Netflix Star Set to Play Iconic DC Villain in New 'Superman' Spin-Off

Following the box-office hit Superman in 2025, a number of spin-off projects were rumored to be in development. A planned series centered on Mister Terrific was recently confirmed in development by The Sandman showrunner Allan Heinberg. The other series was set to center on Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen. Described as a true-crime-style series that will focus on the photographer and Daily Planet staff profiling a variety of supervillains, with the first season centered on The Flash villain Gorilla Grodd.

Deadline reports that Jimmy Tatro is circling the role of Gorilla Grodd in the untitled Jimmy Olsen series. The news comes before the Jimmy Olsen series, which James Gunn has confirmed is not titled “DC Crime,” has been given the green light. Warner Bros. and DC Studios have declined to comment on the casting news.

Gorilla Grodd was created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino and debuted in The Flash #106 in May 1959. Grodd is a villainous gorilla who gained superpowers, including enhanced intelligence, telepathy, and telekinesis, after being exposed to a radioactive meteorite. Grodd is commonly a villain of The Flash and has been a member of villainous teams like the Legion of Doom and the Injustice League. Grodd was a major recurring foe in the Arrowverse series, where he was voiced by David Sobolov.

Rumors emerged that DC Studios was looking for a comedic actor to play Gorilla Grodd in June 2026. Tatro certainly fits the bill, having appeared in comedies like 22 Jump Street, Theater Camp, and, more recently, Mike and Nick and Nick and Alice. Tatro has also appeared on a number of television series, including a recurring guest role on Modern Family and a lead role in the series Home Economics. Tatro’s most notable series is American Vandal, which was created by Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault. With Yacenda and Perrault writing, executive producing, and showrunning the Jimmy Olsen show, it is shaping up to be an American Vandal reunion.

Since the upcoming Jimmy Olsen series does not have an official green light, it is unknown if or when it is expected to air. If the series moves forward, production is expected to begin shortly, likely after Man of Tomorrow finishes filming. This could put it on track for a late-summer 2027 debut, similar to Peacemaker Season 2 in 2025 and Lanterns in 2026. That would also align with the two-year time frame James Gunn mentioned for reintroducing The Flash and Aquaman to the DCU. If Gorilla Grodd is the focus in Jimmy Olsen’s series, it is reasonable to assume The Flash will be connected in some way.