The DC Universe is at it again, because of course it is. The latest announcement from HBO Max is a new TV series, The People v. Gorilla Grodd, a spinoff of the upcoming Superman film. Because what the world really needed was a show about a superintelligent ape on trial for murder. The eight-episode series will star Jimmy Tatro as Gorilla Grodd and Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, reprising his role from James Gunn’s 2025 film.
The show’s premise is based on a “true” crime docuseries, where Jimmy Olsen reopens the case of Gorilla Grodd’s conviction for murdering his father, the King of Gorilla City. Because, you know, that’s exactly what the DC Universe was missing – a gritty, crime drama spinoff featuring a talking ape. The series will also feature other members of the Daily Planet staff, including Steve Lombard, Cat Grant, and Perry White, because why not?
The Never-Ending Quest for Content
It’s no surprise that HBO Max is greenlighting yet another DC-related project. After all, the Content Mines remain fully operational, and the demand for new shows and movies is never-ending. The fact that this series is based on a character like Gorilla Grodd, who has historically been a persistent antagonist in the DC Comics universe, is just a testament to the fact that Hollywood has once again mistaken familiarity for originality. Somewhere, a Focus Group earned another bonus for suggesting that a show about a superintelligent ape on trial would be a great idea.
The show’s announcement comes on the heels of other DC-related projects, including the latest live-action TV series Lanterns, which is currently airing on HBO Max. Not to mention the upcoming Booster Gold TV show, which has been in development for what feels like an eternity. And let’s not forget the Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow, which is due in theaters on July 9, 2027. It’s clear that DC Studios is committed to churning out as much content as possible, because that’s what the algorithm has decided audiences want.
The Merchandising Opportunities Are Endless
One can only imagine the merchandising opportunities that will arise from a show like The People v. Gorilla Grodd. The Merchandising Department is probably salivating at the prospect of selling Gorilla Grodd action figures, t-shirts, and other assorted paraphernalia. And why not? It’s not like the show’s premise is already ridiculous enough without the added bonus of being able to buy a plush toy of a superintelligent ape in a prison jumpsuit. Somewhere, an executive whispered, “Can this become a trilogy?” and the room fell silent as everyone considered the possibilities.
As the entertainment industry continues to churn out more and more content, it’s hard not to feel like we’re stuck in some kind of never-ending cycle of nostalgia and reboots. The Franchise Resurrection Department is one of Hollywood’s busiest offices, and it’s clear that they’re not going to stop anytime soon. So, get ready for more shows like The People v. Gorilla Grodd, because in the immortal words of the great philosopher, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it – just reboot it and sell some merchandise.” And so, the cycle continues, ad infinitum.
Finn McFrame, celebrated satirical mastermind and self-proclaimed “Emperor of Irony,” started his illustrious career as a cinematographer, where his expertise in capturing every single frame of a squirrel stealing a baguette earned him accolades at obscure film festivals.
Born in the glamorous town of Boring, Oregon, Finn grew up with dreams of being a Hollywood director until he realized that satire, not cinema, was his true calling—or at least the one that let him sleep until noon.
Finn McFrame: changing the world, one satirical lens flare at a time.
