James Gunn's revamped DC Universe is set to delve into the primate side of its lore with a new HBO Max series focusing on the formidable Gorilla Grodd. The show, titled "The People v. Gorilla Grodd," will be helmed by Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, the creative duo behind Netflix's cult hit "American Vandal."
This upcoming series is described as an in-universe documentary, with Jimmy Olsen, portrayed by Skyler Gisondo, taking the lead as the documentary's creator. The narrative will re-examine the murder trial of Gorilla Grodd, who stands accused of killing his father to seize control of Gorilla City. Armed with the backing of the Daily Planet, Olsen will investigate whether the psychic ape was framed.
Yacenda and Perrault are known for their expertise in mockumentary-style storytelling, a format that proved successful with "American Vandal." Jimmy Tatro, a star from "American Vandal," is slated to voice Gorilla Grodd in the new series. Despite the comedic potential of the premise, Gorilla Grodd is a significant threat within the DC Comics pantheon, known for his immense strength and powerful psychic abilities, often serving as the leader of the Legion of Doom.
DC's history is punctuated by a long-standing appreciation for ape characters, reportedly stemming from an editor's belief that gorillas on comic covers significantly boosted sales. This trend led to the introduction of a wide array of primate characters, a distinctive feature that some argue gives DC stories a unique edge over Marvel. However, despite this rich history and characters like Ultra-Humanite, Solovar, and Monsieur Mallah, these ape characters have largely been absent from DC's shared cinematic universes. Even Marvel has featured ape characters on screen, such as the Red Ghost's Super-Apes in "Fantastic Four: First Steps."
According to James Gunn, the Gorilla Grodd series was among the initial projects proposed to Warner Bros. following his takeover of the DCU. Its development may have been facilitated by the recent "Lanterns" miniseries and anticipation for a "Looney Tunes" film. This initiative comes at a time when other DC projects, like "Supergirl," have faced box office challenges and cancellations. Nevertheless, the DCU appears poised to leverage its unique characters, with the "The People v. Gorilla Grodd" series marking a significant step in showcasing its most formidable ape villain.