is it expected to release?

While no official date exists, industry reports suggest a 2026–2027 release window.

Conclusion: A New Era for DC Storytelling

In a cinematic landscape where superhero fatigue is real, DC Crime represents a bold experiment — merging journalism, humor, and mythology. Whether audiences embrace or reject the concept, the conversation itself signals a shift.

By elevating Jimmy Olsen, a once-secondary character, DC Studios might be rewriting the rules of franchise storytelling. This isn’t just about expanding a universe — it’s about redefining perspective.

If Gunn and his team pull it off, DC Crime could turn Superman’s sidekick into the unlikeliest hero of the streaming age — proving that sometimes, the man behind the camera has the sharpest lens on truth.

Neutral Opinion (Deep & Thoughtful)

The idea of transforming a supporting comic relief into a central investigative voice raises an intriguing question about modern pop culture: Are audiences craving new heroes, or simply new ways to see the old ones?

In a media-saturated age where truth itself often feels cinematic, a show like DC Crime could mirror our collective obsession with perception, identity, and justice. Whether it succeeds or not, its ambition alone marks a turning point — not just for DC, but for how storytelling evolves when courage meets creativity.